PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — The judge over the Amber Spradlin murder trial has agreed with a request to release Michael McKinney from home incarceration, but he denied his request to end random drug testing.

Spradlin’s body was found June 18, 2023, at McKinney’s Arkansas Creek home. McKinney’s son, M.K. McKinney, has been charged with her murder, while both McKinneys and family friend Josh Mullins are charged with multiple counts of evidence tampering for allegedly trying to cover up the crime.

After Special Judge Eddy Coleman delayed the trial until January, Michael McKinney’s attorney, Terry Dean Jacobs, indicated he would ask for him to be released from home incarceration. That motion was filed May 21 and also included a request to end drug testing, saying it was disruptive to his business and left patients waiting for up to two hours whenever he was called to test.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner responded by saying he spoke with Spradlin’s family, and they agreed to the release, saying it would be better than allowing him to build up another eight months’ worth of jail credit at home against any potential prison sentence he might receive. Turner further said he would leave the matter of drug testing up to the judge’s discretion.

Friday afternoon, Judge Coleman agreed to lift home incarceration. However, the judge said all remaining conditions of Michael McKinney’s release, including random drug testing, would remain in place.

Mullins’ attorney, Whitney Danielle O’Neal, has also indicated she would ask for her client’s release from home incarceration, and attorneys for M.K. McKinney have said they would seek an unspecified modification of his release. However, no motions regarding those clients have yet been filed.

All three defendants are set to go to trial Jan. 11.

A copy of the judge’s order follows:

The post Judge agrees to release Michael McKinney from house arrest, leaves drug testing in place appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

PIKEVILLE — The City of Pikeville has entered into a preliminary agreement with a Lexington-based developer to explore the possibility of building a large-scale data center at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park.

City officials announced Friday that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MD Squared Power LLC on April 20, establishing a 120-day period for exclusive negotiations while both sides determine whether a final development agreement is feasible.

The city emphasized that the agreement does not transfer any land, commit either side to specific terms, or guarantee that the project will move forward. Once the 120-day period expires, either party can end negotiations without penalty.

According to the developer’s proposal, the project’s initial phase would represent more than $250 million in capital investment and could create more than 190 construction jobs and 40 permanent full-time positions with wages above the Pike County median household income. City officials say those projections will be independently reviewed before any final decision is made.

According to U.S. Census Bureau figures from 2024, the annual median household income for Pike County is $44,312.

MD Squared Power describes the proposed facility as an initial deployment of approximately 25 to 30 megawatts of computing capacity, with the potential to expand to between 75 and 100 megawatts if additional power becomes available.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, MD Squared Power was organized in 2024 as M&D 2526 Realty in 2024. It amended its articles of organization in Feburary to change the company’s name to MD Squared Power. It’s managing member and only listed officer is Ben DeVary.

Mayor Jimmy Carter said the city has a responsibility to carefully evaluate opportunities that could bring jobs and investment to the region while protecting taxpayers and public resources.

As part of its review, the Pikeville City Commission is seeking independent legal counsel and plans to commission economic and site analyses to evaluate whether a data center is the best use of the industrial park, which has been developed over more than a decade using local, state and federal investments.

The city says it is also examining potential impacts on utility rates, water usage, environmental concerns, tax revenues and future job creation commitments. Officials stressed that any final agreement would need enforceable provisions to ensure promised jobs and economic benefits are delivered.

City Manager Reggie Hickman said many of the questions being raised by residents about data centers are the same questions city officials are already evaluating as part of the review process.

The Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park is a 190-acre development owned by the city. It currently hosts two businesses and includes a state-certified Build-Ready site completed in 2024.

Before the City Commission considers any final development agreement, officials say the complete terms will be made available for public review and any vote will take place during a public meeting.

A Gallup Poll released last month indicates 71 percent of Americans are opposed to data centers in their communities, with 48 percent of respondents saying they are “strongly opposed.” Half of those saying they are opposed data centers cite their effect on local resources, such as water usage and power consumption.

A fact sheet about the data center review was provided by the city. It and a copy of the memorandum of understanding are printed below:

The post Pikeville reviewing developer’s proposal for data center at Ky. Enterprise Industrial Park appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — A Paintsville man who pleaded guilty to producing child pornography for secretly recording a teenage girl while she showered and changed is now appealing the sentence he received.

Henry Jonathan Ritscher, 44, pleaded guilty in federal court to producing child porn back in January. Last month, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

On Thursday, that appeal was filed in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.Under the terms of his plea agreement, Ritscher is barred from appealing his guilty plea or conviction, and he can only appeal his sentence.

During his sentencing, Ritscher had objected to elements of his pre-sentencing report, including enhancements for abusing a position of trust, obstruction and engaging in a pattern of criminal sexual activity. Any of those objections could have reduced his sentence if granted, but all were denied.

Ritscher is currently being held in the Grayson County Detention Center, in Leitchfield.

The post Paintsville man appeals sentence in child porn case appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

CLINTWOOD, Va. — Dickenson County is proud to announce that two local professionals have been selected to participate in the 2026-27 LEAD SWVA Program, a regional leadership development initiative led by University of Virginia’s College at Wise and supported by VCEDA and The Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation.

Sabrina Stanley, Communications & Community Engagement Specialist for the Dickenson County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and Miana Abshire, Disaster Recovery Programs Assistant with the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, have been selected for this year’s cohort. Both women are residents of Dickenson County and are committed to making a positive impact in their communities and throughout Southwest Virginia.

The LEAD SWVA Program brings together emerging leaders from across the region to explore key issues, strengthen leadership skills, and build relationships that support the future growth and success of Southwest Virginia.

“Our greatest asset in Southwest Virginia has always been our people,” said Dana Cronkhite, Director of Economic Development for Dickenson County. “Programs like LEAD SWVA are important because they invest in the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of our communities. Sabrina and Miana are both passionate about this region and deeply committed to serving others. Their selection reflects not only their individual talents and dedication, but also the strength of the emerging leadership we have here in Dickenson County.”

Scotty Wampler, Executive Director of the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, echoed the importance of developing regional leadership.

“Strong communities require strong leaders, and leadership development is one of the best investments we can make in the future of Southwest Virginia,” said Wampler. “Miana and Sabrina have already demonstrated a commitment to service, collaboration, and community improvement. The LEAD SWVA Program will provide opportunities to broaden their perspectives, strengthen regional connections, and further develop the skills that will help them serve their communities and our region for years to come.”

The 2026-2027 LEAD SWVA cohort includes professionals from throughout Southwest Virginia who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to improving their communities. Participants will engage in leadership development activities, regional learning experiences, and discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges facing Southwest Virginia.

The post Two Dickenson County professionals selected for LEAD SWVA program appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

ASHLAND, Ky. — The head of Addiction Recovery Care is now facing federal charges for allegedly defrauding two investors by selling the same tax credits twice.

Timmy G. Robinson Jr., 50, of Louisa, was indicted Thursday in Ashland federal court on one count of wire fraud and two counts of monetary transaction derived from unlawful activity, commonly referred to as money laundering.

According to the indictment, Robinson, a Louisa attorney and chief executive officer of ARC, allegedly fraudulently sold the same Employee Retention Credit assets to multiple buyers while concealing previous transactions.

Federal prosecutors say ARC sought more than $6.9 million in Employee Retention Credits from the Internal Revenue Service based on employee wages paid during the COVID-19 pandemic. The credits included a claim for approximately $3.3 million tied to the first quarter of 2021 and another for approximately $3.6 million tied to the second quarter of 2021.

The indictment alleges Robinson first sold the rights to the first tax credit to one buyer for approximately $2.7 million in July 2025. Prosecutors say he later transferred rights to the second tax credit to the same buyer as part of an amended agreement.

Despite those transactions, Robinson allegedly represented to a second buyer that both tax credits remained available for purchase. Prosecutors say he concealed the earlier sales and entered into additional agreements in November 2025 that generated nearly $4.74 million in payments to ARC.

According to the indictment, Robinson directed ARC not to transfer the tax credit proceeds to either buyer after the IRS issued the credits. Instead, prosecutors allege the funds were used to pay operational expenses and debt obligations.

Court filings have identified the buyers as Angelica Capital Trust and Clear Cove Opportunities Fund. Those companies have sued ARC in an attempt to recover their money.

Thursday evenimng, ARC released a statement addressing the indictment on its Facebook page.

“Addiction Recovery Care is aware of the federal indictment involving Chief Executive Officer Tim Robinson,” the post said. “Effective immediately, Tim Robinson is stepping down as CEO. Cassandra Webb will be stepping in as Interim Chief Executive Officer while remaining in her position as President and Chief Operating Officer of Addiction Recovery Care.

“This is an active legal matter and ARC will not be making any further statements regarding the case at this time. ARC continues to operate normally. All facilities, programs and services remain open and fully operational. Our leadership team, employees and clinical staff remain committed to delivering high-quality care and support to the individuals and families we serve.

“Our commitment to our clients, employees and communities reamins unchanged and we will continue carrying out our mission of helping individuals find recovery, healing and hope.”

Prosecutors have asked the judge to issue a summons for Robinson to appear in court.

If convicted, Robinson faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charge and up to 10 years on each money laundering charge. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of proceeds connected to the alleged offenses.

An indictment is an allegation, and Robinson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

A copy of the indictment follows:

The post ARC founder & CEO indicted on federal charges appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

ASHCAMP, Ky. — A Pike County man has been arrested after he allegedly went to a campground and moved in to the owner’s camper.

A state trooper was called Wednesday evening to the Elkhorn Riders’ Retreat, at Ashcamp, over a report that a man had broken into a camper, then left on foot.

A short time later, police found the man, identified as Billy Thomas, 45, whose last address was listed as the Veterans Transitional Housing Center on Douglas Parkway.

Police say Thomas used a knife to break into a camper where the campground’s owner stays on the weekend, opened the awning, and was staying in it like he owned it. Residents told police Thomas also took a stack of CDs from the camper and gave them to one of the residents, tried to get into another camper, and sold a resident firewood, but never delivered the wood despite being paid for it.

Thomas was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary, theft, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal mischief and public intoxication. He is currently being held in the Pike County jail.

The post Pike man charged with breaking into campground owner’s camper appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A man who was arrested a month ago for opening fire in a Pikeville bar has now been indicted, although the grand jury dropped one of the charges.

Brian Dylan Johnson, 27, of Beaver, was arrested May 3 at Klarissa’s Bar, after he allegedly shot another man at the bar in the leg. At that time, he was charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree wanton endangerment and possession of a loaded gun where alcoholic beverages are sold.

On Tuesday, a grand jury dropped the attempted murder charge and indicted him on the remaining charges.

The assault charge is the most serious, punishable by 10-to-20 years in prison.

Johnson continues to be held in the Pike County jail on a $500,000 cash bond.

The post Grand jury issues indictment in bar shooting, but drops attempted murder charge appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A Pike County grand jury has returned indictments against three people in a pair of unrelated sex offense cases.

In the first case, Chester Brian Adkins and Suetta Adkins are charged with two counts of first-degree sex abuse for incidents spanning from 2021 to this year. Chester Adkins is also charged with two counts of incest and two counts of third-degree sodomy in 2017 and 2018.

The incest charges are the most serious, carrying a potential penalty of 20-to-50 years or life in prison. The remaining charges are each punishable by up to five years in prison.

In the other case, Gordon Ellis Looney II, 44, of Sidney, has been charged with one count of first-degree sexual abuse involving a child under 16. That charge is punishable by up to five years in prison.

There is no record of any of the defendants currently being in custody.

The post Grand jury returns indictments in two sex offense cases appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

PRESTONSBURG and ASHLAND, Ky. — A Pikeville woman is facing charges involving two stolen cars in Boyd and Floyd counties.

Krystal Stone, 33, of Pikeville, was arrested May 28 in Boyd County, after leading police on a chase in a stolen car back and forth along U.S. 23 in Boyd and Lawrence counties, at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

The police report notes Stone repeatedly made sudden U-turns, until the car she was driving became stuck in the median on the last attempt. That prompted a foot chase that allegedly ended with a stuggle with officers, during which she allegedly reached for an officer’s gun and had to be tased twice while reportedly saying she was fleeing vampires.

She was arrested on a total of 16 charges, including fleeing police, receiving stolen property and attempt to disarm a peace officer.

Stone is currently being held in the Boyd County Detention Center, which allowed Floyd County authorities to serve her with a warrant for auto theft.

The arrest warrant says she took a car from a gas station, when the owner went inside to pay for gas. The car was later found abandoned in Lawrence County with Stone’s ID inside. The warrant also says Stone threw the victim’s phone out of the window, also earning her a criminal mischief charge.

Stone is currently being held on bonds totaling $21,500.

The post Pike woman charged in auto theft cases from Floyd, Boyd counties appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

by RODERICK MULLINS

CLINTWOOD, Va. – Now at the midpoint of the season, the Food Truck Rodeo has become a popular weekly tradition, bringing residents and visitors together each Monday evening. The event will continue through June 29 at Ralph Cummins Park from 5 to 9 p.m.

The weekly event features a variety of food vendors and provides an opportunity for the community to gather, support local & regional businesses, and enjoy a fun evening in Clintwood.

Everyone is invited to join the fun and enjoy the remaining weeks of the season.

The post Clintwood’s Food Truck Rodeo continues through June 29 appeared first on Mountain Top Media.