Christopher Rhodes, Threatening a Federal Official, Kentucky 2025
A Lexington man has been sentenced to prison time for threatening a Commonwealth Attorney. Christopher Rhodes, 41, used his Google account to send an email to Jackie Steele, the Commonwealth Attorney for Laurel and Knox Counties, on May 22, 2025.
The email was part of a series of threatening messages that spanned multiple weeks, with Rhodes expressing his anger towards Steele based on Steele's service as Commonwealth Attorney. The messages included personal references to Steele's family, including his wife and children.
Rhodes' email was intended as a threat, and he specifically stated that Steele should fear for the safety of his family. This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our society.
The U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom sentenced Rhodes to 42 months in prison for interstate communication of a threat. Under federal law, Rhodes must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.
After completing his prison sentence, Rhodes will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. This supervision will ensure that Rhodes understands the severity of his actions and will not engage in similar behavior in the future.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman. Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentencing.
Rhodes' actions demonstrate the importance of respecting those in positions of authority, and the consequences of engaging in threatening behavior. We hope that this sentencing will serve as a warning to others who may consider similar actions.
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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