Fort Smith doctor charged with rape, possession of child sexual abuse materials
Editor’s Note: This story contains graphic content.
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Fort Smith doctor has been arrested on multiple charges including rape, according to a news release.
Ladaryl M. Lankford, 46, was arrested by the Fort Smith Police Department on April 29 on charges of rape, sexual assault in the second degree, possession or use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), introduction of a controlled substance into the body of another and video voyeurism. Charges were officially filed against Lankford on Tuesday.
FSPD said the investigation began on March 30 after an alleged victim reported the offenses to the department.
The department said the alleged offenses occurred between January 1, 2016, and March 30, 2025.
A heavily redacted probable cause affidavit says that on March 30, the alleged victim told police that while they were sleeping, Lankford touched them, waking them up.
The affidavit said FSPD launched its investigation the same day after speaking with the victim.
The victim said Lankford had reportedly put up hidden cameras in their bedroom and bathroom and recorded them for years. The recordings showed them showering and changing clothes, according to the affidavit.
While reviewing files, investigators learned that some videos dated back to 2016. The video was shown to the alleged victim, who confirmed it was them changing in the bedroom.
Investigators found in the videos that Lankford had stood over the alleged victim sexually assaulting and raping them after they were "asleep/drugged", according to the affidavit.
Lankford allegedly exchanged pills in the victim's pill bottles with others that looked identical. Triazolam was reportedly found at Lankford's home, which is a controlled substance used to induce sleep.
A release from FSPD said multiple victims have been identified during its monthlong investigation, including a juvenile known to Lankford.
"We would like to thank the Sebastian County Prosecutor's Office and United States Marshals Service for their assistance on this case," FSPD said.
Lankford is being held in the Sebastian County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond and is set to appear in court on April 30.
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