Fort Smith Police Department arrests former local physician on several counts related to sexual activities

FORT SMITH, AR – A local physician, Ladaryl M. Lankford, 46, was arrested by the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) on April 28, 2025, facing severe charges related to sexual offenses spanning nearly a decade.

The arrest follows a month-long investigation triggered by a victim’s report on March 30, 2025, uncovering a disturbing pattern of alleged crimes involving multiple victims, including a juvenile known to the suspect.

Lankford, a resident of Free Ferry Landing in Fort Smith, is charged with rape (incapable of consent, physically helpless), introduction of a controlled substance into another person’s body, second-degree sexual assault (physically helpless), video voyeurism in a private place, and computer child pornography (compiling).

 The offenses are alleged to have occurred between January 1, 2016, and March 30, 2025, according to FSPD.

Authorities report that the investigation began after a victim disclosed being assaulted by Lankford while incapacitated, possibly due to being drugged. A redacted probable cause affidavit reveals that police discovered hidden cameras, hard drives, SD cards, and computers at Lankford’s residence, containing thousands of videos.

Some footage allegedly shows Lankford sexually assaulting victims who appeared “asleep/drugged,” with metadata indicating recordings dating back to at least 2016. Investigators also found triazolam, a controlled substance used to induce sleep, at Lankford’s home, along with evidence suggesting he swapped victims’ medications with identical-looking pills to incapacitate them.

The FSPD identified multiple victims during the investigation, including a minor known to Lankford. The department commended the courage of the victim who came forward, emphasizing the importance of reporting sexual violence.

“We thank the Sebastian County Prosecutor’s Office and the United States Marshals Service for their assistance in this case,” FSPD stated in a press release.

Lankford, a 2005 graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine, was previously affiliated with Baptist Health Fort Smith and Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, specializing in internal medicine and hospital medicine.

However, a Baptist Health Fort Smith spokesperson clarified that Lankford is neither employed nor holds privileges at their facility. His office is listed as “permanently closed” on Google, and his medical license remains active, according to the Arkansas State Medical Board.

Lankford is being held at the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center on a $500,000 bond, with additional bond conditions in place.

He is scheduled to appear in Fort Smith Circuit Court on April 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM.

Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may be a victim to contact FSPD and seek supportive services.