Martin County, Ky – A former guard at the Martin County federal prison has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to abuse inmates. Sixty‑year‑old Terry Melvin pleaded guilty in January 2025 to conspiracy against rights and deprivation of civil rights. On Thursday, he was sentenced to four years in prison for his actions as a lieutenant at U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy. Prosecutors say Melvin and other staff conspired to assault inmates who requested protective custody, then filed false reports to cover it up.
Phelps, Ky – A Pike County woman wanted on nine warrants is facing new fentanyl trafficking charges after being arrested at a Phelps convenience store. Troopers say they spotted 28‑year‑old Shirley McClanahan at the double kwik at Ky. 194 and Ky. 632 on April 2 and recognized her from prior encounters. During her arrest, police say a search of her backpack turned up drug paraphernalia, less than a gram of suspected meth, and about five grams of a white powder she allegedly identified as fentanyl, packaged for sale. She was booked into the Pike County Detention Center.
Inez, Ky – A Martin County woman has been indicted on meth and Buprenorphine trafficking charges. Thirty‑six‑year‑old Brandi Moore of Inez is charged with first‑degree trafficking in a controlled substance, over 2 grams of methamphetamine, and second‑degree trafficking in a controlled substance, less than 20 dosage units, both counts as complicity. The indictment alleges Moore acted alone or with Larry Horn when police found more than 71 grams of meth, cash, baggies, scales, and 10 Buprenorphine strips on February 12. Her bond was set at 10‑thousand dollars.
Frankfort, Ky – Two public meetings this week will give Magoffin and Johnson County residents a first look at a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet project to improve safety and traffic flow along US 460 between Salyersville and Paintsville. The 14‑mile corridor has higher‑than‑average crash rates, and KYTC plans to add passing and turning lanes using a 2+1 design to reduce crashes without widening the road. The first open‑house meeting is Tuesday, April 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Johnson Central High School in Paintsville, with a second on Thursday, April 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Magoffin County High School in Salyersville.