PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Floyd County voters will have several opportunities to cast ballots early ahead of the May primary election.

County officials say no-excuse in-person early voting will be available Thursday, May 14, through Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. Any qualified registered voter may vote during those times.

Officials also noted there will be no in-person voting available Monday, May 18.

Early voting locations include the following:

• Big Sandy Area Development District building at 110 Resource Court in Prestonsburg
• Floyd County Community Center in Langley
• Floyd County Clerk’s McDowell Branch Office
• Floyd County Clerk’s Betsy Layne Branch Office

Officials say the Prestonsburg voting location has changed from the Stumbo/Wilkerson Convention Center to the Big Sandy Area Development District building for this election cycle.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ)  — The murder trial for three men charged in connection with the death of Amber Spradlin has been delayed until next year after a hearing Monday focused heavily on unfinished forensic testing in the case.

M.K. McKinney, Dr. Michael McKinney and Josh Mullins had been scheduled to go to trial this week. However, Judge Eddy Coleman ruled the case should be postponed after hearing testimony from a supervisor with the Kentucky State Police forensic crime lab.

The court heard the state crime lab has received 145 pieces of evidence connected to the case, not including electronic evidence. According to testimony, the lab normally handles evidence in batches of 10 items, but the Spradlin case involves five separate submissions containing far more evidence than usual.

KSP Forensic Lab Supervisor Davey McCann testified evidence must be processed carefully to avoid contamination. Each item is screened, pretested and tested individually before going through reporting and peer review. The court heard that process can take as long as eight months for a single submission of 10 pieces of evidence.

According to testimony, one submission in the case contained 41 pieces of evidence, another contained 36 items and a fifth submission included 50 pieces of evidence. Two DNA submissions are still pending completion, with one expected to finish review by the end of May and another possibly taking until late summer or early fall.

Prosecutors argued the remaining forensic testing is important to both the murder charge against M.K. McKinney and tampering charges involving the co-defendants. Defense attorneys also said the unfinished evidence is important to ensuring a fair trial.

Judge Coleman ultimately ruled the trial should be continued in the interest of justice and rescheduled the case for Jan. 11, 2027. Another pretrial conference is scheduled for Sept. 17

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Huntington, West Virginia man has pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge after authorities said he was caught transporting fentanyl into Pike County.

According to federal court records, 30-year-old Donte Hendricks pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Lexington to possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

The charge stems from a traffic stop conducted on Ratliff’s Creek Road in Pike County on Feb. 26, 2025.

Authorities said Pikeville Police received information that Hendricks would be bringing a large quantity of fentanyl into the area. Police were given a description of both Hendricks and the vehicle he was driving before locating and stopping the vehicle.

During the investigation, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office assisted by bringing a K-9 unit to the scene. Authorities reported seizing 103.6 grams of fentanyl and $917 in cash during the stop.

Court records show Hendricks previously asked the court to suppress the evidence collected during the traffic stop, arguing police lacked reasonable suspicion to stop him or prolong the investigation while waiting for the K-9 unit.

A judge denied that request in December. However, Hendricks’ plea agreement allows him to appeal that ruling. If an appeals court later suppresses the evidence, he would be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea.

Hendricks is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 6 in Lexington and faces between five and 40 years in federal prison.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Johnson County man was arrested shortly after being released from the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center after authorities said he set fires inside the jail’s lobby bathrooms.

According to court documents, 21-year-old Dillon Smothers, who has addresses listed in both Boons Camp and Inez, was first arrested on May 7 on a charge of public intoxication.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office responded after a Staffordsville resident reported a suspicious person on her porch who may have needed assistance.

Court documents state Smothers told authorities he had walked from a rehab facility along U.S. 460. Deputies reported observing signs of intoxication.

Jail records show Smothers was lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center at 6:49 p.m. and released at 4:07 a.m. Friday.

According to a second arrest citation, the Paintsville Police Department was called back to the jail around 6:45 a.m. after jail staff reported fires had been set in two lobby bathrooms.

The citation said smoke filled the lobby area and damage was reported to a sink in the women’s bathroom.

Authorities later located Smothers at a nearby gas station, where he was allegedly holding a lighter. Court documents state Smothers admitted to starting a fire inside the jail because he was cold.

Smothers was booked back into the detention center at 7:28 a.m. on a charge of second-degree criminal mischief.

The citation said smoke filled the lobby area and damage was reported to a sink in the women’s bathroom.

Meade wrote that he later located Smothers at a nearby gas station, where he was allegedly holding a lighter. The citation states Smothers admitted to starting a fire inside the jail because he was cold.

Smothers was booked back into the detention center at 7:28 a.m. on a charge of second-degree criminal mischief.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Floyd County man is facing felony wanton endangerment and other charges after police said he left a woman and her five month old child along Route 114 following a domestic incident.

According to Prestonsburg Police, a woman came to Prestonsburg City Hall on Sunday asking to speak with officers. She told police she and her infant child had been riding with 43-year-old Michael Ousley, of Auxier, to the Prestonsburg Village Shopping Center.

The woman told officers Ousley appeared agitated during the drive and believed it was related to her getting a new job.

Police said the woman reported Ousley suddenly made a U-turn in the shopping center parking lot and drove at a high rate of speed toward Route 114 while the infant was no longer secured in a car seat.

The woman said she repeatedly asked Ousley to stop. She told police he eventually pulled over near Archer Park, where he allegedly attempted to strike her and grabbed her by the hair as she tried to leave the vehicle with the child.

Police said the woman was able to get away and was taken to the police station by another driver who reportedly witnessed the incident.

Ousley was later arrested outside his home. He is charged with felony wanton endangerment, misdemeanor assault and multiple traffic violations.

MCDOWELL, Ky. (WMDJ) — A McDowell man is facing multiple charges, including meth trafficking, following an incident during a traffic safety checkpoint in Floyd County.

According to court documents, Floyd County Sheriff’s deputies were conducting a checkpoint May 4 in McDowell when a red passenger car allegedly turned quickly onto Magnolia Street without using a signal.

Investigators say deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled on foot into a nearby thicket after stopping.

Authorities say a K9 alerted to suspected narcotics inside the vehicle. Deputies reportedly found three baggies containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, along with identification belonging to 29-year-old Dalton Boone Frasure of Ky. 680.

Court records state Frasure was already wanted on an active arrest warrant.

Investigators say a K9 tracked the suspect for several hundred yards before deputies went to Frasure’s last known residence. According to the citation, a relative allowed deputies inside, where Frasure was found lying on a bed.

Frasure was lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center on charges including first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second-degree fleeing or evading police on foot and traffic violations.

HI HAT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Two Floyd County residents are facing misdemeanor child abuse charges following an investigation involving social services and the Kentucky State Police.

According to court documents, investigators responded Tuesday, May 5, to a home on Ky. 122 at Hi Hat belonging to 55-year-old Scotty Lee Greene and 49-year-old Patricia Annette Greene.

Authorities say they were given consent to enter the home and check living conditions where a child had been staying.

The citation states responders found a basement bedroom used by the child with a wooden barrier attached to the outside of the door, allegedly preventing the child from leaving during nighttime hours. Investigators also reported finding a camera monitoring the room and an alarm system on the door.

According to the citation, mold was observed in the basement, along with a strong musty odor. The bedroom reportedly smelled strongly of urine, and what appeared to be human feces was found in one corner.

The child reportedly told investigators they were locked in the room at night and had to knock to be let out to use the restroom.

Both Greene and Greene were cited on charges of third-degree criminal abuse involving a child 12 or younger. They are scheduled to appear in court May 20.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Two of the three men charged in connection with the death of Amber Spradlin are supporting a request to delay the upcoming trial.

Dr. Michael McKinney and Josh Mullins, who are both charged with tampering with physical evidence, filed responses in support of Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner’s renewed motion to continue the trial.

Turner has cited outstanding evidence testing that he says could be important to the case.

Attorneys for MK McKinney, who is charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence, have opposed further delays and continue to request a speedy trial.

In their filings, attorneys for Michael McKinney and Mullins said a delay is needed to ensure all relevant evidence is obtained, shared and reviewed before trial. They also said some of the pending evidence could potentially help the defense.

The filings point to forensic testing involving blood evidence and a handprint, saying the results could affect defense arguments about another person who was reportedly in the home that night.

A judge has also indicated the court may discuss whether MK McKinney’s co-defendants should be tried separately.

All three defendants are expected back in court Monday for a pretrial conference. Jury selection is currently scheduled to begin Tuesday, unless the judge changes that schedule.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Multiple schools across Kentucky including Floyd and Johnson counties were placed on alert Wednesday morning following a series of threats that authorities now believe are part of a broader hoax.

Officials say Betsy Layne Elementary was among the first impacted, receiving what was described as an unclear threat. The school was placed on lockdown while law enforcement responded. No weapon was found, and the lockdown was later lifted.

Floyd Central High School was also placed on lockdown after receiving a similar threat.

In Johnson County, police responded to a bomb threat at Johnson Central High School. It was reported that K-9 Units were going to do a sweep of the school since it was designated as a bomb threat.

Authorities say all students at the affected schools are safe.

Prestonsburg Police report the threats appear to be coming from spoofed, internet-based phone applications and may be part of “swatting” incidents. The department says dozens of officers responded within minutes to the initial call at Betsy Layne Elementary, and response procedures were followed as intended.

The police did want to reassure the public that all Floyd County Schools have a designated School Resource Officer on a full time basis. The SRO at Betsy Layne Elementary made the initial report according to PPD. 

Kentucky State Police confirmed similar threats have been reported across the Commonwealth. Investigators say none of the threats have been deemed credible so far, and early findings suggest they may be tied to a robocalling campaign.

Law enforcement agencies, including Prestonsburg Police, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police, are continuing to investigate. Officials say all threats are taken seriously and will be fully investigated.

HAZARD, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Perry County man charged with murder in connection to a deadly UTV crash has pleaded guilty in a separate federal case.

Court officials say 26-year-old Noah Back, of Vicco, entered a guilty plea Friday to transporting a minor across state lines for illegal sexual activity.

He faces a sentence ranging from ten years to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for September.

According to court documents, the federal investigation began after a UTV crash on February 28 in the Vicco area. Four people were in the vehicle, including two 16-year-old girls. One of them, Emilynn Clark, died from her injuries.

Investigators later reviewed social media posts following the crash that raised concerns about a relationship between Back and one of the surviving teens.

An affidavit states the FBI conducted a forensic interview with the minor in March. The teen told investigators the relationship began when she was in middle school and involved ongoing communication and in-person contact.

Court records also allege Back transported the minor to locations outside Kentucky, including trips to Georgia.

Authorities say records were used to verify ages and travel details as part of the investigation.

Back is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in September. The state murder case connected to the crash remains pending.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ)— A Pikeville man is facing multiple charges following a shooting at a local bar early Saturday morning.

According to a news release from the Pikeville Police Department, officers responded to Klarissa’s Bar on North Bypass Road around 2:31 a.m. on May 3.

When officers arrived, they found a man with a gunshot wound to the upper leg. He was treated at the scene and taken to a nearby hospital.

Police say the shooting happened after a physical altercation between two individuals inside the bar. During the incident, one person allegedly pulled a firearm and fired multiple rounds, striking the victim and putting others in the area at risk.

Officers recovered several spent shell casings, along with a firearm and magazine believed to have been used. An additional extended magazine with ammunition was also found during the investigation.

A suspect was taken into custody and lodged at the Pike County Detention Center. He is charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree wanton endangerment and possession of a loaded firearm in a business that sells alcohol.

The investigation remains ongoing.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) — A former Paintsville doctor has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty in a federal drug case.

Don Bryson received a sentence of one year and one day after admitting to conspiracy to distribute Schedule II controlled substances. He entered the guilty plea in June 2024.

Investigators say Bryson had surrendered his medical license but later worked as a medical consultant at Appalachian Family Medicine, a clinic owned by his son. While doctors were brought in to treat patients, Bryson and his son maintained control of operations.

According to court records, the clinic limited safeguards such as urine testing and pill counts and discouraged doctors from lowering patient dosages. In one instance, a doctor without proper authorization used another doctor’s DEA registration number to write prescriptions.

Over four days, that doctor issued 79 prescriptions totaling more than 6,900 pills before the situation was discovered.

Bryson agreed to forfeit more than $124,000, along with the clinic building and a vehicle tied to the operation. He is scheduled to report to prison on July 14.

His son, Jeremy Bryson, was also convicted in the case and is set to be sentenced June 2.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — A judge has delayed the start of the murder trial in the death of Amber Spradlin by one day as prosecutors seek more time.

Special Judge Eddy Coleman issued the order Friday, moving the scheduled May 11 trial date to allow for a hearing on whether a longer delay is needed.

Spradlin’s body was found June 18, 2023, at a home on Arkansas Creek belonging to Prestonsburg dentist Michael McKinney.

His son, M.K. McKinney, is charged with murder. Michael McKinney and family friend Josh Mullins are charged with multiple counts of evidence tampering.

Commonwealth Attorney Brent Turner requested the delay, citing incomplete DNA testing in the case.

A hearing is now set for May 11, where prosecutors must present testimony from the state crime lab outlining the status of the testing and when results are expected.

The court will also consider whether to separate the cases, which could allow M.K. McKinney to go to trial while the other defendants face delays.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — An 80-year-old woman has died after a crash at a Prestonsburg senior center that injured three people.

Police say the incident happened April 24 at the Prestonsburg Senior Citizens Center when Mary Dotson, 79, backed out of a parking space.

Investigators say the vehicle slowed and nearly stopped before suddenly accelerating, striking two parked vehicles and hitting Ada DePoy, 80, of Prestonsburg. Police say she was dragged about 25 feet.

The SUV then hit the building, causing possible structural damage, before continuing backward and striking a bench where Charles Wallen, 67, and James McGuire, 69, were sitting.

DePoy later died from her injuries. The other two victims were taken to Highlands ARH with moderate injuries.

The driver was also taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Police say the crash appears to have been accidental, with the driver likely pressing the accelerator instead of the brake. Toxicology testing was requested as part of standard procedure, but impairment is not suspected.

The investigation is ongoing.

BELFRY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A complaint about squatters at a vacant home led to two arrests in Pike County.

Police were called to Cow Branch Road Wednesday evening after reports of people staying in a home without permission. When officers arrived, they found 52-year-old Vangie Thacker on the front porch and heard people arguing inside the house.

According to authorities, a man and woman ran from the home when officers entered and were not located at that time. Thacker told officers she had been staying there for several days and believed the property belonged to a family member. She was arrested and charged with third-degree burglary.

Officers returned to the home early Thursday morning and found 41-year-old Donique Mitchem hiding in a closet. She was arrested and charged with third-degree burglary and fleeing police.

Authorities say a search at the jail led to additional charges after Mitchem was found with fentanyl and meth. She now faces charges including drug trafficking and promoting contraband.

Both women are being held at the Pike County Detention Center.

The funding was included in the state budget and will support major additions to the facility, which is located along American Standard Drive in Hager Hill. The project will build on current soccer field construction and add six lighted tennis courts and two lighted pickleball courts.

Plans also include a new playground, restroom and concession building, walking trail, picnic shelters, and other site improvements. County officials say the upgrades are aimed at supporting organized sports, tournaments, and everyday community use.

Local leaders say the investment will strengthen youth and school sports while also giving families more recreational options. The expanded complex is also expected to create new opportunities for the county to host regional events.

Officials say the project reflects an ongoing effort to improve quality of life and expand recreational opportunities for residents.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County man has been sentenced to serve eight years in prison on burglary and wanton endangerment charges.

According to court records, 45-year-old George Standifur, of Elkhorn City, was sentenced April 23 in Pike Circuit Court. Judge Howard Keith Hall handed down the sentence as part of a plea agreement reached through felony mediation and recommended by the Pike Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

Standifur pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including second-degree burglary and several counts of wanton endangerment involving the discharge of a firearm.

The charges stem from a June 30, 2025, incident in Elkhorn City. Kentucky State Police say troopers responded to a report of a break-in at a residence on West 5th Street.

According to an arrest citation, Standifur entered the home uninvited, made threats, and at one point placed a gun to a resident’s head. The resident was able to disarm him, but troopers say Standifur retrieved another weapon and attempted to fire it. The gun did not discharge.

During the incident, a resident shot Standifur in the leg. He was later taken into custody after refusing commands from troopers and resisting arrest.

Standifur was treated at Pikeville Medical Center before being lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.

BREATHITT COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — Today, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announces a Breathitt County man has pleaded guilty in connection with a shooting last year.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — An 18-year-old Pikeville man is facing multiple charges after police say he led officers on a late-night chase through downtown in a suspected stolen vehicle.

According to an arrest citation, Pikeville Police attempted to stop a car on Pike Street early Tuesday when the driver accelerated and fled. Officers say the vehicle ran a stop sign at Second Street, turned the wrong way onto Main Street, and continued at a high rate of speed.

Police say the chase ended when the car struck a concrete post. The driver, identified as Jacob Wilson, then ran on foot through the parking garage area and toward Big Sandy Community and Technical College.

Officers say Wilson was later found hiding near a residence on Cumberland Court and taken into custody after a brief struggle. One officer was injured while pursuing him.

According to the citation, Wilson showed signs of intoxication. Police also reported finding marijuana and said the vehicle appeared to be stolen, with the owner confirming he did not have permission to use it.

Wilson was treated at a local hospital before being lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.

He is charged with DUI, fleeing or evading police, reckless driving, criminal mischief, and several traffic-related offenses.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pikeville man was arrested after police responded to a reported domestic dispute Friday night.

According to a citation from the Pikeville Police Department, officers were dispatched to a home on Williams Hollow Road around 9:34 p.m. on April 24. The caller reported that Jonathan Meloy arrived at the residence and pulled a knife.

Police say that while officers were en route, the caller reported Meloy slashed a tire on a 2011 Dodge Charger. When officers arrived, they found Meloy near his pickup truck arguing with individuals at the scene.

According to police, a woman told officers Meloy pushed her in the chest, nearly knocking her to the ground. The citation also states a 17-year-old came outside during the incident and that Meloy displayed the knife in a threatening manner. Officers say Meloy had been asked to leave but refused.

Police estimated the damage to the vehicle at around $200.

Meloy, 24, is charged with fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), menacing, second-degree criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a minor, first-degree wanton endangerment, and third-degree criminal trespassing.

UPDATE: According to KSP Bariah Cooley was found and is safe. 

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky State Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing woman last seen in Pike County.

According to KSP Post 9 in Pikeville, troopers received a report on April 22 regarding a missing woman identified as Bariah Cooley, of Summersville, West Virginia.

Authorities say Cooley was last seen the same day walking along the shoulder of U.S. 119 near a 7/11 gas station, heading south toward Pikeville.

Cooley is described as a white female, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds. She was last seen wearing a shirt shown in a photo released by investigators along with blue basketball-style shorts.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact Kentucky State Police Post 9 at 606-433-7711.

*Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police

MAYTOWN, Ky. (WMDJ) — New details have been released after a Floyd County woman was killed in an apparent dog attack Sunday afternoon.

The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office has now identified the victim as Cynthia “Cindy” Patton Prater. Deputies were called to Railroad Street in Maytown around 3 p.m. after a report of a woman lying in the roadway.

Authorities say preliminary findings, including video evidence, indicate the dog knocked Prater to the ground before attacking her. A German shepherd was found near the scene.

Investigators say the dog was known in the area and had reportedly accompanied the woman on previous walks, with no prior history of aggressive behavior reported.

An official cause of death has not yet been released and will be determined by autopsy results. The dog has been euthanized and will undergo further testing to help determine what may have triggered the attack.

The investigation remains ongoing.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Two individuals arrested during drug raids in Pikeville last month are now facing federal indictments.

Authorities say Pikeville Police executed two search warrants on March 8, resulting in five arrests and the seizure of drugs, firearms, cash and related paraphernalia.

A federal grand jury has indicted Wayne Buzard, 57, of Zebulon Highway, and Cathy McKinney, 53, of Island Creek. Both are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute.

In addition, Buzard is charged with using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, while McKinney faces three separate counts of distributing methamphetamine.

If convicted, the conspiracy charge carries a possible sentence of up to 40 years in prison. The additional drug charges carry up to 20 years, and the firearm charge includes a mandatory consecutive sentence ranging from five years to life.

Buzard and McKinney are currently being held in the Pike County Detention Center. Their initial appearance in federal court in London is set for May 28.

MAYTOWN, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Floyd County woman is dead following what officials say was a dog attack Sunday afternoon.

Authorities were called to the Railroad Street area of Maytown after reports of a woman found in the roadway.

The Floyd County Coroner’s Office says the victim was in her 60s. Her name has not been released as family members are being notified.

Officials say the incident involved a German shepherd owned by another individual. The animal is believed to have been taken into custody by animal control.

Deputies with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office responded. The investigation is ongoing.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky State Police are investigating an officer involved shooting that happened early Sunday morning in Johnson County.

According to news release from KSP, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. on April 26 along Main Street in Paintsville. The agency’s Critical Incident Response Team was requested by Post 9 in Pikeville to handle the investigation.

Preliminary findings indicate an officer with the Paintsville Police Department was on foot patrol when he spotted a motorcycle matching the description of one reported stolen. A short time later, the officer encountered 37-year-old Shawn Gayheart of Salyersville.

Police say Gayheart fled on foot before being caught, leading to a physical altercation. A second officer arrived to assist, and both officers deployed tasers, which were unsuccessful. The officers then fired their weapons, striking Gayheart.

Officers provided medical aid until EMS arrived. Gayheart was taken to Pikeville Medical Center, where he is listed in stable condition.

Authorities say a knife and firearm were recovered at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing.