Friday morning, two Pike County people charged earlier this week with human trafficking made their first appearance in court. Jacob West and Kena Reed, both of Pinsonfork, were arraigned in Pike Circuit Court, and both entered not guilty pleas.
West and Reed were indicted Monday by a Pike County Grand Jury, and both were arrested by Pike County deputies on Tuesday. Pike County Sheriff Rodney Scott says the case began as an investigation into Jacob West, who worked at a local pharmacy. Management at the South Williamson Food City contacted the Sheriff’s Office after 5,000 pills with a street value of nearly $10,000 dollars were missing. As the investigation progressed, however, things took a dramatic turn and led deputies to charge the pair with Human Trafficking. Sheriff Scott says West was stealing the medication, then giving it to Reed in exchange for sexually explicit pictures of herself and of a female juvenile. Both West and Reed are charged with human trafficking, unlawful transaction with a minor, possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor and tampering with physical evidence. West is also facing theft charges for stealing the medication. Jacob West was released Tuesday afternoon after posting a $10,000 dollar cash bond. Kena Reed remains lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.
West and Reed are scheduled to appear in court again on December 20th.