Pikeville landlord sentenced to prison after admitting to sex trafficking of minors
A Pikeville landlord who pleaded guilty last year to five counts of sex trafficking minors was sentenced this week to 13 years in prison.
Ernest “Junior” Ray, 56, admitted to giving alcohol, cigarettes, money and drugs to five minors in exchange for them engaging in sexual acts in front of him, according to court records and a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Ray also admitted to driving the minors to engage in the acts, which also sometimes took place at his home, according to the release.
By federal law, Ray must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. Upon his release, he will be under supervision for the rest of his life, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He will also be required to pay $60,000 or forfeit property and vehicles used in the crime.
Charges against Ray of drug distribution were dismissed as part of his 2019 plea agreement. He had been accused of distributing painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, ecstasy and marijuana.
This story was originally published July 16, 2020 at 7:30 AM.
