CAUTION, DISCRETIONARY CONTENT!
MAYFIELD, KY - In late 2023, the Graves County Sheriff’s Office received information of a suspect in Graves County that was sexually abusing children and had been selling sexually explicit videos and photos of them online.
It was also reported that this suspect and another were involved in filming and having sex with animals. An in-depth investigation by the sheriff’s office was conducted, including a series of searches over several months where electronic devices were seized, downloaded and analyzed.
As a result, multiple images of children under the age of 12 made to perform sexual acts were secured, as well as video and photographic evidence of sexual crimes against animals were secured as evidence. In addition, multiple interviews were conducted over an extended period of time, of suspects, and witnesses.
Two suspects identified in this investigation were Neela M. Wilford, age 47, of Mayfield, KY and Christopher D. Carruthers, age 32, of Meadow Lands, Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed that the two suspects met online. Carruthers came to Kentucky and committed these crimes in Graves County.
In 2024, both suspects were arrested by Graves County Sheriff’s deputies, then indicted by Graves County Grand Juries.
On April 15, 2025, Christopher Carruthers whom had previously pled guilty, was sentenced in Graves Circuit Court on 6 Counts of Sex Crimes Against Animals, and 2 Counts of Possession of Matter Portraying a Minor (Under the Age of 12) in a Sexual Performance. Carruthers was sentenced to 12 years in prison, to run consecutive to a prison sentence already being served on an unrelated case.
On June 09, 2025, Neela M. Wilford pleaded guilty on a 20-year recommended sentence in Graves Circuit Court on multiple counts of Sex Crimes Against Animals, Possession of Matter Portraying a Minor (Under the Age of 12) in a Sexual Performance, and Methamphetamine possession. Wilford is scheduled to be sentenced in Graves County Circuit Court on June 23, 2025.
This was a lengthy investigation by both the Sheriff’s office and the Graves County Commonwealth Attorney's Office.
Photos of the accused are from the Graves County Sheriff's Office.
It is important to note, that often times, judges and prosecutors are bound by laws regarding sentences.
End of Release
Sheriff Jon Hayden
