Legal proceedings highlighting the implications of cyberstalking against judges.
Latonia Smith, a 31-year-old from Las Vegas, has been convicted of cyberstalking two district court judges and a probation officer. A federal jury found her guilty on three counts, highlighting her alarming behavior that escalated after previous legal issues. Smith’s threats included detailed information about the judges’ personal lives. This case underscores the dangers posed by digital threats against public officials and raises concerns about safety within the judicial system as she awaits sentencing.
Las Vegas – Latonia Smith, a 31-year-old resident of Las Vegas, has been found guilty of cyberstalking two district court judges and a probation officer linked to her previous legal issues. A federal jury delivered the verdict, convicting her on three counts of cyberstalking, as announced by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Smith’s conviction follows a previous ruling in April 2021, where she was sentenced to 36 months in prison after being found guilty of five counts of mailing threatening communications regarding her mother’s prior employer. Following her release, Smith’s behavior escalated, leading to her indictment on new charges of cyberstalking while on supervised release from her earlier conviction.
The judges targeted by Smith included U.S. District Judge Richard Franklin Boulware and U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey, alongside her probation officer, Shawn Mummey. Judge Boulware presided over Smith’s earlier trial in 2021. Since her release on bail in June 2022, Smith began researching detailed information about Judge Boulware and his family, including his wife, Las Vegas City Councilwoman Nancy Brune.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed alarming research conducted by Smith. Search histories included violent phrases and queries such as “judges should die,” “how to become a bomb maker,” “how to be a mass shooter,” and “AR-15 for sale.” This digital footprint suggested a serious level of premeditated intent.
On June 23, 2022, Smith escalated her threats by sending an email to her probation officer that contained menacing warnings and links to videos, notably referencing the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. In later communications, she explicitly threatened a mass casualty event, ominously declaring, “LET THE SHOW BEGIN. NEVADA IS GOING TO LOVE THIS!!!!!” The content of her messages included detailed information about the judges’ personal lives, indicating an unsettling level of surveillance that raised serious concerns among the victims.
The targeted judges and probation officer expressed a profound sense of fear and emotional distress due to Smith’s actions, prompting some to take additional protective measures for their safety. This case underscores the serious implications of threats against members of the judiciary and the vital need to protect the rule of law.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized that threats against judicial officials are classified as criminal acts and represent broader attacks on the foundation of legal systems. Following her conviction, Smith is currently in federal custody and is awaiting sentencing. She faces a potential maximum of five years in prison for each count of cyberstalking.
The actions and consequences seen in this case highlight the ongoing issue of cyberstalking, particularly toward public officials. Legal experts warn of the growing prevalence of digital threats and the necessity for stringent measures and interventions to maintain safety and integrity within the judicial system.
This alarming case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing issues related to safety in the legal community and the severe repercussions for unlawful threats made against individuals in positions of authority.
News Summary The Memphis men's basketball team secured a thrilling 80-74 victory against UNLV at…
News Summary Las Vegas prepares for a landmark celebration of UNLVino, its iconic wine tasting…
News Summary The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) celebrates the achievements of freshman Ilia…
News Summary A new research project, 'Hiding in Plain Sight,' led by UNLV faculty, aims…
News Summary The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has officially launched a new bachelor's degree…
News Summary Governor Joe Lombardo's veto of Senate Bill 156 has sparked backlash among students…