Attorney General’s Office of Special Prosecutions handling case for Commonwealth
FRANKFORT, KY. – In an effort to better protect Kentucky’s children, Attorney General Andy Beshear on February 3, 2016 announced the indictment of a Somerset man on multiple felony counts of child sexual abuse.
Russell Burton, 52, a former deputy sheriff and current member of the Somerset Fire Department, was indicted on Wednesday February 3, 2016 by a Pulaski County Grand Jury on charges of rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, criminal abuse, and incest, all involving a minor.
The charges range from Class A to Class D felonies, and carry penalties up to life in prison upon conviction.
The case was investigated by the Kentucky State Police, London Post, and is being prosecuted by Barbara Whaley of Beshear’s Office of Special Prosecutions.
“Our families are safer with another child sex offender off the street,” said Beshear (pictured left). “I applaud KSP’s London Post and Barbara Whaley in my office for ensuring justice is served to those who prey on our children. My prayers are with the victims of these crimes and hope they can start the healing process.”
Photo of accused courtesy of the Pulaski County Detention Center