A Lexington man, Christopher Rhodes, 41, has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for sending a threatening email to Jackie Steele, the Commonwealth Attorney for Laurel and Knox Counties. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom.
Court documents state that on May 22, 2025, Rhodes used his Google account to send an email intended as a threat to Steele. In the message, Rhodes referenced the need for curtains at Steele’s residence and made comments about Steele’s wife and children, suggesting that he should fear for their safety. This email was part of a series sent over several weeks expressing anger toward Steele related to his role as Commonwealth Attorney.
Federal law requires Rhodes to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for release. After serving his prison term, he will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman. The sentencing was announced jointly by Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Louisville Field Office.
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