Sheriff Bobby Jones reports that the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting that occurred at a residence on Normandy Lane in Pulaski County.

Sheriff Jones stated that Natosha Robinson, age 44, was dropped off at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was dropped off by an unknown male. Ms. Robinson was later transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.

Upon the initial investigation by the Somerset Police Department, it was believed that the victim had been shot at the residence on Normandy Lane. The residence was secured, and a search warrant was served on the home. Evidence located at the scene indicated the shooting took place at the residence.

The suspect is Sonny Lee Powell, age 48 from Normandy Lane, Somerset, Kentucky. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office has obtained an arrest warrant for Powell’s arrest. His location is not known at this time. He is described as a white male, 5’10”, weight is approximately 150. Powell has blue eyes and brown hair.

He was last seen driving a Black, 1997 Jeep Cherokee, KY License Plate # 979-PYW.

The victim and the accused have the same address but the relationship between the two individuals is unknown at this time.

The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Somerset Police Department, the Kentucky State Police, the Somerset/Pulaski County Emergency Medical Services, the Somerset Fire Department, and Pulaski County Animal Control.

This case is still under investigation by Detective Joey Johnson with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. Any information that you may have, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 606-678-5145. You can remain anonymous.

Sheriff Bobby Jones stated that if you have any information, you can also call our anonymous tip line at 606-679-8477. If you go to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office website at http://www.pulaskisheriff.com/tip.php, it gives you three options to submit anonymous tips.

Pulaski Fiscal Court met in regular session this week.

Jeff Henderson reports from Somerset...

UPDATE: The Washington County Grand Jury has returned an indictment for James Dalton Jeffries and Savannah Brooke Turner, both of Springfield, for this investigation.  The charges are the following:

• Murder
• Criminal Abuse 1st Degree - Child 12 or Under
• Wanton Endangerment - 1st Degree
• Trafficking Controlled Substance - 1st Degree - (Methamphetamine)
• Drug Paraphernalia - Buy/Possess

Both individuals have been arrested and lodged in the Marion County Detention Center.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ky. (November 14, 2022) – On November 13, 2022, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 received a call from the Marion County 911 Center in reference to a 1 month old child that had arrived at Spring View Hospital emergency room in Lebanon.

The child arrived at the hospital with signs of possible physical abuse and was being treated for life-threatening injuries. The child was later transported via medical helicopter to Norton’s Children’s Hospital in Louisville. 

A KSP trooper responded to Spring View Hospital and launched an investigation. As a result of medical examinations and interviews completed during the investigation, James Dalton Jeffries, age 25 of Springfield, was arrested and is being charged with the following charges:

• Criminal Abuse 1st Degree – Child 12 or Under
• Assault 1st Degree
• Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree
• Assault 4th Degree (Domestic Violence)
• Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Methamphetamine)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Mr. Jeffries was lodged at the Marion County Detention Center. The investigation is being conducted and is ongoing by Trooper James Ford.

A single vehicle accident Friday evening resulted in the arrest of a Casey County man.

Deputy Jake Atwood, with CCSO, responded to the call shortly after 8pm Friday, about seven miles NW of Liberty on KY 1547. The caller told dispatch the vehicle was swerving prior to the wreck.

Upon arrival, the Deputy found a 2003 Dodge Neon in the front yard of a residence, where it had hit a tree. The driver, 51 year old Juan M. Rosario, of 1303 Caney Fork Rd, Liberty, was standing outside the car & refused medical treatment. He stated that he had been blinded by another vehicle's headlights and ran off the road.

Deputy Atwood noticed the smell of alcohol coming from Rosario, who admitted to drinking 3-4 beers about 30 minutes prior to the crash.

Rosario failed field sobriety tests and was taken to Casey Hospital for a blood test. He was charged with DUI, and No OL's, and lodged in the Casey County Jail.
 

A Casey County woman arrested on drug charges Saturday.

Deputy Hannah Lynn, with Casey County Sheriff's Office, responded to a complaint at a residence, about seven miles South of Liberty on Riffe Creek Rd. Upon arrival, she made contact with 30 year old Brandy Emerson, of 642 Riffe Creek Rd., Liberty.

Deputy Lynn noticed an odor of Marijuana coming from Emerson's vehicle that was parked in the driveway of the residence. Emerson stated she had Marijuana inside the vehicle, and recovered two packs of rolling papers along with the pot.

She was charged with Possession of Marijuana & Drug Paraphernalia, and transported to the Casey County Jail.
 

***UPDATE*** (January 19, 2023) The Kentucky State Police Post 11 London has positively identified the victim in this investigation and the next of kin has been notified. The victim has been identified as Rachel Louise Carder, 53 years old of Huntington, WV. This case remains under investigation By Post 11 London Detective Ryan Loudermilk.

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A woman’s body was found inside a car in Laurel County after a multi-county pursuit Wednesday morning.

Trooper Scotty Pennington is the Public Affairs Officer at the London State Police Post, he says the chase started in Madison County...
 

All of the troopers involved are okay.

The suspect has been identified as 54-year-old David Reed of St. Petersburg FL.  He is charged with murder-domestic violence, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse, fleeing or evading police, criminal mischief, wanton endangerment, careless driving, resisting arrest, and having no operator’s license.

Southbound I-75 was shut down for several hours in Laurel County as authorities investigated.
All lanes were reopened around 3pm Wednesday.
 

Liberty Mayor Sam Hadad, Casey County School Superintendent Barry Lee and other local officials, business owners, and citizens joined Senator Brandon Storm, and State Representative Daniel Elliott for a Legistlative Coffee session in Liberty Friday morning...
 

One of the main topics of discussion was the effects of medical marijuana, vapes, and nicotine is having on youth in our community.
 

One person compared the possible repercussions to the devastation of Oxycontin...
 

Many also raised concerns over vape & nicotine products that are being sold at nearly every gas station in our community, without enough regulation or concequence for selling to minors.

New Year, New Truck: Kentucky State Police announce their 2023 Trooper Island Raffle Vehicle.

Trooper Jonathon Houk is with KSP Post 15 in Columbia ...

Proceeds from ticket sales support the Trooper Island Camp for underprivileged children. You can purchase tickets at any State Police Post, or on-line at https://kentuckystatepolice.org/

Former state Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles was in Liberty last night promoting his campaign run for the Governor of Kentucky.

Quarles spoke to about 75 people last night and said he is depending on rural Kentucky to bring back conservative values to the governor’s office.

The Casey County Fiscal Court met in regular session Monday.

The Lincoln County animal shelter recently informed Judge Executive Randy Dial‘s office that they would no longer accept animals from Casey County. A group of citizens addressed the court concerning the new Animal Control Officer and the county's policy on strays...

The Fiscal Court received one bid on a surplus Chevy Tahoe cruiser from the Casey County Sheriff Department. That bid was received from the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office for $25,000. The bid was approved and accepted.

The Magistrates voted to approve the hiring of Cathy Carman to fill an upcoming vacancy in the judges office.

Also under General business, magistrates voted to authorize Judge Dial to seek bids for repairs to the rear add-on area of the old courthouse, and also new landscaping.

They also approved Judge Dial to apply for a yearly EMS pass through Grant in the amount of $10,000.

Under Road business magistrates approve the hiring of Zack Carman to the road department.

Under Jail Business, Judge Dial says Advanced Medical will renew their contract for healthcare at the jail, and also suggested some cost cutting procedures.

Also under jail business Casey County will begin a contract with Lincoln County to house prisoners at a rate of $35.34 per day. The magistrates also authorized Judge Dial to seek bids for roof repairs to the jail as well as repairing damage from frozen waterlines at the women’s work camp.

The court went into executive session for about 10 minutes to discuss employees with no action taken.

Under miscellaneous business the magistrates voted to approve installing fencing around the 911 communications tower.

Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle gave his departments monthly activity report for the month of December, and the yearly report for 2022...

Our new county jailer, Mike Woodrum, was also on hand to give the monthly report...

Judge Dial also asked for authorization to renegotiate the inmate rate with Madison County, which the magistrates approved.

The Casey County Fiscal Court met in a special called session Friday morning.

The County Clerk's Budget for 2023 was approved.

County Clerk, Casey Davis addressed the Fiscal Court about staffing concerns...
 

No action was taken, however, Judge Executive Randy Dial said the court would re-visit the issue at Monday's regular meeting.

Under Road Business, Judge Dial presented estimates for repairs to Fishing Creek Road...
 

Magistrates voted to give Judge Dial permission to advertise for bids for the project, and to seek funding assistance.

The next regular meeting of the Casey County Fiscal Court will be Monday at 5pm at the Judicial Center, downtown Liberty.

That meeting is open to the public.
 

Casey County Judge Executive Randy Dial officially proclaimed the month of January as School Board Recognition Month at last night's meeting of the Casey County Board of Education.

Superintendent, Barry Lee...
 

Liberty City Council held their first meeting of the new year last night and the first meeting for new mayor Dr. Sam Hadad...
 

Mayor Hadad opened the meeting expressing his hopes to improve and unite the city with new transparency from City Hall. He said he hopes to repair what he calls a disconnect between citizens, City Hall, and local business owners.

Department heads for Water/Sewer, Police/Fire were on hand to give updates from each department...
 

Liberty Police Chief Steven Garrett…
 

Chief Garrett said Liberty Police will soon begin issuing citations for city sticker violations. Anyone who lives or works in the city limit are required to purchase a $40 city sticker, which is available at city hall.

Fire Chief Roger Martin reminded the council that they are four years away from the 20 year mark, when they normally purchase a new fire truck to maintain the city's currrent insurance rating. He estimated cost is between $700K and $750,000.

The council went into executive session for about 10 minutes to discuss litigation there was no action taken.

The next regular meeting of the Liberty City Council is scheduled for Feb. 13th.

Police say a Liberty man was arrested for allegedly breaking into the home of his Grandmother and assaulting her.

Deputies with the Casey County Sheriff's Office responded to the call shortly before 11pm Sunday night, at 3284 Woods Creek Road. Upon arrival, Deputy Brandon Smith observed Josh Roy open the front door. He then closed it and went to the back door, where Deputy Jake Atwood, and Liberty Police Officer Hunter Christian were waiting.

Roy refused to comply with commands to put his hands behind his back. A scuffle ensued and a taser was used to get him under control. Roy continued to resist as officers escorted him to their vehicle.

The victim stated that Roy was kicking in the door, then entered the residence through a kitchen window. He then grabbed her by the arm and began yelling at her. While officers were on their way, dispatch advised they could hear the grandmother being assaulted.

41 year old Joshua Trent Roy, was transported to the Casey County Hospital to be medically cleared, then lodged in the Casey County Jail on charges of Burglary-2nd Degree, Assault-4th Degree (Domestic Violence), & Resisting Arrest.

Deputies respond to the call of "Shots Fired" at a local pool hall over the weekend.

Deputy Jake Atwood responded to the call shortly after 10pm Sunday night at Big O pool room. The caller stated that 24 year old Jordan S. Wilkinson, of 307 Rogers Rd., Liberty, had fired shots into the air and then fled north on 127 in a blue Ford Truck. Deputy Atwood met the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.

Wilkinson stated he was told to leave the pool room and was followed by four men, so he fired a pistol in the air in fear of being jumped.

The victim reported Wilkinson was asked to leave because he had allegedly pulled a gun on the co-owner's son the week prior. He stated Wilkinson had went outside, then became aggressive and attempted to come back in. That's when he pulled a pistol and began beating on the door after everyone had ran back inside.

Wilkinson was placed under arrest and while searching the vehicle for the firearm, the Deputies located digital scales with suspected meth residue, a glass container with marijuana, & a bottle of suboxone pills with the label removed. Wilkinson told the Deputies he had given the pistol to a friend, but refused to give a name.

Wilkinson is charged with Wanton Endangerment-1st Degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Trafficking Marijuana (under 8 oz.), Possession of Controlled Substance-2nd Degree, & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

He was lodged in the Casey County Jail.

Deputy Brandon Smith assisted.
 

Jeff Henderson reports on a deadly crash over the weekend in Pulaski County...
 

Somerset Police were involved in a dangerous pursuit over the weekend.
Jeff Henderson has more...
 

Sheriff Bobby Jones reports on Thursday January 5, 2023, a Pulaski County woman was
arrested following an incident that occurred at a local business.

The incident began when Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputy David Campbell was
dispatched to a terroristic threatening complaint at Eye Health of Somerset, on Parker’s Mill
Way. The original call stated there was a female inside of the business threatening a doctor.

Sheriff Bobby Jones, who was responding to the scene, observed a female and vehicle
matching the description in an area close to the business. Sheriff Jones conducted a traffic stop of
the vehicle and approached the driver, later identified as Love Phelps, age 48, of Somerset.

Sheriff Jones ask Phelps if she was armed with a weapon and Phelps showed Sheriff Jones the
pistol and refused to turn it over. Sheriff Jones was able to remove the weapon from Phelps and
place her into custody.

The Major Crimes Task Force responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

Upon investigation, Detectives discovered an employee of the business heard a female beating
on the front door of the business and an employee unlocked the door. Phelps then pushed her
way past the employee and began yelling at her.

Phelps then went to the receptionist desk and began demanding to speak with the doctor.
The doctor came out to meet with Phelps. Phelps became irate, threatening to kill the doctor, and
trying to convince the doctor to go into a separate room with her. Phelps was asked to leave the
property on several occasions.

Phelps refused to leave the property and pulled her jacket back, exposing a pistol she had
in a holster. Phelps removed her pistol from the holster and pointed the weapon in the direction
of individuals in the business. Individuals fled the building in fear. Phelps was observed in the
parking lot leaving the vehicle and entering into a black van. Phelps was stopped by Sheriff
Jones a short time later.

During the course of the investigation, Investigators discovered the van which Phelps was
observed operating was stolen from a local funeral home. It was also discovered Phelps had a
suspended operator’s license.

Phelps was arrested on the scene and charged with the following:

1. Murder (Attempt)
2. Wanton Endangerment – 1 st degree
3. Burglary 1 st Degree
4. Receiving Stolen Property $1,000 < $10,000
5. Terroristic Threatening, 3 rd Degree
6. Menacing
7. Operating on Suspended or Revoked Operator’s License
8. Resisting Arrest

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on the scene by the Major Crimes Task
Force, Burnside Police Department, and Somerset Police Department.

The case remains under investigation by Detective Ryan Jones.

• Lesia Gadberry Luttrell, 53 of Windsor: possession of controlled substance first-degree-methamphetamine; DUI-aggravated circumstance; & driving on a suspended or revoked operator’s license.
• Haley Jones, 18 of Liberty: possession of controlled substance-first-degree methamphetamine; & endangering the welfare of a minor.
• William E Salyers, 33 of Liberty: possession of controlled substance 1st degree-2nd offense-methamphetamine.
• David R Lynn, 39 of Liberty: possession of controlled substance-first degree third or subsequent offense-methamphetamine; & possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Roy Hershal Wooley III, 23 of Liberty: possession of a handgun by a convicted felon; possession of controlled substance 1st degree-2nd offense methamphetamine; & possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Jamie L Sharp, 34 of Liberty: burglary-3rd degree; persistent feeling offender 1st degree; theft by unlawful taking over $500; & possession of controlled substance 1st degree-methamphetamine.
• Mandy Mae Allen, 20 of Yosemite: possession of controlled substance first- degree-methamphetamine; possession of controlled substance 2nd/3rd degree; possession of drug paraphernalia; & DUI-controlled substance.
• Ronald James Sharp, 46 of Liberty: possession of controlled substance 1st degree-2nd offense-methamphetamine; possession of controlled substance 2nd-degree; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of marijuana; & prescription controlled substance not in a proper container.
• Trevor a Huguenard 31 of Liberty: possession of controlled substance first-degree-methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia; & assault 4th degree-domestic violence-minor injury;
• Brent Junior Grimsley, 41 of Liberty; possession of controlled substance 1st degree-2nd offense-methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia; & possession of controlled substance-2nd degree.
• James Clifford Blair Junior, 54 of Liberty: DUI-4th or subsequent offense-aggravated circumstance.
• Tabatha L Baker, 53 of Eubank: fleeing or evading police first-degree; NUMEROUS counts of wanton endangerment-police officer-first-degree; & persistent felony offender-second-degree; possession of controlled substance first-degree-methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia; DUI-substance-second offense-aggravating circumstance; driving on a suspended or revoked operator’s license; reckless driving; speeding 26 mph or more over the limit; failure to or improper turn signal; disregarding a stop sign; resisting arrest.
• Gerald lee Ashbrook, 33 of Campbellsville: possession of a handgun by a convicted felon; & receiving stolen property firearm.

We remind our listeners, an indictment is only a legal accusation, not an indicator of guilt.

A Casey County man was arrested  in the early morning hours Monday, after allegedly forcing his way into a residence.

Deputy Atwood, with Casey County Sheriff's Office, responded to a call at Liberty Manor, Apt. 18, in reference to a man yelling and the female resident wanted him removed. Upon arrival, the resident reported the man had left. Shortly after 1:30am, the Deputy responded to another call at the same location in reference to a physical domestic dispute.

The Officer noted the door had been kicked in, & foot prints on the door. The resident stated the man, identified as 35 year old Bryan S. Thomas, of 3919 KY 910, Liberty, had kicked in the door and began going through closets because he thought she had another boyfriend.

During this time, another call came into dispatch that Mr. Thomas was located at Apt. 49 and was stating that someone was chasing him.

Deputy Atwood found Thomas beating on a door on the top floor, & noted the odor of alcohol. Thomas stated he went to see his kids and kicked in the door when he was denied entry.

Thomas was placed under arrest and lodged in the Casey County Jail on charges of Public Intoxication-Controlled Substance, Criminal Mischief-2nd Degree, & Burglary-2nd Degree.

Pulaski County Fiscal Court held their first meeting of 2023 on Monday.

Jeff Henderson got a chance to speak with the newly elected Judge Executive before the meeting...
 

A Russell County woman was killed and another victim seriously injured in a two vehicle accident late Monday.

Russell County Coroner, Mark Coots, says one driver, 75 year old Wanda Wethington, of Russell Springs, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle, a male, whose name was not provided, was flown from the Russell County Airport to UK Medical Center in Lexington for treatment of serious injuries.

The accident happened just after 6pmCT, just north of the Fields Road intersection on US 127.

Kentucky State Police are investigating.

The Casey County Fiscal Court met in a special session this morning.

Casey County Judge Executive, Randy Dial, welcomed new and returning officials...
 

Under general business, magistrates voted to reappoint Judge Dial's office staff, Road employees, Emergency Management Director, County Attorney office staff, Ag Center staff, Deputy Coroner, & Jail employees, along with Mike Hale as Road Foreman, Steve Cravens Assistant Rd. Foreman, Eric Pruner as Animal Control Officer, and Mike Hale as Deputy County Judge Executive. David Vaughn was reappointed as FEMA Applicant Agent.

The court also set the Continuity of Government...
 

That resolution was approved.

The Fiscal Court has held two regular scheduled meetings per month for several years, however, one of those meetings was eliminated as of this morning...
 

The next regular meeting of the Casey County Fiscal Court is scheduled for Jan. 16th at 5pm.

A Casey County man died in a late-night house fire last week.

Firefighters responded to the call around 11pm Thursday night, to a home on Ridgecrest Drive near Liberty.

The coroner says the man who lives there, 78-year-old DeWayne Whited, was found dead.

Chief Troy Sanders, Poplar Springs Fire Dept...
 

Firefighters were on the scene until about 3 Friday morning.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Kentucky State Police Post 15 will be conducting periodic traffic safety checkpoints in the Post 15 area, which includes Green, Taylor, Marion, Washington, Russell, Casey, Adair, Metcalfe, Monroe, Clinton, and Cumberland counties. 

These checkpoints will be conducted as part of Post 15’s highway safety efforts. 

Troopers will be checking for violations of Kentucky traffic and regulatory laws relating to motor vehicle equipment safety, licensing of drivers, motor vehicle registration, and operation of motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants.

A complete list of traffic safety checkpoint locations can be found at the following link: http://kentuckystatepolice.org/post15checkpoints/