Two plead guilty in Graves County to child and animal sex crimes after 2023 investigation
GRAVES COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Two people have pleaded guilty in Graves County following a 2023 investigation involving disturbing images and videos, according to the Graves County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say the investigation began after they received a tip about a person allegedly exploiting minors and distributing explicit content online.
Further claims indicated that the same individual was involved in producing illegal content involving animals.
During the investigation, law enforcement recovered photo and video evidence that deputies say showed serious offenses involving minors under the age of 12, as well as separate material involving animals.
Two individuals were arrested in connection with the case in 2024:
- 47-year-old Neela Wilford
- 32-year-old Christopher Carruthers
According to investigators, the two met online. The crimes committed by Carruthers took place in Graves County, officials said.
Carruthers pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including:
- Six counts related to crimes involving animals
- Two counts of possessing illegal material involving minors
He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Wilford also pleaded guilty to similar offenses, along with a charge for methamphetamine possession.
She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23 in Graves County Circuit Court.
The Graves County Sheriff’s Office says the case involved digital forensics and collaboration with other agencies.
