Pikeville, Ky – A Martin County man is facing charges after police say he stole a car from Pikeville Medical Center while trying to visit his ex-girlfriend and their newborn. Pikeville Police say the call came in around 9 a.m. on January 2, when the owner reported their vehicle missing from the hospital parking lot. An arrest warrant states Christopher Mollette was at the hospital to see his ex-girlfriend, who had just given birth, but was not allowed in because of visiting hours and waited in her vehicle to stay warm. Investigators say he then drove off in the car without permission and did not return it. Police say Mollette was later found driving the vehicle near the Budget Inn in Paintsville and taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

 

Morgan County, Ky – An inmate at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in West Liberty has died following an assault inside the prison. Kentucky State Police say 49-year-old Marcus Gray of Corbin was found unresponsive in his cell by correctional officers on Sunday and was flown to the University of Kentucky Hospital, where he later died. Investigators say Gray was assaulted by 32-year-old John Thomas of Boone County. No charges have been filed at this time, but the case will be presented to the Morgan County Grand Jury.

 

Paintsville, Ky – A Paintsville man is facing multiple felony charges after a storage unit burglary in Johnson County. Tyler Rose, 41, of Flat Gap, and William Thomas Tomblin, 50, of Lexington, were arrested January 1 on burglary, criminal mischief, stolen property, and meth possession charges. The next day, troopers arrested 50‑year‑old Terry Burchett of Stambaugh. Investigators say most of the stolen tools and equipment taken from Action Storage in Hager Hill were recovered. Police are still searching for a 4th suspect.

 

Louisa, Ky – Addiction Recovery Care says a planned sale to a Florida company is no longer moving forward and it will continue operating independently. In a Dec. 31 statement, the Louisa-based addiction treatment provider said both sides decided not to pursue a previously announced partnership with Ethema Health Corporation of Palm Beach, Florida. ARC, once among Kentucky’s fastest‑growing providers, has recently closed facilities, laid off staff and faces an ongoing FBI investigation into possible health care fraud and insurer reimbursement cuts.