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How organizations and police departments are fighting rising human trafficking in Kentucky

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How organizations and police departments are fighting rising human trafficking in Kentucky


KENTUCKY (WKYT) – National media coverage of the Jeffrey Epstein case has shed light on the subject of sex trafficking.

Those who track these types of crimes say sex trafficking and exploitation are on the rise in Kentucky, saying the Commonwealth is in the top ten among other states.

Detective Ricky Lynn runs the kentucky state human trafficking task force. He’s been investigating sex trafficking cases for 19 years and says these types of crimes are on the rise.

Lynn says last year, the state’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services reported 500 children were trafficked. Research conducted by Detective Lynn shows that the COVID-19 pandemic era contributed to the increase.

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“Those numbers in the state of Kentucky went up 40%. Kids were not in school; businesses were not open. So then at that point, it sparked a lot of research in the state of Kentucky, like how bad really is family-based trafficking,” Lynn said.

Detective Lynn recalls solving one case that revealed 36 sex crime victims.

Lynn says there are thousands of children sold online every day. These are websites that are not listed on the dark web.

Jani Lewis is the executive director of Natalie’s sisters, an organization designed to reach out to women who are sex trafficked and exploited. She says three factors play a role in these crimes: poverty, substance abuse and lack of employment.

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“These are women not dressed up on the street corner, these are women who could be a housewife or a student just walking down the street,” Lewis said.

This could be a solution to the problem.

Secretary of State Michael Adams has launched a program called Kentucky Businesses Against Trafficking.

“We’re helping train them and their employees on how to spot the signs of human trafficking and also know how to report it to law enforcement,” said Secretary Adams.

You can find more information about Kentucky Businesses Against Trafficking on the Secretary of State’s website.

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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for May 9, 2026

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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for May 9, 2026


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The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Saturday, May 9, 2026 winning numbers for each game.

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Cash Ball

08-15-20-35, Cash Ball: 21

Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Evening: 4-1-5

Midday: 3-6-9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 4

Evening: 9-6-4-3

Midday: 5-1-4-5

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Powerball

15-41-46-47-56, Powerball: 22, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

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Powerball Double Play

06-27-58-61-65, Powerball: 14

Millionaire for Life

08-11-17-29-49, Bonus: 02

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.

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Body found in Ohio River in northeast Kentucky ID’d as Columbus man

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Body found in Ohio River in northeast Kentucky ID’d as Columbus man


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  • A body found in the Ohio River on May 4 has been identified as a 38-year-old Columbus man.
  • Authorities identified the man as Jason D. Frisbie after working with Ohio officials.
  • The body was discovered in the river in Vanceburg, Kentucky, near Ohio’s Shawnee State Park.
  • The cause of death remains under investigation by authorities.

Authorities said a body recovered May 4 from the Ohio River in northeast Kentucky has been identified as a Columbus man, Dispatch news partner NBC4/WMCH-TV reported.

Lewis County Sheriff Johnny Bivens said the body has been identified as Jason D. Frisbie, 38, of Columbus. Bivens said authorities in Kentucky worked with Ohio officials to identify Frisbie this week.

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Bivens said Lewis County took a call around 4:30 p.m. May 4 about a body in the river in Vanceburg, Kentucky, a few miles south of Ohio’s Shawnee State Park. Bivens said responding agencies took the body to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office.

Lewis County authorities asked for public help identifying the body. On May 9, Bivens confirmed Frisbie’s identity after working with Ohio officials and local responders.

Bivens said the death remains under investigation, and authorities did not offer information about a suspected cause.



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Two ‘dangerous’ inmates escape Kentucky detention center, sparking multi-agency manhunt across region

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Two ‘dangerous’ inmates escape Kentucky detention center, sparking multi-agency manhunt across region


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Two inmates described as “dangerous” escaped Friday evening from a Kentucky detention center, prompting a multi-agency manhunt, police said.

The Morehead Police Department warned the surrounding community that two inmates had “walked away” from the Rowan County Detention Center.

Investigators said multiple law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the escapees, with Kentucky State Police leading the investigation.

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“These inmates should be considered dangerous,” police said, warning the community not to approach anyone suspicious or unfamiliar.

KENTUCKY DAD RAGES AFTER COURT-APPROVED RELEASE OF REPEAT OFFENDER LEADS TO FAMILY’S KIDNAPPING

Two inmates described as “dangerous” escaped from a Kentucky detention center, prompting a multi-agency manhunt. (Morehead Police Department)

One of the inmates was identified as Michael Fogleman, 29, who is described as 6 feet tall and 188 pounds.

He has short or closely shaved hair and a short beard along his jawline and chin, according to police.

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The second inmate was identified as James Smallwood, 52, who is listed at 6 feet 1 inch tall and about 215 pounds.

MANHUNTS ACROSS AMERICA IN 2025: FIVE CASES THAT LEFT CITIES, CAMPUSES AND TOWNS ON EDGE

Michael Fogleman, 29, is one of two inmates who escaped from a Kentucky detention center, police said. (Morehead Police Department)

He is described as having a medium to stocky build with gray facial hair around the mouth and chin area.

Smallwood was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue jeans and possibly a hat, police said.

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James Smallwood, 52, is one of two inmates on the run after escaping from a Kentucky jail, authorities said. (Morehead Police Department)

Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and call 911 immediately if they see anything suspicious or have information about the escapees.

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Law enforcement agencies are searching for two escaped inmates in Kentucky, authorities said. (Silas Walker/Lexington Herald-Leader/Tribune News Service)

Investigators said they will provide more information as it becomes available.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Kentucky State Police and Rowan County Detention Center for comment.



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