Ashland Police Department

08/14/2026

Federal Child Exploitation Case Sentenced to 15 Years:

The Ashland Police Department announces the successful conclusion of a child exploitation investigation that resulted in a 15-year federal prison sentence. This case also marked the first ex*****on of a search warrant for APD Electronic Storage Detection K9 Mabel following her arrival at the department, where she assisted in sniffing out the evidence.

In November 2024, the Ashland Police Department Special Operations Bureau conducted an online investigation on a peer-to-peer file sharing network. Detectives identified a user as sharing files containing Child S*xual Abuse Material (CSAM). Investigators determined the suspect was located within the Ashland, Kentucky area.

Following a thorough investigation, a search warrant was obtained and executed at a residence in Ashland. During the search, detectives seized a number of electronic devices. An on-scene review of a desktop computer belonging to resident Nathaniel Parsons revealed CSAM, and Parsons was arrested.

Seized devices, including cell phones, computers, hard drives, and flash drives, were submitted to the Ashland PD Digital Forensic Laboratory for examination. That examination identified approximately 84,000 images and 500 videos depicting CSAM across the devices.

Given the severity and scope of the case, APD detectives who also serve as FBI Task Force Officers presented the matter to the FBI and the United States Attorney's Office for federal prosecution. Parsons was subsequently indicted on federal charges, and on August 10, 2026, he was sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison.

Protecting children is among the most important responsibilities we carry. This outcome reflects the dedication of our Detectives, Cyber Crime Unit, and the strength of our partnerships with federal law enforcement. We remain committed to pursuing those who exploit children and to bringing them to justice.

The Ashland Police Department thanks the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney's Office for their partnership in this case.

https://hoodline.com/2026/08/ashland-man-gets-15-years-after-fbi-finds-84-000-child-abuse-images/

08/12/2026

ASHLAND, Ky. — Over the past several weeks, officers of the Ashland Police Department have continued their sustained, coordinated work to address the flow of illegal drugs into our community and the broader web of crime that so often accompanies it. Through diligent police work, interagency cooperation, and a commitment to the people we serve, the Department has made a series of arrests this summer that reflect both the scale of the challenge and the dedication of the officers who meet it every day.

Much of this summer's work has centered on fentanyl, a substance that continues to claim lives across Kentucky and the nation. Several arrests involved aggravated trafficking and importation from other states into our community, where charges were tied to significant quantities of the drug. Officers also made arrests involving methamphetamine, illegal fi****ms possession by convicted felons, co***ne and ma*****na trafficking, outstanding warrants, and probation violations.

These are the product of officers who show up shift after shift, of investigators who follow the details, and of partnerships with agencies across Boyd County and the Commonwealth, as well as with federal partners such as the FBI and ATF. Drug-related crime rarely stands alone. It is frequently linked to theft, weapons offenses, and the erosion of the safety and peace that families in our community deserve. Every arrest represents a step toward disrupting that cycle.

The Department also recognizes the essential role of the prosecutors who carry these cases forward. Strong enforcement is only meaningful when paired with the diligent work of the Commonwealth's and County Attorneys' offices, whose partnership helps ensure that those who bring harm into our community are held accountable under the law.

Our officers work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to keep dangerous drugs off our streets and to hold accountable those who bring them here. This is difficult, patient work. When we give our officers the right tools and strong partnerships, they are able to work smarter and act faster, and our whole community is safer for it. We are grateful for the trust and support of the residents we serve.

Recent arrests included:

• Harry Hudson — Aggravated Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (fentanyl, over 10 grams), Importing Fentanyl, Fugitive Warrant, and related traffic offenses

• Jill Pelfry — Aggravated Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (fentanyl, over 10 grams), Importing Fentanyl, and Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine)

• Corey Frasher — Aggravated Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (fentanyl, over 10 grams) and Importing Fentanyl

• Wendell R. Newman — Aggravated Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (fentanyl, over 10 grams), Importing Fentanyl, and Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine)

• Cayden Robertson — Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (co***ne), Trafficking in Ma*****na (over 5 pounds), and Criminal Abuse

• Joshua Grubb — Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

• Ronnie Norman — Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

• James Keelin — Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Tampering with Physical Evidence

• Isabella Blevins — Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and outstanding Boyd County warrants

• Dixie Griffith — Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and Posses

• Darrell Smith — Boyd County warrants and probation violations related to controlled substance and theft offenses

• Megan Majher — Fugitive Warrants on Drug Paraphernalia

• Bobbie J. Corey — Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

• Paul Sergent — Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine)

• John Lariscy — Probation Violations and Public Intoxication

This list represents fifteen individuals taken into custody over a matter of weeks, a figure that speaks to both the persistence of the problem and the tenacity of the officers working to address it.

The Department also encourages residents who are struggling with substance use, or who have loved ones who are, to seek help. Enforcement is only one part of the answer. Recovery, prevention, and community support are essential to lasting change.

Residents with information about drug activity in their neighborhoods are encouraged to contact the Ashland Police Department Silent Witness line at 606-385-3127 or to submit tips anonymously through [email protected].

We thank the citizens of Ashland for their continued partnership as we work together toward a safer community for all.

08/11/2026

The rain eased up just in time for our National Night Out! We had a great evening of food, fun, and bluegrass music! The Ashland Police Department would like to thank everyone who came down and shared the evening with us, as well as all our community partners. A huge thank you to the City of Ashland and the Parks Department for all their help setting up!

We also want to thank our community sponsors for all their help with NNO
-Marathon
-UK Kings Daughters
-Sandy’s Cares
-Speedway
-Walmart (Riverhill)

See you all next year!

08/04/2026

Rain has stopped, inflatables are up, bluegrass music is getting ready to start!

08/04/2026

We’re down at Central Park bandstand getting setup for National Night Out! We’ll have free hotdogs, chips, drinks, inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, and of course live bluegrass music! Come join us from 6-8 pm!

07/24/2026

Come join us on Tuesday, August 4th from 6-8PM at the Central Park bandstand!

07/04/2026

06/29/2026

As the 4th of July approaches, we want to share a reminder of the city's fireworks ordinance and tips for staying safe this holiday:

🎆 As it pertains to the 4th of July, fireworks are ONLY permitted between the hours of noon and 11:00 PM from June 30-July 4. You must be 18 or older to set them off, and you must be at least 200 feet from buildings, vehicles, and people. No fireworks on public property or someone else’s property without permission.

🎆 Fireworks not only have a risk of causing injury, but they also can start fires. The safest way to enjoy them is to come downtown on July 4 at 10:15 PM for the show at the Ashland Riverfront! See summermotion.com/fireworks for more details!

🎆 Please be mindful of your neighbors, especially veterans, the elderly, those who have young children, and of course, pets!

Click here for the full ordinance: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/.../ashland_ky/0-0-0-4843 See less

06/12/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ashland Police Department Announces Arrests Following Child Protection Investigations:

The Ashland Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community: our children. Over the past 45 days, the Department's Special Operations Bureau, working in close coordination with the Field Operations Division and our Emergency Services Division partners, completed multiple separate and unrelated investigations into the exploitation of children.

These cases reflect the careful, sustained work our detectives perform every day, often out of public view, to hold accountable those who would harm children through the production, possession, or distribution of child sexual abuse material.
As a result of these investigations, the following individuals have been arrested and charged:

Joseph Parker – Two counts of Promoting a Minor Under 16 in a S*xual Performance, Attempted (KRS 531.320(2)(b)); S*x Offender Use of a Minor in a Film, Photo, or Video Without Consent (KRS 17.546); and Disorderly Conduct, Second Degree (KRS 525.060).

Dillyn Hunt – Tampering with Physical Evidence (KRS 524.100) and Distribution of Matter Portraying a S*xual Performance by a Minor Under 12 (KRS 531.340).

NeShawn Peppers Jr. – Possession of Matter Portraying a S*xual Performance by a Minor Over 12 and Under 18 (KRS 531.335(3)) and Possession of Ma*****na (KRS 218A.1422).

Stanley Sharp – Ten counts of Possession of Matter Portraying a S*xual Performance by a Minor Under 12 and ten counts of Possession of Matter Portraying a S*xual Performance by a Minor Over 12 and Under 18 (KRS 531.335(3)).

Zachary Spence – Two counts of Distribution of Matter Portraying a S*xual Performance by a Minor Over 12 and Under 18 (KRS 531.340).

05/28/2026

Another school year over, which means another successful D.A.R.E. day! Congratulations to all these sixth (now seventh) graders!

D.A.R.E. is a 10-week program that teaches good decision-making skills to help students live safe and healthy lives. D.A.R.E. uses evidence-based studies to teach life skills that students can learn and use throughout their lives. D.A.R.E. is taught to all the 6th graders at Ashland Middle School by our very own D.A.R.E. Officer Chase Serrano!

At the end of the year, these awesome students are rewarded with a "D.A.R.E. Day". This year, the Ashland Police Department took the students out for pizza and games, and then raffled off some awesome prizes that included gift cards and some Nintendo Switch Lites!

We at the Ashland Police Department also want to thank our community sponsors for all their help! We greatly appreciate what you have done to help us make this day possible for these kids!

-Walmart (Riverhill Drive)
-Sandy's Cares
-Marathon
-UK Kings Daughters
-Ashland Town Center Mall
-Super Hero Creamery
-Gattitown
-Loyal Order Of Moose Lodge 892