PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A man wanted in connection with an alleged attempted murder case in Pike County has been arrested in Virginia.

According to the Buchanan County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, 50-year-old Marty Eugene Hurley was taken into custody Friday in the parking lot of an auto parts store in the Hurley community.

Authorities say Hurley was wanted in Kentucky on three counts of attempted murder. He is also facing three counts of kidnapping, one count of arson, and one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Deputies said Hurley was arrested without incident. The U.S. Marshals Service assisted in locating and apprehending him. 

On February 18th, Hurley was featured by the Kentucky State Police in their "Wanted Wednesday" campaign.

Hurley will be returned to Kentucky to face charges.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pikeville man has been arrested following an investigation by the Pikeville Police Department.

Terry Weston Rogers, 29, is charged with one count of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under the age of 12.

According to an arrest warrant filed Thursday, police say Rogers was in possession of a phone containing more than 1,000 images that allegedly depicted a sexual performance involving a minor.

Rogers was arrested Thursday and lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.

Police say Rogers was previously arrested last year in connection with a reported sexual abuse incident in the Pikeville parking garage.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — The brackets are now set for the 2026 15th Region Basketball Tournament.

Coaches, players and media members gathered Friday morning at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville for the regional draw.

Boys Tournament

Johnson Central, Floyd Central, Belfry and Pikeville earned byes to the quarterfinal round after winning their district championships.

Preliminary round games will be played Saturday, Feb. 28 at school sites:

Shelby Valley hosts Phelps at 2:30 p.m.

Magoffin County travels to Pike County Central at 6 p.m.

Betsy Layne visits Martin County at 8 p.m.

Paintsville heads to Lawrence County for a 6 p.m. tip.

Quarterfinal games begin Wednesday, March 4 at the Appalachian Wireless Arena. The semifinals are set for Saturday, March 7, with the championship scheduled for Monday, March 9 at 7 p.m.

Girls Tournament

On the girls’ side, Johnson Central, Betsy Layne, Belfry and Pikeville also earned first-round byes.

Preliminary games will be played Saturday, Feb. 28:

Prestonsburg at Shelby Valley at noon

East Ridge at Pike County Central at 1 p.m.

Floyd Central at Paintsville at 1 p.m.

Martin County at Lawrence County at 4 p.m.

Quarterfinal games begin Monday, March 2 at the Appalachian Wireless Arena. The semifinals will be played March 6, with the championship set for March 7 at 5 p.m.

From the quarterfinal round on, all games will be played at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Prestonsburg man is facing DUI and other charges after a crash that injured his five-month-old child.

According to the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded February 25 to a single-vehicle crash on Spurlock Creek Road.

Deputies say Ellis Gene Sparks II, 30, of Sally Stephens Branch, was driving the vehicle. Passengers included his infant child.

The citation states Sparks told deputies they were driving on Spurlock Creek “just to have something to do” before heading home.

The child was treated at the scene by Prestonsburg EMS and taken to Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center. The infant was later flown to Cabell Huntington Hospital for additional treatment.

Deputies report Sparks showed signs of intoxication during field sobriety tests and submitted to a blood test.

He was lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center on charges of DUI, second offense with aggravating circumstances, second-degree wanton endangerment, and several traffic violations.

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — One man has died following a single-vehicle crash in Pike County.

Kentucky State Police say the collision happened around 3:47 p.m. Tuesday on Kentucky Route 197 in the Ashcamp community.

Investigators say Matthew Corbett was driving a white 2020 Ford Transit ambulance owned by Lifeguard Ambulance Service when the vehicle left the roadway and overturned. Douglas Jones was a passenger in the ambulance.

Jones was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by KSP accident reconstructionists and were assited on scene by the Millard Volunteer Fire Department and Lifeguard Ambulance Service. 

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — The Floyd County Fiscal Court is joining two neighboring counties in an effort to upgrade emergency communications systems.

During its February 18 meeting, the court approved a resolution to partner with Pike and Martin counties in applying for funding through the Center for Rural Development.

The resolution states the Fiscal Court represents the collective interests of first responders in Floyd County and noted communication challenges during the 2022 officer-involved shooting in Allen, as well as during years of severe flooding.

County leaders say those events highlighted the need for improved regional two-way radio communications.

The resolution authorizes Floyd County to enter into a joint effort with Pike and Martin counties, along with participating cities and 911 agencies, to expand and strengthen radio coverage.

Officials say working together as a region improves the chances of securing state or federal funding and would allow for the development of a regional trunked radio system to provide more reliable communication for public safety agencies across all three counties.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Two people, including a corrections officer, are facing charges following an altercation at the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center last Friday.

According to court documents, 39-year-old Joseph Harris, of Inez, came to the jail with another person to pick up his brother-in-law, 27-year-old Officer Sebastian Stewart, at the end of his shift.

Police say a fight broke out on jail property. During the incident, Stewart allegedly struck Harris. The altercation was recorded on video.

Paintsville Police arrested Harris at the scene and charged him with assault and public intoxication.

Stewart was later arrested on a warrant connected to the case.

Jail administrators say Stewart’s arrest followed an internal investigation conducted by the detention center’s internal affairs officer. He has since been suspended from his job.

The investigation remains ongoing.

WHEELWRIGHT, Ky. (WMDJ) — The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing teen.

Cody Oliver Tackett, 17, was last seen around 3:30 a.m. on February 19.

According to the sheriff’s office, Tackett was wearing an orange camouflage hoodie, along with a hat and boots at the time he was last seen.

Deputies say security video shows him leaving home on his own.

Authorities say they have received numerous tips and have followed up with law enforcement agencies both in Kentucky and other states. So far, he has not been located.

Anyone with information about Tackett’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or contact their local law enforcement agency.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Power customers will see a slight break on their March electric bills following action by the Kentucky Public Service Commission.

In late January, Eastern Kentucky experienced nearly two weeks of below-freezing temperatures. The extended cold drove up electricity demand and caused energy costs to spike.

Those higher costs are passed along to customers through a fuel adjustment charge, which reflects changes in the energy market.

Because of the prolonged cold, the January fuel adjustment, which appears on March bills, was expected to quadruple.

Kentucky Power asked the Public Service Commission for approval to remove $5 million of that increase and spread the cost across May, June and July, when demand is typically lower.

The commission approved the request Monday.

As a result, the average residential bill in March is now expected to be about $239 instead of $250.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County woman is facing a felony charge after police say she called an ambulance for transportation to town.

Officers with the Pikeville Police Department were dispatched to Pikeville Medical Centeraround noon on Sunday following a report of a disturbance in the emergency room.

According to the arrest citation, Joanna Trump, 37, of Greasy Creek, arrived at the hospital by ambulance but refused medical treatment. Hospital staff told officers she allegedly said she called for the ambulance because she did not have a ride and needed to come to Pikeville to retrieve her coat.

The citation states she left the emergency room, walked around the property, then returned minutes later requesting to be seen. Police say she was later found in a room yelling at staff and making threats.

Trump is charged with filing a false report that generates an emergency response, a felony offense punishable by up to five years in prison, and disorderly conduct.

She is currently being held in the Pike County Detention Center.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — The Paintsville Police Department is warning the public about fentanyl-laced tablets shaped like popular cartoon characters that were recently seized in the region.

According to police, the Violent Crime Drug Task Force with the Huntington, West Virginia Police Department confiscated 900 multi-colored tablets pressed into the shape of an emblem from the “Transformers” series. Authorities say the pills were bright in color and about the size of a child’s vitamin, making them easy to mistake for candy.

Preliminary field testing indicates the tablets tested positive for MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or Molly, as well as fentanyl. Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that has been linked to hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths nationwide.

Paintsville Police are urging parents and guardians to talk with children and teenagers about the dangers of consuming unknown substances. Officials say the candy-like appearance of the tablets poses a particular risk to young children who could accidentally ingest them.

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is asked to contact Paintsville Police.

For emergencies or crimes in progress, call 911.
For non-emergencies, call 606-789-4221.
Anonymous tips can be made by calling 606-792-2706.

FRANKFORT / MADISONVILLE / PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ)  — Schools across Floyd County brought home multiple honors in dance, archery and academic competition this weekend.

Prestonsburg High School's Dance Cats captured a state championship in Jazz and finished second in the Medium Game Day division during the KDCO State Competition at Western Hills High School in Frankfort.

The Betsy Layne Bobcat dance team placed second in the Small Game Day division at the same event.

In archery, Prestonsburg won the All A Classic State Championship in Madisonville with a team score of 3,335 at the West Kentucky Archery Complex. It marks the first team state championship in archery for the Blackcats program.

Alyssa Justice led Prestonsburg with a 291, finishing sixth individually. Reece Chaffins shot a 289 and placed 10th overall.

Betsy Layne finished ninth in the team standings with a score of 3,164. Cheyanna Whitaker posted a team-best 289 and placed ninth individually.

Floyd County students also performed well in the KAAC 15th Region Academic Team Competition held February 21 at Johnson Central High School.

Floyd Central High School placed second in the Future Problem Solving team competition and will advance to the KAAC State Tournament in March at the Galt House in Louisville.

Individually, Jakob Skeens of Floyd Central placed fourth in Social Studies. Amelia Gilbert of Prestonsburg placed fifth in Arts and Humanities.

Prestonsburg High School also received the Hume Sportsmanship Award.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) —  The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office handled nearly 12,000 calls for service in 2025, according to its annual activity report.

The department reports responding to 11,887 calls during the year — an average of about 33 per day. Deputies investigated 620 vehicle collisions, answered 890 alarm calls, assisted EMS crews 344 times, and conducted 484 welfare checks.

In addition to patrol response, the sheriff’s office provided a range of public assistance services. Deputies performed 401 vehicle unlocks, transported 83 citizens during inclement weather, and conducted 573 funeral escorts. More than 50 senior citizens participate in the county’s C.O.A.S.T. program, which includes daily check-ins.

Enforcement efforts resulted in 1,267 citations issued and 1,927 criminal charges filed.

The sheriff’s office also reminds residents that anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 606-949-2020 or texting 477-TIPS.

Officials say they remain committed to serving the people of Floyd County.

LOUISA, Ky. (WMDJ) — Three people are facing charges after Louisa Police say they attempted to open bank accounts using counterfeit government checks and fake IDs.

Officers were investigating a fraudulent check scam Tuesday when suspicious activity was reported. Police say a van parked near Citizens Bank, where a woman entered and later returned to the vehicle. The group then went to City National Bank.

Authorities learned the woman had opened an account at Citizens Bank and deposited a government check for more than $12,000. At City National, she allegedly attempted to open another account using a $32,000 government check under a different name.

Police identified the woman as Tina Dunfee, 48, of Trenton, New Jersey. Officers say she admitted to using a fake Texas ID before providing a New Jersey driver’s license. A background check showed she was wanted in Lexington in connection with a similar case.

Two men in the vehicle, Cody Hughes, 29, of Tennessee, and Kaysaun Madden, 41, of Florida, were also arrested. Police say multiple fake checks and IDs were found inside the van.

All three are charged with possession of a forged instrument and engaging in organized crime. They were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center on $10,000 cash bonds. Dunfee was temporarily released for medical treatment and will return to custody upon release from the hospital.

MINGO COUNTY, Wv. (WMDJ) — A woman who walked away from the Pike County Detention Center is back in custody. 

Police say 36-year-old Whitney Hurley of Freeburn left the jail just before 6 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities reported she walked away from the facility and was later located in Rawl, West Virginia.

Officers arrested Hurley following a brief pursuit.

She is now facing charges in Mingo County, including fugitive from justice, fleeing with reckless indifference, and fleeing on foot.

Another woman was also taken into custody. Police arrested 18-year-old Lynna Ray-Jean Cantrell of Matewan and charged her with aiding and abetting in a jail escape.

Both women are currently being held at the Southwestern Regional Jail in Holden, West Virginia.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — An employee at Pikeville High School has resigned following reports that led to a police presence on campus Thursday.

Superintendent David Trimble confirmed that Lukas Burchett, who served as athletic director and library media specialist, is no longer employed by the Pikeville Independent School District.

The former athletic director's resignation follows an investigation into reports received by the school system. They did not release further details, citing personnel matters.

The Pikeville Police Department confirmed officers were at the school Thursday but said no arrest was made and there are currently no pending criminal charges.

School officials say student safety remains their top priority and that any actions taken are communicated with families directly impacted.

UPDATE:  Kentucky State Police troopers say Whitney Hurley was arrested by police in Mingo County, West Virginia earlier this morning.

According to KSP, Hurley was arrested by the Mingo Co. Sheriff’s Office Thursday morning following a police chase.

Original Story

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky State Police are searching for an inmate who walked away from the Pike County Detention Center Wednesday evening.

According to KSP Post 9 in Pikeville, 36-year-old Whitney Hurley of Freeburn left the facility around 5:53 p.m.

Hurley is described as a white female, 6 feet tall, weighing 127 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing white shorts and a white T-shirt.

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

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Sentencing has been delayed for a Paintsville man charged in connection with the 2023 death of his two-year-old son.

Twenty-eight-year-old Travis Mollette pleaded guilty in December to reckless homicide. Prosecutors are recommending a two-year prison sentence.

Mollette was originally indicted on a charge of second-degree manslaughter after investigators say he left a loaded handgun unsecured inside his home. Authorities say the toddler later found the gun and suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The sentencing was scheduled for February 13 but was reset for March 13 after Mollette requested more time to consider the plea agreement.

Under state law, the amended charge would require him to serve 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Mollette remains free on bond.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County man indicted on attempted murder and arson charges is now being featured in Kentucky State Police’s "Wanted Wednesday" campaign this week. 

Fifty-year-old Marty Eugene Hurley of Stopover was indicted in January on three counts of attempted murder, three counts of kidnapping and one count of first-degree arson.

Investigators say Hurley held two women and a man at gunpoint with an AR-15-style rifle in May, forced them into a mobile home and set it on fire while threatening to kill them if they tried to leave. The victims were able to escape but suffered smoke inhalation and minor burns. One woman was intubated due to severe smoke inhalation.

Hurley was released from jail in October after more than 60 days passed before indictment. A warrant was issued January 21, but he has not been arrested.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kentucky State Police Post 9 in Pikeville at 606-433-7711.

The Wanted Wednesday poster that KSP shared as part of the Wanted Wednesday campaign can be seen below. 

Authorities say the crash happened February 14 on Ky. 302.

According to a citation, both drivers were outside their vehicles when deputies arrived. The driver of the second vehicle reportedly complained of injuries to her leg and ankle.

Police say 39-year-old David Allen Bowling of Columbus, Ohio, initially denied drinking but later admitted he had consumed alcohol.

Officials say Bowling first refused EMS transport but later asked to go to the hospital after being told he would be taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

A breath test reportedly showed a blood alcohol concentration of .202. The legal limit in Kentucky is .08.

Bowling was later transported to Paintsville ARH for treatment.

He is charged with DUI (first offense) and second-degree assault.

PIPPA PASSES, Ky. (WMDJ) — A man is facing multiple charges after police say he got stuck inside the walls of an apartment in the Pippa Passes area of Knott County.

Police were called to Caney Creek Apartments after a woman reported that 30-year-old Johnathan Crawford was outside her apartment. She told police he was threatening her with a table leg and scaring children that were nearby.

When officers arrived, the woman said Crawford had climbed into the attic and was refusing to come out.

According to police, officers later discovered Crawford had climbed down between two interior walls inside the apartment.

A maintenance worker removed sheetrock from a bathroom wall so Crawford could be taken out and arrested on charges of burglary, trespassing and criminal mischief.

Police say he had previously been told he is not allowed at the apartment complex. Officers had also responded to the same location the day before.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Johnson County man is facing several charges after police say he tried to run from officers and later assaulted one of them.

Paintsville Police arrested 19-year-old Devin Wells on Sunday.

Officers say dispatch received a call about a man attempting to break into a building on Pine Street. The caller reported Wells had been in his backyard and ran off carrying a weed-eater, which he later dropped.

Police say they found Wells at a nearby gas station. When officers approached him, he was reportedly on a bicycle and began yelling at them before trying to flee.

After a short foot chase, Wells was taken into custody.

Officers say while in the back of a cruiser, Wells tried to kick out a window. When police stopped to gain control, he allegedly kicked an officer in the face and attempted to strike another officer. Pepper spray was used to calm the situation.

Wells is charged with public intoxication, fleeing police, third-degree escape, assault on an officer, resisting arrest, menacing, and disorderly conduct.

He was lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

MARTIN COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Martin County man and woman were arrested after deputies say they found a large amount of methamphetamine hidden in a truck during a traffic stop in Tomahawk. 

According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was patrolling Milo Road when he saw a truck veer across the center line in a curve. The vehicle also had a sign blocking the rear window.

After stopping the truck, the deputy reported that the occupants appeared nervous and were moving around inside the vehicle.

The driver, 58-year-old Larry Joe Horn Jr., and passenger, 35-year-old Brandi Moore, both of Inez, were taken into custody.

Deputies say they found about seven grams of meth and several pills inside the truck. A larger amount was discovered under the hood. Authorities say a bag containing approximately 78 grams of meth was hidden between the radiator and front bumper.

More than $1,200 in cash was also recovered.

Both have been charged with two counts of drug trafficking and additional offenses. Mr. Horn is currently lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Dentention Center. 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky Power is asking state regulators for permission to delay part of a sharp winter fuel increase in order to lower March electric bills for customers.

The company says extreme cold in late January drove up natural gas and market energy prices across the region. That increase would normally cause the fuel adjustment charge on March bills to rise significantly.

Kentucky Power is asking the Public Service Commission to postpone collecting $5 million of those January fuel costs and instead spread the amount evenly across May, June and July bills.

If approved, the average residential customer using 1,300 kilowatt hours would see their March bill drop from about $250 to roughly $239, a difference of about $11.

Without the change, the fuel adjustment charge would increase from $0.00763 to $0.02981 per kilowatt hour. The proposal would lower that March rate to $0.02200.

The utility has asked the PSC to make a decision by Feb. 23 so the change can take effect before the March billing cycle begins Feb. 24.

To see the copy of Kentucky Powers request to the PSC, click here

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Floyd County man has been sentenced to two years in prison on child pornography charges.

Avery Newsome, 40, of Ky. 979 in Grethel, was sentenced Feb. 10 in Floyd Circuit Court. Judge Johnny Ray Harris handed down the sentence following a plea agreement with the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner.

Court records show Newsome originally faced three counts involving material portraying minors under the age of 12. As part of the plea deal, the charges were amended to material involving minors between 12 and 18.

He will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be supervised by the Kentucky Office of Probation and Parole for five years after release.

Newsome was arrested in December 2023 after an investigation by the Prestonsburg Police Department, Kentucky State Police’s Electronic Crimes Unit, and the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say the investigation began after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that linked an IP address to suspected illegal downloads. Officers later executed a search warrant at Newsome’s home where they found around 3,500 files that was suspected to contain child pornography. 

Prosecutors said there was no evidence he directly abused a child, but they pursue prison time in possession cases due to the harm tied to production of the material.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — The Pike County Fiscal Court has approved an agreement with a private company to build and operate a proposed landfill in the Myra community.

During a special-called meeting on Jan. 29, the court voted to enter into a host community agreement with a subsidiary of USA Waste and Recycling, Inc. The vote followed an executive session lasting more than an hour. Judge-Executive Ray Jones and all three commissioners voted in favor.

The agreement outlines plans for a large-scale landfill on reclaimed mine land along Highway 610 West. County leaders say the partnership could secure waste capacity for at least 20 years, create an estimated 50 permanent jobs and more than 100 construction jobs, and save the county around $4 million annually in disposal costs.

However, some community members have raised concerns about the project’s potential impact, including possible odors, pollution, and runoff. One commissioner, Clinard “Bubby” Adkins of District 2, later said he regretted his vote after hearing public feedback.

State regulators have not yet received formal construction or operation plans for the proposed facility.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — A bill that would change how some decisions are made in Kentucky schools is advancing in the General Assembly.

Senate Bill 152 passed the Senate Education Committee Thursday on a 10-2 vote.

The proposal would require superintendents to select school principals. It would also require principals to submit monthly and annual reports to their local boards of education.

The measure would shift more authority to principals and superintendents, rather than site-based decision-making councils made up of parents and teachers.

Supporters say the bill would clarify responsibility and restore a clearer chain of command within school districts.

Opponents argue local control is important because communities understand the needs of their students.

The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

WHITESBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Attorneys for a former Letcher County sheriff charged with murder are asking a judge to eliminate the possibility of the death penalty being used before the case goes to trial.

The defense team for Shawn Mickey Stines filed a motion Monday requesting a hearing to examine his mental health and intellectual functioning. Under Kentucky law, a finding of serious intellectual disability or serious mental illness would bar prosecutors from seeking capital punishment.

Stines is charged in connection with the Sept. 19, 2024, shooting death of Judge Kevin Mullins, who was killed inside his chambers.

The motion asks the court to schedule a hearing where sealed and other evidence related to Stines’ mental health and intellectual functioning could be presented. Defense attorneys say the issue must be resolved well in advance of trial, noting the court is required to issue a ruling at least 90 days before proceedings begin.

The defense also asked that Special Judge Christopher Cohron recuse himself from the case, citing a meeting he attended with Mullins one week before the shooting. The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled last month that the decision rests with Cohron, but said it would consider a request to reconsider if he chooses to remain on the case.

If the court grants the motion, the death penalty would be excluded as a possible punishment, and jurors would not be questioned about capital punishment during jury selection.

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County man was arrested Sunday after state police say they found stolen copper wire in the back of his pickup truck.

Kentucky State Police said troopers were alerted after AT&T reported a theft in progress through its camera system. Company officials contacted dispatch, which then notified troopers of the situation.

During the investigation, troopers stopped a white Chevrolet pickup truck traveling on U.S. 23. Police say they observed copper wire in the truck bed.

The driver, identified as 37-year-old Joshua McCoy, and his passenger, Tiffany McCoy, were asked to exit the vehicle.

According to police, Joshua McCoy claimed he found the wire on the side of the road and picked it up. However, an AT&T representative who responded to the scene reportedly had video evidence of the wire being taken from phone lines.

The representative estimated the value of the stolen wire at approximately $3,000.

Both Joshua and Tiffany McCoy were arrested and taken to the Pike County Detention Center.

Joshua McCoy was charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition, with the value of the property listed as more than $1,000 but less than $10,000.

ASHLAND, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Floyd County man has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison on drug and firearm charges.

Justin Bryant, 35, of Martin, was sentenced Monday to 192 months by a federal judge after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.

According to court records, Bryant was first arrested on December 11, 2023, during a traffic stop. Investigators said he was found with more than 22 grams of methamphetamine, about 3.5 grams of fentanyl and fluorofentanyl, and a loaded handgun.

Authorities said Bryant admitted he possessed the firearm for protection while dealing drugs. Due to prior felony convictions, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Bryant was later released and continued trafficking drugs, according to the plea agreement. On March 1, 2025, law enforcement encountered him again and said he was in possession of more than 81 grams of methamphetamine.

Under federal law, Bryant must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. After his release, he will remain under supervision for three years.

LANCASTER, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Prestonsburg man has been arrested in Garrard County following concerns raised about online messages involving someone believed to be a minor.

According to the Lancaster Police Department, on Saturday, February 7, 36-year-old Scotty Baril, of Prestonsburg, traveled approximately two and a half hours to Lancaster, believing he was meeting a 14-year-old girl.

Authorities say the situation stemmed from online communications that began weeks earlier. After Baril arrived at the meeting location, police were contacted and responded to the scene.

Baril was taken into custody without incident and later lodged in the Jessamine County Detention Center, where he is currently being held on a $15,000 bond.

He is charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means and promoting a sexual performance by a minor. His initial court appearance is scheduled for February 16 at 10 a.m.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — A bill filed this week in the Kentucky General Assembly would limit alcohol purchases for drivers convicted of multiple DUIs.

The proposal would place a red tag on a person’s driver’s license after a fourth DUI conviction. That tag would block the individual from buying alcohol at retail or commercial locations for two years.

Supporters say the measure is aimed at repeat offenders who continue to drive under the influence despite prior arrests and penalties. Under current Kentucky law, a fourth DUI is charged as a felony.

The legislation is co-sponsored by Rep. Mitch Whitaker, a Republican from Fleming-Neon, whose mother was killed by a repeat drunk driver in 2010. The driver was later convicted on manslaughter and related charges. 

Whitaker said repeat DUI offenses are preventable and believes stronger consequences could help save lives.

The bill is modeled after a similar law recently passed in Utah that gained attention on social media.

The legislation has been filed but has not yet been assigned to a committee.

INEZ, Ky. (WMDJ) — Two Martin County parents have been indicted following an investigation into the death of an 11-year-old boy.

The child died on August 13, 2025. Since then, the case has been investigated by multiple agencies, including Kentucky State Police and social services. On Thursday, a Martin County grand jury returned indictments against the child’s parents.

Patrick Speer and Christina Chapman are each charged with first-degree criminal abuse and second-degree manslaughter. According to the indictments, the charges stem from allegations that the child was intentionally placed in a situation that could cause physical injury and that his death was wantonly caused.

Speer, 34, was arrested Thursday by the Martin County Sheriff’s Department. He was lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville. His bond has been set at $100,000.

Chapman was also assigned a $100,000 bond through the indictment. As of this writing, she hasn't been booked into jail. 

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — The next court hearing in the Amber Spradlin murder case has been postponed.

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

McKinney’s son, M.K. McKinney, is charged with murder. Michael McKinney and a family friend, Josh Mullins, are also charged, along with M.K. McKinney, with multiple counts of evidence tampering.

The case remains scheduled for trial on May 11.

All defendants were originally set to appear in court February 26 for a pretrial conference. However, a court order signed Wednesday delays the next hearing until April 3.

The order did not list a reason for the postponement.

LONDON, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Floyd County woman is preparing to plead guilty in a federal drug case, while her codefendant weighs a plea offer.

Court records show Stephanie Hall, 32, of Maytown, has signed a plea agreement in a case involving methamphetamine distribution. Hall is scheduled to appear in federal court Friday to formally enter her guilty plea.

Hall and Briana Hope Hunter, 31, of McDowell, were arrested in May 2024 after a traffic stop. A Kentucky State Police trooper pulled the vehicle over for excessive window tint. During the stop, troopers found nearly half a pound of meth inside the car.

Both women were later indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The charge carries a possible sentence of five to 40 years in prison.

Hunter has also been offered a plea agreement but so far hasn't accepted. If she declines the offer, she is scheduled to go to trial March 2nd.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Prestonsburg woman has died following a house fire Tuesday evening.

Emergency crews and the Floyd County Coroner's Office were called to a home on Right Fork of Home Branch in the Endicott community just after 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. The victim was identified 86-year-old as Pearl Johnson.

The Allen Volunteer Fire Department said it responded to the fire as part of a mutual aid request from the Cowcreek Fire Department.

In a social media post, the department expressed condolences to Johnson’s family and thanked first responders for their work at the scene, noting cooperation among multiple agencies.

Also assisting were the Prestonsburg Fire Department, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department, and Kentucky State Police.

No information has been released about the cause of the fire. The incident remains under investigation.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — The Floyd County Fiscal Court has announced two upcoming community meetings focused on preparing for future disasters.

The first meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Eastern District Library.

A second meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McDowell First Baptist Church.

County officials say the meetings are intended to give residents an opportunity to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas related to flooding and other emergencies.

Information gathered during the meetings will be used to help guide future disaster planning efforts across Floyd County.

Residents from all areas of the county are encouraged to attend and participate.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman is asking state regulators to reject a proposed utility rate increase for Eastern Kentucky customers served by Kentucky Power.

In a brief filed Tuesday with the Kentucky Public Service Commission, Coleman criticized the company’s request for higher rates, citing affordability concerns and past increases. Kentucky Power customers have seen rate hikes in four of the last five years, and already pay some of the highest electric bills in the state.

Coleman argues the latest proposal is unsustainable and could force families to leave the region. The filing says there is no evidence that rejecting the increase would harm the utility, noting that the company’s out-of-state parent reported record earnings shortly after the request was submitted.

Kentucky Power serves more than 160,000 customers across 20 counties in Eastern Kentucky, including Floyd, Pike, Johnson, Knott, and Magoffin counties.

To see the full brief, you can click here

WASHINGTON (WMDJ) — Eastern Kentucky is set to receive federal investment following the passage of a federal funding package approved by Congress and signed into law Tuesday.

U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers announced that nearly $95 million in Community Project Funding has been secured for projects across Southern and Eastern Kentucky, including key transportation and economic development efforts.

A major portion of the funding includes $36.5 million to complete the Mountain Parkway Extension Project, covering 12.6 miles of construction between Salyersville and Prestonsburg. The project is aimed at improving safety, travel efficiency, and long-term economic growth throughout the region.

The funding package also includes $6 million for the City of Pikeville to construct a new industrial building at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park. The project is expected to support business expansion and could create up to 100 new jobs in the Pikeville area.

Another big part of the spending plan includes $20 Million for the Hal Roges Parkway Improvement Program for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to widen approximately 59 miles of the parkway between London and Hazard.

Other funds made available can be broken down here:

• $5 Million for the new Wolfe County Search & Rescue Emergency Operations Center
• $2 Million for a new Northern McCreary County Firehouse
• $2 Million for renovations to the London-Corbin Regional Airport
• $4 Million for the Harlan County Water System Improvements Project
• $1.03 Million for the Clay County Livestock Marketplace
• $1.45 Million for the Somerset Pulaski Economic Development Authority to construct an overpass to connect an emerging business park with Kentucky Highway 80 and Hal Rogers Parkway
• $11 Million for the McCreary County Heritage Foundation to facilitate planning, design, and construction improvements to foster economic development in the community.

Rogers says the funding will help strengthen infrastructure, improve connectivity, and support economic development in rural communities across Eastern Kentucky.

The funding is part of a broader federal spending agreement that keeps the government operating through the 2026 fiscal year.
 

ASHLAND, Ky. (WMDJ) — A former Magoffin County middle school teacher has been sentenced in federal court on a child enticement charge.

Jordan Cobb, 32, of Salyersville, pleaded guilty in October to online enticement. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped a cyberstalking charge.

Court records show Cobb admitted to communicating with a 14-year-old former student in April and May of 2023. During those conversations, Cobb sent sexually explicit messages, offered to provide marijuana, and discussed plans to meet for sex.

Cobb was sentenced Friday in Ashland federal court to 11 years in prison. After sentencing, Cobb was taken into custody immediately following the hearing by the U.S. Marshals Service. Under federal law, Cobb must serve 85 percent of the prison sentence and be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years following his release.