Elmer Smith, a 39-year-old Memphis resident, was sentenced on April 9 to more than 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping a woman with whom he had an intimate relationship. The sentencing took place in Oxford, Mississippi.
The case highlights the seriousness of federal charges involving domestic violence and cross-state abductions. Authorities said Smith’s actions involved physical assault and forcibly taking the victim from her workplace in Southaven, Mississippi, back to Memphis without her consent.
According to court documents, Smith left Memphis on February 15, 2024, searching for the victim. He located her at her job in Southaven where he assaulted and abducted her by force into his vehicle. Shortly after the incident, officers from the Memphis Police Department found the victim and arrested Smith.
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 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.” Leary also thanked law enforcement agencies involved: “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 abuse or profound trauma inflicted on victims… We commend Southaven Police Department and Memphis Police Department for their professionalism and collaboration throughout this investigation.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Levy and Robert Mims prosecuted this case.
