(Bridgeport, CT) – Joseph T. Corradino, Bridgeport Judicial District State’s Attorney, today announced that the Honorable Robin Pavia on December 3, 2024 sentenced Shaylyn Smith, age 33, of Bridgeport, to 45 years in prison, suspended after 34 years to serve, followed by 30 years of probation; and Zabian Bailey, age 41, of Bridgeport, to 40 years in prison, followed by 30 years of special parole.
A Superior Court jury in Bridgeport on July 31, 2024 found Smith guilty of Accessory to Sexual Assault in the First Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-8(a) and § 53a-70(a)(2), Accessory to Risk of Injury to a Minor, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-8(a) and § 53-21(a)(2), and three counts of Risk of Injury to a Minor, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53-21(a)(1).The jury also found Bailey guilty of two counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-70(a)(2), one count of Attempted Sexual Assault in the First Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-49 and § 53a-70(a)(2), one count of Attempted Risk of Injury to a Minor, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-49 and § 53-21(a)(2), seven counts of Risk of Injury to a Minor, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53-21, and one count of Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-73a(a)(1)(A).
These convictions arise out of sexual assaults on a child from December 27, 2017 through January 9, 2020. The state charged the defendants with multiple counts related to the abuse of a child between the ages of five and seven. The child first disclosed these events when she was eight.
Judge Pavia addressed Bailey at sentencing, noting his continued course of conduct in this case as concerning, and that his lengthy and substantial criminal history suggests an inability to follow through. Judge Pavia also addressed Smith during sentencing, indicating that the allegations were such that Smith was the one who “put into motion the sexual assault.”
Judge Pavia addressed the victim saying, “It took a lot of strength to testify,” and noted her growth since 2020 saying, “It is incredible to see the distinctions before and after . . . you can’t change the past, but you can change the future. Keep doing what you’re doing.”
State’s Attorney Corradino said he is grateful to the Bridgeport Police Department for their investigative work in this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorney Candace Solis, with assistance from Inspector Edward Zack.
“This office, as shown by the efforts of Assistant State's Attorney Solis and others, will continue to prosecute and hold accountable those who commit horrific acts against the most vulnerable members of our society, especially our children,” State’s Attorney Corradino said.