Pike County, Ky – A Pike County grand jury has indicted a Pike County man on multiple felonies after investigators say he trapped three people inside a burning trailer last spring. Fifty-year-old Marty Hurley of Stopover is charged with first-degree arson, three counts of attempted murder, and three counts of kidnapping, with the arson count carrying a possible sentence of 20 years to life in prison and the others each punishable by 10 to 20 years. Because more than 60 days elapsed before he was indicted, Hurley was released from jail in October, and prosecutors are now seeking a new warrant for his arrest.

Pikeville, Ky – Pikeville Police say two men used a shoplifting-and-return scheme to steal nearly $1,360 from the Lowe’s on Cassady Boulevard. Officers Amanda Moore and Justin Mullins responded to a shoplifting complaint there on January 21 and identified the suspects as 43-year-old Jason Howell of Harold and 28-year-old Brandon Music of Nippa. Investigators say the men took items off the shelves, passed all points of sale without paying, then went to the return desk for refunds on three separate occasions. Both were jailed on theft charges.

Frankfort, Ky – Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of a severe winter storm that will impact much of Kentucky, bringing heavy snow, sleet, ice and arctic temperatures, with dangerous roads and possible power outages. State resources, including Kentucky Emergency Management and the Kentucky National Guard, are being activated, and the state’s Emergency Operations Center will be at Level 3 starting at 7 a.m. Saturday. Kentuckians are urged to finish errands before the storm, avoid travel during hazardous conditions, watch for price gouging, and check GoKY.ky.gov for road conditions.

Letcher County, Ky – A Letcher County deputy jailer has been arrested after police say he tried to bring contraband into the jail. According to an arrest citation, Austin Mullins was stopped by Whitesburg Police on Main Street while driving a blue Toyota, even though his license was suspended from a prior DUI. Investigators say they had been looking into reports that Mullins was helping introduce unauthorized items into the Letcher County Jail. After reviewing videos and recorded jail phone calls, police say Mullins promoted contraband in the form of nicotine pouches and conspired with others to get items into the facility. He is charged with driving on a DUI‑suspended license, first offense, and promoting contraband in the second degree.