Las Vegas Woman, Latonia Smith, Found Guilty of Cyberstalking After Disturbing Online Activity

A Las Vegas woman with a biochemistry degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Latonia Smith, has been found guilty of cyberstalking, following a trial that revealed a pattern of deeply concerning online searches and communications.

Smith was accused of sending threatening emails to two judges, Judges Dorsey and Boulware, and her probation officer. What made these communications particularly alarming was the discovery of her extensive online activity. Evidence presented at trial showed she had searched for phrases like "judges die," "how to become a bomb maker," "how to be a mass shooter," "buying a gun," and "ar 15 for sale."

Even more disturbing, she watched a compilation of videos from the horrific October 1st mass shooting 13 times in just three weeks. During the same period, she repeatedly looked up the names of her targets, some of their children, and even their home addresses.

After deliberating for less than a day, the jury found Smith guilty on three counts of cyberstalking related to the emails sent to the judges and her probation officer. She was acquitted on two other cyberstalking charges.

Smith will remain in custody while awaiting her sentencing date, which has not yet been set.

The trial was held in the federal courthouse in Las Vegas. Senior District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman, from the District of Oregon, presided over the case after being specially appointed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Interestingly, this case saw a change in prosecution. Initially handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada, the Department of Justice recused the entire office in March 2024 and reassigned the case. It was ultimately prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Haden and Francisco Nagel from the Southern District of California, who were named Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys for this case in Las Vegas.

This case serves as a stark reminder of how online behavior can have serious real-world consequences, especially when it crosses into threats and harassment.