Man kidnapped girlfriend to force her to have an abortion in Fairview Heights
A Missouri man has been sentenced to 15 1/2 years in federal prison for kidnapping his pregnant girlfriend at gunpoint in an attempt to force her to get an abortion in Fairview Heights, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Monday.
Kevin L. Smith, 42, of St. Peters, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping, according to a news release.
“Smith kidnapped his pregnant girlfriend from her job in St. Charles, Missouri, and drove her to Planned Parenthood in Fairview Heights to force her to obtain an abortion on Dec. 7, 2022,” the news release states. “During the car ride, he used a loaded firearm to intimidate and threaten to kill the victim by shooting her in the head.”
The woman did not obtain an abortion and eventually gave birth, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. District Judge Stephen P. McGlynn on Oct. 1 sentenced Smith to serve 188 months — or 15 ½ years — according to court records. McGlynn also ordered Smith to forfeit the Glock handgun used in the kidnapping.
The news release states “Smith faced higher sentencing penalties, because he repeatedly harassed the victim and continued to threaten her from jail.”
Smith had pleaded guilty in June 2024. Prosecutors originally agreed to recommend a sentence of 108 months, or nine years in prison.
Court records show Smith intends to appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit seeking a “review of his conviction and the judgment and sentence.”
An attorney who represented Smith during the sentencing hearing could not be reached for comment Monday. The defense has stated in a motion that Smith is requesting a judge appoint an attorney for him during the appeal.
Fairview Heights police officers responded at about 8 a.m. on Dec. 7, 2022, to the Planned Parenthood site at 317 Salem Place after receiving a call about a possible abduction at gunpoint.
They saw a man in the driver’s seat and woman in the passenger seat, according to a news release from police at the time.
“When officers approached the car, the male began to pull forward, throwing a handgun, out of the driver’s side window, and into a grassy area,” the release states. “The vehicle came to a stop on the parking lot, which allowed the officers to take the male into custody.”
The man was later identified as Smith.
“This case represents a disturbing act of violence and abuse,” Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson said in the U.S. Attorney’s news release. “Kevin Smith kidnapped his girlfriend at gunpoint and drove her across state lines against her will in an attempt to make her obtain an abortion. His actions were those of a dangerous and manipulative individual. Our investigators worked tirelessly to bring the facts forward, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office ensured Smith was held accountable in federal court.”
“It is not easy to shock law enforcement officials because we have pretty much seen it all — but then someone like Kevin Smith comes along,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft in a statement. “This vile crime terrorized the victim and threatened the life of her unborn child. Smith deserves every minute of that prison sentence.”