LC grand jury indicts man for rape of person under 14 years old

By Abigail Roberts

A Lincoln County grand jury has indicted a Brodhead man on one count of rape stemming from an incident in June. 

Robert E. Ponder, of 204 Wallin Street in Brodhead, was indicted Nov. 14 on one count of rape (second degree). 

According to the indictment, Ponder, 29, allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse with a person less than 14 years old on June 3, 2025. 

His bond was set at $25,000. Trooper Mariano Cordova testified for the Kentucky State Police. 

The grand jury believed Ponder to be a danger to the community, himself or others and requested the court set a high bond. 

The following people were also indicted by a Lincoln County grand jury on Nov. 14: 

• Robert E. Adams, 49, of Flatwoods School Road in Crab Orchard: one count possession of a controlled substance (over 2 grams of methamphetamine) on March 17; one count possession of drug paraphernalia (glass pipes) on March 17; possession of a handgun by a convicted felon on March 17; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on March 17. Bond was set at $10,000. Deputy Chad Combs testified for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

• Cory S. Atkins, 30, of Logan Ave., Stanford: one count of assault (second degree) by intentionally shooting Christopher Singleton with a firearm causing physical injury on June 29. Bond was set at $25,000 and he is to have no contact with Singleton. Deputy Ron Luster testified for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. 

• Matthew B. Goebel, 31, of Carpenter Creek Road in Parksville: one count of burglary on Aug. 30 by knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in dwelling home of Blaytin E. Anderson with intent to commit a crime and causing physical injury upon Anderson; one count of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol; one count of no/expired registration plate and one count of failure to maintain vehicle insurance. Bond was set at $25,000. Deputy Ron Luster testified for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. 

• Bethany A. Lynn, 38, of Crawford Lane in Stanford: one count of trafficking in a controlled substance (over 2 grams of methamphetamine) on Aug. 30; one count of possession of drug paraphernalia; one count of tampering with physical evidence; one count of being a persistent felony offender; one count of unlawful transaction with a minor by knowingly and unlawfully inducing, assisting or causing a minor under 18 years of age to engage in an illegal controlled substance activity; one count of criminal abuse by knowingly abusing a person under 12 years of age; and one count of speeding. Bond was set at $25,000. Deputy Ron Luster testified for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. 

• Steven Michael Walton II, 47, of Normans Camp Road in Harrodsburg: one count of fleeing or evading police on Nov. 25; one count of wanton endangerment for engaging in conduct which created a substantial danger of death or physical injury to Alexis Stringer; one count of wanton endangerment for engaging in conduct which created a substantial danger of death or physical injury to Officer Jonathan Milburn; and one count of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Bond was set at $20,000. Officer Jonathan Milburn testified for the Stanford Police Department. 

• Albert W. Murphy of Ky. Hwy. 501 in Kings Mountain: one count of trafficking in a controlled substance (over 2 grams of methamphetamine) on Sept. 10 and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia (baggies and scales). Bond was set at $7,500. Deputy Ron Luster testified for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. 

• Dana M. Reynolds, 41, of Ky. Hwy. 643 in Waynesburg: one count of trafficking in a controlled substance (over 2 grams of fentanyl) and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia (baggies and scales) on March 2. Bond was set at $10,000. Deputy Ron Luster testified for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. 

• Ryan K. Ellis, 36, of Gourley Road in Kings Mountain: one count of burglary on July 8 for unlawfully entering or remaining in home of James and Melanie Sims with intent to commit while armed with a firearm; one count of theft by unlawful taking for taking property belonging to James and Melanie Sims of a value of over $1,000; one count of theft by unlawful taking by allegedly taking firearms belonging to the Sims; and one count of theft by unlawful taking for taking a firearm belonging to Scott Ellis. Bond was set at $50,000. He is to have no contact with James and Melanie Sims. Deputy Ron Luster testified for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.