Archive for the 'Madison County' Category

Police: Madison inmate plotted to kill bailiff

- aclark@herald-leader.com

RICHMOND — Police say a jail inmate plotted to kill the Madison County bailiff who escorted him to court Wednesday, but his plan was thwarted by a gun malfunction.

Steven Chaney

Steven Chaney

Sgt. Scotty Anderson of the Madison County Sheriff’s Department said Steven Chaney took Bailiff Daniel Futia’s gun about noon while the deputy unlocked the van to escort Chaney and three other inmates back to the Madison County jail after their hearings in district court. Chaney tried to shoot Futia twice, but the Glock didn’t fire, Anderson said.

Officers who heard a commotion from inside the courthouse on Main Street apprehended Chaney as he tried to run off, Anderson said.

Chaney, 20, has been charged with disarming a police officer, second-degree escape and first-degree wanton endangerment.

“Everything played out in our favor yesterday,” Anderson said.

Chaney was in district court Wednesday to address charges that he robbed a Shell gas station in Waco. During court proceedings, Chaney told Futia that he had diarrhea and needed to be taken to the bathroom twice. Anderson said Chaney used his two bathroom breaks to evaluate where Futia kept his gun on his holster.

When Futia took the inmates outside, Chaney “saw an opportunity and took advantage of that bailiff,” Anderson said.
Futia took the three other inmates to the other side of the van when he realized that Chaney had his gun. The deputy also drew his Taser before Chaney ran off.

It is typical for a bailiff to have four inmates in his or her care, Anderson said.

“That’s not a huge number,” he said.

Chaney was returned to the Madison County jail. He cannot get out on bond because he violated his parole.

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Police: Man fatally stabbed wife’s dog after argument

- aclark@herald-leader.com

RICHMOND — Police said a Richmond man fatally stabbed his wife’s dog after an argument over money.

Samuel A. Voorhees, 39, faces charges of first-degree cruelty to animals for the alleged stabbing and second-degree assault for the argument with his wife, which police said became violent.

On Feb. 5 at 9 p.m., officers were called to the 400 block of Big Hill Avenue, according to Richmond police.

Police said Voorhees hit his wife, who has not been identified, with a large wooden lamp. She suffered a broken arm. Police said Voorhees also destroyed a large-screen television set before he fled.

Officers arrested Voorhees about 5:30 p.m. the next day at an apartment near his home.

Shortly after his arrest, Voorhees’ wife told police that she found her 11/2-year-old Pekingese and poodle mix stabbed to death behind a chair. Officers found a knife they said was linked to Voorhees.

Voorhees’ father-in-law also told police that Voorhees had sold the father-in-law’s lawn mower and tiller at a local pawn shop.

Voorhees also is charged with theft by unlawful taking more than $300 and violation of a domestic violence order. He was being held at Madison County jail on a $12,500 cash bond.

Ashlee Clark covers Madison County for the Herald-Leader. Reach her at (859) 626-5878.

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Two injured in Richmond shooting

- aclark@herald-leader.com

RICHMOND — Police were searching Monday for suspects and a motive behind a nightclub shooting in which two Lexington men were injured.

Richmond police responded to a call of a disturbance about 1 a.m. Sunday at Planet X nightclub at 122 East Main Street but did not locate a problem, police spokesman Willard Reardon said.

A few minutes later, multiple gunshots were fired as patrons began leaving the club, Reardon said. Two unidentified people — an 18-year-old male and a 19-year-old male, both from Lexington — were shot and taken to Pattie A. Clay Hospital. One man was shot in the leg and the other was shot in the arm. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening, police said. They were then taken to University of Kentucky Hospital.

Witnesses told police the shots were fired from a vehicle that left the scene.

Police do not know whether a fight started inside the club or on the street, Reardon said.

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Berea man charged with murder in fatal traffic crash

- aclark@herald-leader.com

A Berea man who survived a fatal traffic accident last month has been charged with murder for his role in the crash.

Berea police had initially charged Elmer R. French, 70, with second-degree driving under the influence after a Dec. 3 accident near the intersection of Scaffold Cane Road and Logston Lane. Police say French’s Dodge pickup truck crossed the center line and hit a Toyota Camry head-on. The driver of the Camry, Jason C. Isaacs, 35, was taken to St. Joseph Berea Hospital , and then to the University of Kentucky Hospital, where he died from blunt force injuries.

French was cited at the time of the accident. He was taken to St. Joseph Berea, but was later transferred to UK hospital for severe, non-life-threatening injuries, said Berea Police Capt. Ken Clark.

Investigators added the murder charge after talking with prosecutors, he said.

Vehicular homicide defendants can face at least three charges, which have wide-ranging penalties: reckless homicide, 1-5 years; second-degree manslaughter, 5-10 years; and wanton murder, 20 years to life.

When asked about the decision to charge French with murder, Clark cited Kentucky Revised Statutes, which states that a person can be found guilty of murder if they operated a motor vehicle under extreme indifference to human life and caused the death of another person.

Clark said French’s blood alcohol concentration was at least twice the legal limit, but declined to say what the exact concentration was.

French surrendered to police at the Madison County jail in Richmond 12:30 p.m. Friday. French was released from the jail after posting a $100,000 bond.

Herald-Leader reporter Ross Jacobson contributed to this story.

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Richmond Crimes of the Day

The following crimes and arrests were reported to the Richmond Police Department between Jan. 7 and Jan. 8, according to the department:

Theft of Vehicle: On 01/07/2009, a patron of Clark Shell on the Eastern Bypass reported the theft of prescription medication from her vehicle while she was inside the business. The victim stated that she left her prescription for Xanax on the passenger seat of the unlocked vehicle while she went inside the business. The prescription contained 28 pills and was still in the pharmacy bag.

Theft of Credit Cards: On 01/07/2009, an official of the First Presbyterian Church on West Main Street reported the theft of four charge/credit cards from the office. The cards were from Walmart, OfficeMax, BP and Kroger. There was no evidence the cards had been used since the theft.

Theft of Drugs: On 01/07/2009, a resident of Hines Motel reported the theft of a gold “pinky ring” and a prescription drugs from his room. The victim stated that approximately 40 hydrocodone pills had been stolen. There were no signs of forced entry into the room. Estimated loss: $325.00

Vehicle Shot: On 01/07/2009, the operator of a handicapped van owned by P Cab Company of Berea reported a gun shot penetrated his vehicle while he was parked on Commercial Drive near Richmond Active Day Care Center. The operator of the vehicle was sitting in the vehicle waiting to pick up riders when he heard a shattering sound. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the operator found a bullet hole through two rear windows. The round had apparently passed cleanly through the vehicle from one side to the other. Officers checked the surrounding areas but were unable to locate any suspects. The operator did not hear a gunshot.

Theft of Bicycle: On 01/07/2009, a resident in the 1100 block of West Main Street reported the theft of a bicycle from her garage. The victim described the bike as a Smoothie10-speed, blue in color, with a large seat. Estimated loss: $400.00

Theft from Vehicle: On 01/08/2009, a patron of Outback Steakhouse reported the theft of a tool kit from the bed of his pickup truck while it was parked at the establishment. The victim reported noticing that his bed-mounted tool box was slightly ajar when he returned to his vehicle. Upon inspection, he found the tool kit missing. The kit was described as a Craftsman Mechanics kit in a hard plastic Craftsman case. Estimated loss: $150.00

Burglary: On 01/08/2009, a resident of the Hines Motel reported a number of items stolen from his room. The victim stated that he believed his room had been entered on at least three prior occasions, none of which were reported to police. The victim reported a gold colored men’s watch, a women’s watch, two gold cross earrings, a knife and $50.00 in cash were stolen in the burglaries. There were no signs of forced entry to the room.

Estimated loss: $300.00

Theft from Vehicle: On 01/08/2009, a resident of an apartment in the 100 block of Meadowlark Drive reported the theft of 20 CD’s from her unlocked vehicle while it was parked during the overnight hours. Estimated loss: $100.00

Burglary of Business: On 01/08/2009, the Richmond Regional Oncology Center reported that someone had unlawfully entered the business between 01/06 and 01/08/2009 and stolen a red Nikon Coolpix camera. There were no signs of forced entry. Estimated loss: $200.00

Theft from Vehicle: On 01/08/2009, a resident in the 100 block of Robbins Drive reported a theft from his unlocked vehicle while it was parked during the overnight hours. The victim reported that a pair of Nike Lebron James basketball shoes were stolen along with a Nike backpack, two bottles of cologne and 20 CD’s. Estimated loss: $435.00

Theft from Vehicle: On 01/08/2009, a resident of an apartment in the 100 block of S. Killarney Lane reported the theft of a number of items from her unlocked vehicle while it was parked during the overnight hours. The victim reported that a brown Coach purse, 40 CD’s, some baking pans and a bottle of perfume had been stolen from the vehicle. Estimated loss: $296.00

Arrests: The following arrests/citations occurred on 01/08/2009:

Holly A. VanZandt, age 42, Ashley Court, Berea, was charged for DUI, Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd Degree and Illegal Possession of a Legend Drug after an incident on Duncannon Lane wherein VanZandt forced another vehicle to stop. A complainant reported that VanZandt had nearly struck her vehicle several times and finally forced the complainant to pull to the side of the road where VanZandt blocked her in, thus preventing the complainant from leaving. Officers suspected VanZandt of being under the influence of an intoxicant and arrested her. A Levoxyl pill was found in her purse with no indication of a prescription.

Jason L. Murrell-Deaton, age 26, Lancaster, KY, was charged for Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree after he was found in possession of a prescription bottle of pills not belonging to him. The discovery was made when officers wee called to the Walmart parking lot to investigate suspicious activity involving Murrell-Deaton and another party.

Jerry L. McGee, age 37, Dixie Plaza, Richmond, was charged for Assault 4th Degree (Domestic Violence) after he allegedly twisted the arm of his 79-year –old father, causing minor injury, during an argument at the residence they share.

Steven A. Carl, age 40, Lowery Heights, Richmond, was charged for Possession of Marijuana and Tampering with Evidence after a traffic stop on N. Madison Avenue. After being stopped, Carl attempted to destroy marijuana in his possession by eating it.

Michelle D. Kelley, age 23, Keeneland Drive, Richmond, was charged for Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree following a traffic stop on Turpin Drive. Kelley was found to be operating the vehicle without a license and was arrested. A search of her vehicle produced a number of Schedule V controlled substances in an unmarked bottle.

Contact: Sergeant Willard Reardon

Richmond Police Department

859-623-1162 ext 3041

859-661-2659 cell

wreardon@richmond.ky.us

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Madison middle school volunteer facing sex charge

RICHMOND — An AmeriCorps volunteer employed at Madison Middle School was arrested Monday for allegedly sending explicit text messages to a 13-year-old student.

Brandon Clay Rousey, 23, is accused of exchanging sexually explicit text messages with a student at Madison Middle School. He is being held at the Madison County jail on a $5,000 cash bond.

According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Brandon Clay Rousey of Richmond sent more than 100 text messages to the student, asking for sexual favors.

Two sets of parents contacted the Madison County Sheriff’s Department Sunday about communication between Rousey and their daughters, both 13 years old.

Deputies brought Rousey in Monday for questioning, and he confessed to sending explicit text messages to one of the teens, Madison County Sheriff Nelson O’Donnell said.

Rousey, 23, was arrested Monday afternoon, charged with unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities. He is being held at the Madison County jail on a $5,000 cash bond.

Rousey began to send messages at the end of October, O’Donnell said. Phone records show that Rousey sent some messages during school hours, O’Donnell said.

The student involved sent text messages to Rousey, but it is unclear who initiated the correspondence, O’Donnell said.

During interrogation, O’Donnell said, he asked Rousey why he didn’t tell the student to stop sending him messages or inform an administrator.

“He just thought it was one of those things that would quit,” O’Donnell said.

The Madison County school system is conducting its own investigation.

“While Madison County Schools cannot comment on confidential student and staff information, I would like to be clear that the safety and well-being of each of our students is a paramount responsibility that we take very seriously,” Superintendent Tommy Floyd said in a statement.

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Berea man, 82, accused of trading pills for sex

By Ashlee Clark
aclark@herald-leader.com

BEREA — An 82-year-old man is accused of trading Oxycontin for sexual favors from two women.

Archie Anglin was arrested Oct. 21 on charges of trafficking in a controlled substance. He was also charged with possession of a controlled substance after Berea Police Det. Lee Ann Roberts discovered what appeared to be 11 hydrocodone tablets and eight alprazolam pills, the generic form of Xanax, in an aspirin bottle when she served Anglin with a warrant, the arrest report states.

Anglin was taken to Madison County jail and released Thursday on a $10,000 property bond. He is scheduled to appear in Madison County District Court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing.

Berea police began to investigate Anglin after he made several calls to police regarding stolen property. There were often young women who were not related to Anglin at his home when officers responded to his home on Highway 1016, said Berea Police Capt. Ken Clark.

Officers initially investigated because of concern that the young people were taking advantage of Anglin because of his age, Clark said. During the investigation, two women told police they had performed sexual favors for Anglin in exchange for Oxycontin.

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Police investigate Madison County shooting death

Central Kentucky Bureau

Kentucky State Police are investigating the death of a man from a gunshot wound Sunday night.

Shortly before 7 p.m. Sunday, troopers responded to a disturbance where shots were fired on Charlie Norris Road in eastern Madison County.

Upon their arrival, the troopers found one man dead, a state police release said. State police have not released the victim’s name, but an autopsy was to be conducted Monday in Frankfort.

Detectives Brian Reeder and Bill Collins are conducting the death investigation.

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Police: Woman exposed unborn son to drugs

By Ashlee Clark
aclark@herald-leader.com

RICHMOND — A Richmond woman was arrested Tuesday for exposing her unborn son to cocaine and marijuana.

Vickie S. Cornett, 35, was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree wanton endangerment.

Cornett was arrested more than a week after Richmond police began to investigate her.

On Oct. 14, Madison County Social Services informed investigators that Cornett had given birth on Sept. 16 to a boy who exhibited symptoms of drug withdrawal, police say.

Tests performed after the boy was born at Pattie A. Clay Hospital in Richmond revealed cocaine and marijuana in his system.

Cornett is being held in the Madison County jail on a $7,500 cash bond.

Ashlee Clark covers Madison County for the Herald-Leader. Reach her at (859) 626-5878.

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