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Joe P. Asher

Staff Writer

A former Harlan County pastor arrested on charges of sexual abuse, sodomy and rape nearly two years ago has been given a trial date. Jeremy Caraway, 38, of Loyall, stood in front of Special Judge James Bowling on Thursday awaiting a trial date.

Bowling verified with Commonwealth’s Attorney Parker Boggs that the state is expecting a two-day trial before setting a date. Caraway stood silently as the trial date was set, making no comment.

Caraway was arrested May 22, 2011, after a Kentucky State Police investigation led to his indictment for two counts each of second-degree rape (no force), second-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree unlawful transaction with a minor (illegal sex act) and one count of prohibited use of electronic communication systems to procure a minor for a sexual offense.

According to previous reports, Caraway was the pastor of the Loyall Church of God when he allegedly committed the offenses against a 14-year-old female member of the congregation. KSP launched an investigation after Post 10 received a phone call reporting the possible molestation of a girl by a local pastor.

KSP Det. Mike Cornett investigated the case and turned it in to the grand jury, resulting in Caraway’s indictment.

The trial has been set to begin April 30.

In other court activity:

* Donnie Pace, 25, of Evarts, was sentenced at the state’s recommendation to a total of two years in prison for two counts of theft by unlawful taking. Pace must also pay $750 in restitution;

* Frank E. Lee Jr., 28, of Cumberland, was sentenced on three counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance to a total of six years in prison. Lee was granted supervised probation for five years and must pay restitution in the amount of $392;

* Jerry Leon Jones, 40, of Kenvir, received two years diversion probation after entering a plea of guilty on charges of first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@civitasmedia.com