CORBIN, KY – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) reports that KSP Post 11, London is investigating an attempted child abduction that occurred in Whitley County on Friday at the Whitley County Intermediate School.
The initial investigation indicates that on Friday, August 30, 2024, Willie O. Bethea, 37 years old of Latta, South Carolina unlawfully made his way onto the playground and attempted to get a child to go with him. He was confronted by school staff and left the property.
As a safety measure all Whitley County Schools and Williamsburg City Schools and Corbin City Schools were placed in a soft lock-down. Mr. Bethea was located at the Corbin Walmart and was placed under arrest.
Willie Bethea is being charged with
- (Attempted) Kidnapping of a Minor
- Criminal Trespass 1st.
- Persistent Felony Offender
- Operating on Suspended License
The investigation is ongoing by KSP Post 11 Trooper Matt Ridener. He was assisted by the Whitley County Sheriff's Officer, Corban City Police, Whitley County School SRO and Whitley County School system.
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