ARTEMUS, KY - The Knox County, KY Sheriff's Department is reporting that on Monday, August 28, 2023 at approximately 7:20 A.M., Knox County Deputies responded to a burglary complaint at the Barbourville Convenient Store on KY 225 in Artemus.
The deputies learned during their investigation that a female employee closed the store at 11:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 27, 2023 and intentionally left an individual identified as William Paul McDonald age 50 of Trosper, KY inside the business.
The investigation revealed that, the employee locked the door from the outside and left the premises.
After taking several items and nearly $700 in cash, William McDonald unlocked the door from the inside, came outside the store, broke the glass with a hatchet and locked the door to make it look like the business had actually been broken into.
On August 28, 2023 at approximately 4:35 P.M., Knox County Sheriff Mike Smith and deputies located and arrested McDonald.
The female employee identified as Janie Bingham age 49 of Barbourville, KY was also located and arrested.
L to R: William Paul McDonald and Janie Bingham
William McDonald was charged with:
- Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition-over $1000
- Criminal Mischeif-2nd Degree
Janie Bingham was charged with:
- Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition-over $1000
- Criminal Mischeif-2nd Degree
Photo of William McDonald is courtesy of the Knox County Detention Center.
Photo of Janie Bingham is from the Knox County, Ky, Sheriff's Department.
Both individuals were lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.
A large portion of the cash and items taken were recovered during the arrests.
The investigation is continuing by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
