Kentucky Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Interstate Stalking Charge

HUNTINGTON, WV—Mark A. Smith, 38, of Newport, Kentucky, pleaded guilty on Friday before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to interstate stalking. On August 13, 2006, Smith traveled in interstate commerce from Ohio to Huntington, West Virginia with the intent to injure, harass, or intimidate his former wife. As a result of such travel, Smith placed his ex-wife in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury.

An investigation revealed that prior to traveling to Huntington, Smith placed a telephone call to his ex-wife in an attempt to locate her and the couple's child, both of whom were at her mother's Huntington residence at the time. A short time later, Smith arrived at the Huntington residence and pounded on the front door of the home in an attempt to gain entry. After refusing to leave the residence, Smith continued to pound on the front door, began breaking windows, and eventually got back into his vehicle and admitted to ramming his ex-wife's mother's vehicle that was located near the home's garage. Responding police officers arrived at the scene,and Smith then fled on foot. Smith was eventually apprehended by the West Virginia State Police and taken into custody.

Smith faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on June 6, 2011.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wayne County Sheriff's Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Cabell County Sheriff's Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston is handling the prosecution.