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’90 Day Fiancé’ Star Jay Smith Breaks Silence After Release From ICE Custody

Reality TV

Aug 1, 2019 7:52 pm·

By Samantha Benitz

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He’s speaking out. 90 Day Fiancé star Jay Smith (full name: Conroy St. Christopher Smith) released a lengthy statement via Instagram on Thursday, August 1, shortly after he was released from ICE custody. The TLC alum revealed how elated he was to be a free man, while also discussing how it’s been an “eye opening” experience for him. In his heartfelt message, Jay made sure to thank all of those who supported him during this tough time. Scroll through the gallery for more details.

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Ashley Martson 90 Day Fiance Star Jay Smith Breaks Silence After ICE Custody

Taking Responsibility

To get you up to speed, Jay, 21, previously turned himself into authorities on July 3 after finding out that he had a warrant out for his arrest.

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PFA Violation

On July 2, the Upper Allen Police investigated a report of a PFA (Protection From Abuse) violation following a social media post made by Jay about his ex, Ashley Smith (née Martson). It’s unclear which post was in violation.

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ICE Custody

Afterwards, Jay was detained in York County Prison in Pennsylvania, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and facing deportation.

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Penalty Issued

The Jamaica native later appeared before a judge for a hearing on July 17 and he was found guilty of violating the PFA.

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Details Revealed

Kayla O’Brien, who had been running Jay’s Instagram, confirmed that he was “sentenced one day and a $100 fine for the violation over the Instagram post.”

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90 Day Fiance Star Jay Smith Breaks Silence After ICE Custody

Staying Strong

Jay’s friend explained that his time was already served, as he had been in custody for two weeks at that point.

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Free Man

In a surprising turn of events, the TLC alum was later released from the ICE detention center at York County Prison in York, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, July 31.

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Posting Bail

Jay’s boss, the owner of Ego Ink tattoo shop in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, confirmed the news by posting a photo to his Instagram Story showing a check for $4,500 — which he used to pay the reality star’s bail.

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Releasing a Statement

On August 1, Jay finally broke his silence about the ordeal in a statement shared via social media. “This past month had been very eye opening for me, I’ve lost and I’ve gain but most of all I’ve learnt A LOT,” he began.

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New Perspective

“This situation had made me realized all who are with me and all who are against me and I’ve been given a second chance and I will make the best of it to my ability,” the reality star continued.

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90 Day Fiance Star Jay Smith Breaks Silence After ICE Custody Ashley Martson

Showing Love

“I’ll start by expressing my deep appreciation for all the help and support I’ve gotten from my FAMILIES, LOVE ONE, ATTORNEYS, BOSS/COWORKERS, FRIENDS and to all my FOLLOWERS and PERSONS that PRAYED for me and also donated to my GOFUNDME.”

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Finally Released

Jay also mentioned how incredibly grateful he was for the support. “Without your help I would not have been a free man today,” the 90DF alum noted.

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Trusting the Process

“One last thanks to the people who walked in my life and made it better and thanks to the ones that walked out and made it AMAZING,” Jay concluded.

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Reaction to the News

After Jay’s release was announced, Ashley revealed her thoughts on the matter in an exclusive statement shared with In Touch. “I just hope he learned his lesson and respects any future woman he chooses to be with,” she said.

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Looking Ahead

“His deportation hearing hasn’t been announced but will be shortly,” Ashley revealed. “For now he is out on bail on $4,500 which his boss paid. He just needs to keep his distance and him and I will be fine.”