Kentucky and Tennessee Residents Indicted on Federal Kidnapping Charge
Lexington, Ky. – A federal grand jury sitting in London has indicted Douglas M. Edmonson, 36, of Corbin, Kentucky; Dallas Anna Chain Perkins, 25, of Jellico, Tennessee; Bryanna Soper, 25, of Corbin, Kentucky; and Erik Peace, 32, of Corbin, Kentucky for kidnapping.
The charge stems from a yearlong investigation by the ATF, the Kentucky State Police, and the Williamsburg Police Department. According to the indictment, the defendants kidnapped Victim 1 on August 10, 2018, for the purpose of assaulting Victim 1. The defendants used a Facebook account to lure Victim 1 to a prearranged meeting place. The indictment further alleges that the defendants transported Victim 1 across state lines during the course of the kidnapping. Pursuant to the indictment, Victim 1 was held against her will into August 11, 2018.
If convicted the defendants face up to life in prison. Soper had her initial appearance on September 4, 2019. Edmonson, Perkins, and Peace will have initial appearances scheduled.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Stuart Lowrey, Special Agent in Charge ATF; Kentucky States Police Commissioner Richard Sanders; and Chief Wayne Bird, Williamsburg Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF London Office, the Kentucky State Police, and Williamsburg Police Department. The United States is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Jenna E. Reed.
An indictment by a grand jury is an accusation only, and individuals charged in an indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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