Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office, Salyersville, Kentucky

06/02/2026

Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office K9 Nitra to get donation of body armor

Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office, KY - K9 Nitra will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Nitra’s vest was sponsored by Paula and Jacobi Richard of St. Augustine, FL and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In honor of CSPD K9 Roam”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,397 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

05/27/2026

On May 26, 2026, Deputy Tyler Lafferty, Deputy Conner Risner, and Deputy Neil Watson responded to a possible domestic violence complaint after a 911 hang up call from a residence on Ed Hensley Road in Magoffin County.

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with a male subject standing outside beside his truck. The male stated that he was the 911 caller and advised that he and his girlfriend had become involved in a verbal altercation that eventually turned physical. The male subject stated that the female had struck him several times in the face and chest area. Deputies observed visible markings on his face and chest which corroborated his statement.

Deputies then made contact with the female subject, who stated that the male had placed her in a chokehold during the altercation. However, no visible injuries or markings were observed around her neck to support that claim.

Both parties were extremely intoxicated at the time of the incident, and three juvenile children inside the residence witnessed the altercation. Due to the nature of the incident and the juveniles being present during the altercation, DSS will be notified.

After placing the female subject under arrest and transporting her to the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office for booking and transport, she became extremely disorderly and combative while being removed from Deputy Lafferty’s cruiser. While deputy Lafferty attempted to place her back into handcuffs, she pulled away and scratched Deputy Lafferty’s right pinky finger in the process with her keys. It ultimately required assistance from another deputy to gain control of the subject and secure her in hand restraints.

The female subject was additionally charged with Assault 4th Degree on a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest, Menacing, and Disorderly Conduct, along with the original domestic violence related charge. She was later transported to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

Outstanding work by all deputies involved.

05/22/2026

The Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers, Deputy Gary Lafferty and Deputy Brad Caldwell, recently attended Career Day at Harold Whitaker Middle School.

The event provided students with the opportunity to learn more about careers in law enforcement and the daily responsibilities of serving and protecting the community. Deputies Lafferty and Caldwell enjoyed speaking with students, answering questions, and sharing their experiences as School Resource Officers.

The Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the opportunity to engage with local students and encourages young people to explore careers focused on public service, leadership, and community involvement.

05/20/2026

Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office SRO Brad Caldwell is committed to building relationships and trust with students every single day. Sometimes, that means mentoring, listening, and being a positive role model… and sometimes it means letting a group of students bedazzle his head. 💎😂

Today, some select students asked if they could “decorate” Officer Brad, and his response was, “Why not?” Safe to say, he may be the first SRO to leave school looking like a human disco ball.

Moments like these matter. They help students feel comfortable around law enforcement and remind them that SROs are here to protect, support, and connect with them — all while having a little fun along the way.

Being an SRO is an amazing job, and it’s even better when your assigned school is AWESOME!

05/12/2026

05/09/2026

Hello, we are now 10 days away from the May 19th Primary Election. With this in mind, I just wanted to thank everyone for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your Magoffin County sheriff. We have accomplished much in the past three years, but there’s more to do. Don’t take anything for granted and please come out and cast your vote. Feel free to share this and God bless you!! 

05/07/2026

Earlier today, deputy Tyler Lafferty with the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office had the opportunity to meet Leo and Ollie at a local gas station before heading in to work.

Leo was extremely excited and shared with deputy Lafferty that he loves police officers, law enforcement, and the military. He also stated that his dream is to become a peace officer when he grows up.

Deputy Lafferty was able to present Leo and Ollie with a Magoffin County Junior Deputy badge, which he was very proud to receive.

Moments like this remind us exactly why we do this job. Building positive relationships with the youth in our community is extremely important to our office. Seeing children comfortable around law enforcement and excited to interact with deputies means more to us than words can describe.

We appreciate the continued support from the citizens of Magoffin County. God bless our community and the next generation.

05/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On May 5th, 2026, deputies Tyler Lafferty and Conner Risner with the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office along with the Kentucky State Police responded to a possible burglary in progress and EPO/DVO violation complaint on Limestone Branch in Magoffin County.

Upon arrival, the male subject was observed jumping off the front porch of the residence and fleeing around the back side of the single-wide trailer. A short foot pursuit ensued, and the subject was quickly apprehended while attempting to flee up the hillside behind the residence.

The male subject was found to be extremely intoxicated, displaying severely slurred speech, being extremely unsteady on his feet, and repeatedly asking the same questions multiple times.

Deputy Lafferty then made contact with the residents inside the residence. Multiple witnesses advised that the subject had forcibly entered the home and made his way into the living room area without permission.

The subject was taken into custody and transported to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

Outstanding work by all deputies and troopers involved. The Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office will continue responding aggressively to protect the citizens of this county and hold offenders accountable.

05/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On May 4th, 2026, deputies with the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint in the Jake Wireman community of Magoffin County regarding a male subject sitting in a vehicle parked in a driveway, possibly distributing illegal narcotics.

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with a juvenile at the front door, who then requested his father. When the male subject came to the door and observed law enforcement, he immediately fled into the back of the residence. Deputies quickly made entry into the home and successfully detained the fleeing subject.

After detaining the male subject, deputies located methamphetamine, oxycodone, and numerous syringes inside a gray f***y pack found on his person.

During the investigation, deputies also discovered another male subject inside the residence who had an active warrant for his arrest. Additional methamphetamine was located inside the residence, which the second male subject claimed ownership of.

Both individuals were taken into custody without further incident.

Outstanding work by our deputies and their quick reaction in safely detaining the fleeing subject. Their proactive efforts continue to make a difference in keeping illegal narcotics off the streets of Magoffin County.

Let this serve as another reminder — Magoffin County is the wrong place to deal your poison.

05/05/2026

On May 4th, 2026, The Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of two individuals following a traffic stop and subsequent narcotics investigation on KY-378.

According to the arresting deputy, while on patrol in the area, an ATV was observed parked along the roadway occupied by John Montgomery and Corinna Ratliff. Deputies were aware that Montgomery had active outstanding warrants. During the encounter, Montgomery was advised he was under arrest and instructed to empty his pockets.

While being escorted to the patrol vehicle, Montgomery allegedly discarded a small bag containing a white substance into a nearby ditch. Deputies immediately detained Montgomery and requested additional units to assist at the scene and conduct a search of the area.

Additional deputies arrived and assisted with the investigation. During a search of the ditch line and ATV, deputies allegedly recovered:

* More than 32 grams of suspected methamphetamine
* Multiple bags commonly used for distribution
* A set of digital scales
* An unlabeled pill bottle containing approximately 66 hydrocodone tablets

As a result of the investigation, the following charges were filed:

* Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1st Degree (Methamphetamine)
* Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
* Persistent Felony Offender I
* Possession of Ma*****na

The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted by Deputy N. Watson. Deputy Watson was assisted at the scene by additional deputies with the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office.