FORT SMITH – Rodney Dewayne Sheffield, 40, of Barling, has entered a guilty plea to threatening a federal official and receiving child pornography. The gravity of his actions was underscored in the United States District Court in Fort Smith, where Judge Mark E. Ford presided over the hearing.
Sheffield’s descent into lawlessness began following a call to 911. He had allegedly planned to shoot people at a local shopping establishment in Fort Smith. This prompted the Fort Smith Police Department to dispatch officers who later stopped Sheffield on Rogers Avenue, finding a rifle and ammunition.
The investigation revealed Sheffield’s animosity stemmed from his pending Social Security disability claim. He threatened to shoot a Social Security Administrative Law Judge, aiming to “teach the Government a lesson.” His aggressive behavior culminated in a 911 call after a witness spoke with him.
Officers secured a search warrant for Sheffield’s phone, where they discovered images and videos of child pornography, including minors as young as five years old. Sheffield’s sentencing is pending, but he faces up to ten years for the threat charge and a minimum of five years, up to twenty for receiving child porn.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Marshall will handle the prosecution, with David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas announcing the charges. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration, and Fort Smith Police Department are collaborating on the case.
Sheffield’s actions have garnered national attention, highlighting the dangers posed by those who threaten federal officials and engage in child pornography. His fate now rests with the federal district court judge, who will determine his sentence after considering all relevant factors.
Related Federal Cases
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- Columbia Man Accused of Child Porn Receipt · Illinois
- Loper Gets 27 Years for Sickening Child Porn · Arkansas
- Winslow Sex Offender Charles Ray Smith Sentenced to Over 17 Years for Child Porn · Mississippi
Key Facts
- State: Arkansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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