United States of America v. Christopher Rhodes

London, Kentucky, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with interstate communication of a threat.

On May 22, 2025, Christopher Rhodes, 41, of Lexington, Kentucky, used his Google account to send an email to Jackie Steele, who is the Commonwealth Attorney for Laurel and Knox Counties. Rhodes intended the email as a threat and specifically indicated that Steele needed curtains in his residence and made references to his wife and children and that he should fear for the safety of his family. This message was sent as part of a series of emails that spanned multiple weeks that expressed Rhodes’ anger with Steele based on Steele’s service as Commonwealth Attorney.

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.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman.

The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced for 42 months in prison.
Under federal law, Rhodes must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.