Memphis Resident Sentenced for Federal Kidnapping

Oxford, MS – Elmer Smith, 39, of Memphis, Tennessee, pled guilty and was sentenced today to over 14 years in prison for kidnapping a victim as a result of domestic violence.

According to court documents, on February 15, 2024, he left Memphis, TN searching for the victim, with whom he was involved in an intimate relationship, and found her at her employment in Southaven, MS. At that time, he physically assaulted the victim, abducting her by force into his vehicle and taking her to Memphis, TN without her consent. A short time later, Memphis Police Department located the victim and arrested Elmer Smith.

Senior U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Smith today to 170 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Smith was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing.

“In 2024, an individual felt entitled to travel from Memphis to the Northern District of Mississippi, kidnap a lady and return her to Memphis,” U.S. Attorney Scott F. Leary emphasizes, “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.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Levy and Robert Mims.