PIKEVILLE, KY – Attorneys for Michael “M.K.” McKinney has filed a motion objecting to further delays in his murder trial, which is set for December 1. Prosecutors recently requested a continuance, citing pending DNA analysis on several items. McKinney’s defense argues he has a right to a speedy trial, criticizing the Commonwealth for holding him on high bond based on evidence they claim is already strong enough to proceed, and calling additional delays unfair and unnecessary. The case is being tried in Pike County due to concerns public opinion may affect jury selection. The court will consider motions from both sides at a pretrial conference scheduled for Thursday.

 

PIKE COUNTY, KY – The federal fraud and theft trial of suspended Judge Howard Keith Hall begins next week in Frankfort. Hall faces charges of mail fraud and theft of government funds, accused of paying Shane Hall over $400,000 for work prosecutors say was never done. Hall’s law firm also allegedly paid him more than half a million dollars in distributions. Judge Hall denies wrongdoing, but a federal judge has ruled that evidence of questionable payments will be allowed at trial. Jury selection starts on Friday, with opening arguments on Monday.

 

PAINTSVILLE, KY – A Lawrence County man is facing drug trafficking charges after his arrest in Paintsville early Monday morning. Police say Jimmy Ross Castle was found intoxicated in a vehicle outside Bee-Mart Service Station, where an alarm had been triggered. Officers report that Castle admitted smoking meth and handed over a bag containing a substantial amount of suspected methamphetamine. Police also recovered cash and drug paraphernalia. Castle was taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, charged with trafficking meth, DUI, and driving on a suspended license.

 

FRANKFORT, KY – Next year, about 75 million Americans who receive Social Security will see a 2.8 percent increase in their monthly payments, according to the Social Security Administration. The bump, which averages about $56 more each month, is just below this year’s 3 percent inflation rate. The adjustment is slightly higher than last year and just under the decade average. Beneficiaries include retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors, plus those receiving SSI. The Social Security and Medicare tax rates will stay the same.