Pikeville, Ky – Former Big Sandy prison lieutenant Michael Childers has admitted falsifying records to cover up the assault of an inmate.​ Prosecutors say in April 2021, an inmate asking for protective custody was taken to the lieutenant’s office, where Childers tackled him and joined four other officers in beating him.​ Childers then filed a false report, claiming the inmate headbutted him to justify the use of force.​ He pleaded guilty Monday and now faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced.

 

Allen, Ky – Police in Allen are looking for whoever vandalized a mural honoring the officers killed in the 2022 Allen shooting.​ The mural, painted by local artist Peyton Andrew Martin, features Prestonsburg officers Ralph Frasure and Jacob Chaffins, Floyd County Sheriff’s Deputy William Petry, and K9 Drago.​ Sometime over the weekend, someone spray-painted over parts of the artwork, including the officers’ faces.​ Prestonsburg Police and the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office are asking anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

 

Floyd County, Ky – A Floyd County man is charged with multiple felonies after deputies say he stole fiber optic cable and then tried to outrun them.  According to the sheriff’s office, 41-year-old Nathan Lee Sturgill of Hueysville was reported after a resident’s internet went out and they saw cable hanging from the back of his truck. Sheriff John Hunt later spotted Sturgill on Ky. 777 and tried to pull him over, but investigators say Sturgill took off, leading a pursuit onto Ky. 80 that reached speeds of more than 110 miles per hour. Sturgill was eventually arrested and now faces felony charges in Floyd County.

 

Pike County, Ky – A Pike County man charged with threatening Pike Judge-Executive Ray S. Jones II has asked to be rearraigned in federal court, a step that usually signals a plan to change a not-guilty plea to guilty. Court records show 48-year-old Ronald Ferguson of Marrowbone Creek Road in Elkhorn City is charged with making an interstate threat to injure, a felony that carries up to five years in prison. Prosecutors say Ferguson posted a series of threats on Facebook back in February, including statements that he would hunt Jones down and suggestions of carrying out an attack at the courthouse. A proposed plea agreement was filed on Dec. 5, but a rearraignment date had not been set as of press time.