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Kentucky lawmaker takes action after discovery of unauthorized photos on pornographic website

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Kentucky lawmaker takes action after discovery of unauthorized photos on pornographic website


GRAYSON COUNTY, Ky. (WBKO) – In a disturbing turn of events, 18th District State Representative Samara Heavrin has become personally involved in a harrowing case of photo exploitation.

Heavrin, who was made aware of the incident through a Facebook post on Sunday, learned that over 18,000 photos of residents, including some of herself, had been uploaded to a pornographic website without consent.

The investigation identified Zackery Robinson, 29, of Caneyville as the man accused of uploading the images without permission. Robinson is facing more than 30 charges, including stalking and promoting the sexual performance of a minor.

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The photos, which were often taken from social media profiles or personal events, were primarily of everyday citizens who had no knowledge or approval for their images to be used in such a context.

Heavrin, who has served as a community leader for many years, shared her disbelief at the situation.

“These are normal people, not public figures or individuals in the adult industry, and they didn’t give consent for their photos to be used in this manner,” she said.

During an interview with WBKO, Heavrin emphasized the deep personal violation this incident represents for the victims, many of whom are members of her community. She revealed that one of the images featured her and her mother at a Broadway show, an image that was never intended for public, explicit exposure.

The situation escalated further when it was revealed that disturbing and graphic comments were made on some of the photos.

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The investigation into the matter has prompted an outpouring of support from local law enforcement, with the Kentucky State Police, Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, and Leitchfield Police Department all working diligently to investigate Robinson.

Heavrin commended their quick response and collaboration, which included setting up a hotline for victims to report their involvement in the incident.

As law enforcement authorities continue their investigation, Heavrin has turned her focus to potential legislative changes.

“We need to have conversations about how we can protect people from having their images exploited online,” she said, advocating for stronger consent laws and improved safeguards on social media and adult websites.

One area Heavrin is particularly concerned with is the lack of consent for images to be posted on explicit sites.

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“Right now, there are significant gray areas in the laws surrounding social media and pornography,” she noted.

She plans to work on potential legislation aimed at addressing these gaps, which could require explicit consent before any image is posted on a pornographic or explicit website.

In addition to legislative efforts, Heavrin has called on individuals to take extra precautions with their online presence. She stressed the importance of having open conversations with children and family members about the potential risks of sharing images online and the importance of consent.

As the situation unfolds, Heavrin remains committed to supporting victims and finding ways to prevent such incidents from happening again. She encouraged anyone affected by this issue to contact the Grayson County Attorney’s Office for assistance.

“If you have been a victim, please come forward,” she urged, reinforcing that no one should feel ashamed or powerless in the face of such violations.

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In light of these troubling events, Heavrin’s involvement in the issue underscores the critical role lawmakers play in addressing new and emerging challenges in the digital age.

With continued advocacy and possible legislative reform on the horizon, Heavrin hopes to provide a safer environment for her community and ensure that future victims of similar incidents are protected under the law.



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Kentucky

Kentucky woman, 35, charged with homicide after using abortion pills then burying fetus in backyard

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Kentucky woman, 35, charged with homicide after using abortion pills then burying fetus in  backyard


A Kentucky woman was charged with fetal homicide after allegedly using abortion pills and burying the fetus in a Christmas-wrapped lightbulb box in her backyard — when she got pregnant following an affair.

Melinda Spencer, 35, was arrested Wednesday after going to a Campton health care clinic, where she told staff members she used medication purchased online to end her pregnancy, which is illegal in the state, according to Kentucky State Police, FOX 56 reported.

Police said Spencer allegedly admitted to taking the pills on Dec. 26 and burying the fetus — described as a “developed male infant” — two days later in a shallow grave at her Flat Mary Road home.

Melinda Spencer, 35, was charged with fetal homicide after taking abortion pills to end her pregnancy in Kentucky, where that is illegal. Kentucky State Police

After obtaining a search warrant, cops found the remains wrapped in a white rag and stuffed in the holiday-decorated box inside a plastic bag, court documents showed.

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Spencer later confessed that she allegedly ordered the pregnancy-ending drugs after conceiving with a man who was not her boyfriend, claiming she didn’t want him to find out, police said, per the outlet.

Authorities said she wanted to “abort the fetus on her own.”

Cops found the remains wrapped in a white rag and stuffed in the holiday-decorated box inside a plastic bag in her backyard. AP

It’s unclear how long she was pregnant before taking the pills.

An autopsy has reportedly been scheduled to establish how developed the fetus was.

In Kentucky, nearly all abortions are illegal, with a doctor only authorized to perform one to prevent death or serious injury to the mother.

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The deadly offense makes her eligible for the death penalty. Getty Images

There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

State law also bars the distribution of abortion medication.

Spencer was charged with first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and first-degree promoting contraband, the outlet reported.

The homicide offense makes her eligible for the death penalty. She also faces life behind bars if convicted.

Spencer is being held at Three Forks Regional Jail in Beattyville.

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Lancaster resident describes Kentucky earthquake experience

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Lancaster resident describes Kentucky earthquake experience


LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – A 3.1 magnitude earthquake hit Kentucky Sunday afternoon with an epicenter between Richmond and Lancaster, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The USGS “Did You Feel It” survey received reports from people in Richmond, Danville, Stanford, Lancaster and Lexington.

Caroline Boyd, a retired nurse from Lancaster, was reading at home when the earthquake began at 12:47 p.m.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say shaking but it felt like a rumbling in my basement or even outside,” Boyd said.

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Boyd said she felt and heard the ground beneath her rumble followed by a loud boom.

“I thought to myself what on earth is that? Because there is no trains or train station nearby, so I knew it was not a train. So, I just sat there and listened. I would say it lasted about 10 to 15 seconds,” Boyd said.

After the tremor, Boyd called her neighbors and then the sheriff’s office. Dispatchers told her there had been an earthquake.

Dustin Price, deputy director and public information officer for Garrad County Emergency Management Agency, said the agency first heard from Bluegrass 911 about reports of a loud boom and shaking.

“Approximately we were able to confirm through the state that there was a confirmed 3.1 magnitude earthquake that hit through Garrad County,” Price said.

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No injuries or property damage were reported, according to Price.

Boyd said she was thankful the earthquake did not cause more serious problems.

“Even if I would’ve had to relocate if there was a problem. I have two pets, so it could’ve been really bad,” Boyd said.

Garrad County EMA said they are thankful for all the agencies who helped respond to the incident.

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3.2 magnitude earthquake with no immediate reports of damage confirmed in Garrard County

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3.2 magnitude earthquake with no immediate reports of damage confirmed in Garrard County


GARRARD COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Governor Andy Beshear reports that a 3.2 magnitude earthquake has been reported in Garrard County.

“This range does not typically produce sizable damage – just shaking – and thankfully, that is all that’s been reported so far,” Beshear said on social media Sunday.

According to the Lincoln County EMA, the earthquake happened around 12:47 p.m. with a shallow depth of 8 kilometers.

NWS Louisville reports the location of the quake to have been near the Garrard/Madison County line.

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Multiple agencies are also reporting no immediate reports of damage.





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