Elmer Smith, a 39-year-old Memphis resident, was sentenced on April 9 to more than 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal kidnapping charges stemming from a domestic violence incident.
The case highlights the serious consequences of crossing state lines to commit violent crimes and underscores law enforcement's commitment to prosecuting such offenses.
According to court documents, Smith left Memphis on February 15, searching for a woman with whom he had an intimate relationship. He located her at her workplace in Southaven, Mississippi, physically assaulted her, and forced her into his vehicle before taking her back to Memphis against her will. The victim was later found by the Memphis Police Department, who arrested Smith shortly thereafter.
Senior U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Smith to 170 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. After sentencing, Smith was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
U.S. Attorney Scott F. Leary said: “In 2024, an individual felt entitled to travel from Memphis to the Northern District of Mississippi, kidnap a lady and return her to Memphis. Such conduct is unconscionable and will not be tolerated in our district. Hopefully, criminals understand if you travel to Mississippi to commit a crime, you will be caught, prosecuted and jailed. A special thanks goes to the Southaven Police Department, the FBI and to the Memphis Police Department. You have the public’s back, and it is much appreciated.”
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jackson Field Office Robert Eikhoff said: “Today’s sentence sends a clear message: the violent and reprehensible acts committed by Elmer Smith will not be tolerated. There is no excuse for the abuse or the profound trauma inflicted on the victim. The FBI remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement and community partners to ensure individuals who threaten public safety are held fully accountable for their actions. We commend the Southaven Police Department and the Memphis Police Department for their professionalism and collaboration throughout this investigation.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Levy and Robert Mims prosecuted this case.
