A man from St. Peters, Missouri, has been sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping his pregnant girlfriend at gunpoint and attempting to force her into an abortion. Kevin L. Smith, 42, received a sentence of 188 months in prison and will serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration. The sentencing took place on October 1.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft commented on the case: “It is not easy to shock law enforcement officials because we have pretty much seen it all—but then someone like Kevin Smith comes along. It is difficult to find words adequate to describe someone who would kidnap his pregnant girlfriend to force her to have an abortion at gunpoint and then continue to threaten her from jail,” said Weinhoeft. “This vile crime terrorized the victim and threatened the life of her unborn child. Smith deserves every minute of that prison sentence.”
Court documents reveal that on December 7, 2022, Smith abducted his girlfriend from her workplace in St. Charles, Missouri, and drove her across state lines to Planned Parenthood in Fairview Heights, Illinois. During the drive, he used a loaded firearm to threaten the victim’s life.
Steve Johnson, Chief of the Fairview Heights Police Department, stated: “This case represents a disturbing act of violence and abuse,” said Johnson. “Kevin Smith kidnapped his girlfriend at gunpoint and drove her across state lines against her will in an attempt to make her obtain an abortion. His actions were those of a dangerous and manipulative individual. Our investigators worked tirelessly to bring the facts forward, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office ensured Smith was held accountable in federal court. This sentencing sends a clear message that acts of violence will not be tolerated in our community.”
Smith received a longer sentence due to continued harassment and threats made toward the victim while he was incarcerated.
The investigation was led by the Fairview Heights Police Department with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi.
