On September 4, 2023 Troopers with Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 in Columbia made an arrest in an ongoing investigation into the sexual abuse of a child in Taylor County. The investigation was initiated when KSP Troopers received a report of inappropriate text messages between a juvenile and an adult male.

During the investigation, Troopers discovered that Michael Gribbins, age 55 of Campbellsville, had engaged in exchanging inappropriate and explicit text messages and photographs with a juvenile. Troopers also discovered Mr. Gribbins had engaged in sexual contact with the same juvenile in Taylor County. These incidents occurred over the past year, making the victim 15 years old at the time of the incidents.

Michael Gribbins was arrested and charged with Unlawful Transaction with a Minor – 1st Degree – Illegal Sex Act – Victim Under 16, Rape 3rd Degree, Sodomy 3rd Degree, and Sexual Abuse 1st Degree.

Mr. Gribbins has been lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center and is currently being held without bond. The case is ongoing and being investigated by Detective Dexter Colvin.