Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening Commonwealth's Attorney

41-year-old Lexington resident Christopher Rhodes received 42 months for interstate communication of a threat.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A central Kentucky man has been sentenced to 42 months (3.5 years) in federal prison after pleading guilty to threatening the life of a commonwealth's attorney. According to prosecutors, Christopher Rhodes used his Google account to send an email to Laurel and Knox county's Commonwealth's Attorney Jackie Steele, indicating that Steele should fear for the safety of his family.

Why it matters

Threats against public officials are taken extremely seriously by federal authorities, as they can undermine the rule of law and public trust in government. This case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for making such threats, which can have a chilling effect on the ability of prosecutors to carry out their duties.

The details

Under the terms of his plea deal, Rhodes admitted to sending a series of emails to Commonwealth's Attorney Jackie Steele over multiple weeks, expressing anger at Steele's service and threatening the safety of Steele's family. The emails included references to Steele needing curtains in his residence and indicated that Steele should fear for his family's wellbeing.

  • On May 22, 2025, Rhodes sent the threatening email to Steele.
  • In February 2026, Rhodes was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison.

The players

Christopher Rhodes

A 41-year-old resident of Lexington, Kentucky who was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for threatening the life of a commonwealth's attorney.

Jackie Steele

The commonwealth's attorney for Laurel and Knox counties in Kentucky, who received the threatening emails from Rhodes.

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What’s next

Upon his release from prison, Rhodes will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder that making threats against public officials, even through electronic means, can result in severe federal penalties. It underscores the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment for government officials to carry out their duties without fear of retaliation.