Kentucky man arrested in Alabama after fleeing state during sexual abuse investigation
(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Kentucky man who police say fled the state more than two years ago has been arrested in Alabama.
According to Kentucky State Police, troopers received a request for assistance from the Fleming County Sheriff’s Department on Nov. 7, 2023, in connection with a sexual abuse investigation involving three juveniles.
Following an investigation, authorities obtained an arrest warrant on Nov. 11 for 47-year-old James Barnes. Police say Barnes was charged with 120 counts of first-degree sexual abuse involving victims under the age of 12 and fled the state after the warrant was issued.
Two weeks ago, Kentucky State Police referred the case to the U.S. Marshals Service Central Kentucky Fugitive Task Force for assistance in locating Barnes. A fugitive investigation was opened the same day.
Investigators later received information indicating Barnes may be living in Alabama. That lead was forwarded to the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Task Force.
Last Wednesday, Barnes was located in Nauvoo, Alabama, and taken into custody.
Authorities say Barnes was transported to the Walker County Detention Center in Jasper, Alabama, where he is currently being held while awaiting extradition back to Kentucky.
