FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 22, 2026) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today the indictment of two Eastern Kentucky women for the abuse of a young child.
A Magoffin County Grand Jury indicted Destiny Brown, 26, and Melissa Howard, 36, both of Salyersville, with one count each of Criminal Abuse, First Degree, Child 12 or Under (Class B Felony).
According to the indictment, the abuse occurred between October 2024 and July 2025. During that time, Howard allegedly withheld food as punishment and confined the child, who was under 12, within the house without access to food or facilities. Howard, who had custody of the child, is alleged to have hit the child and allowed Brown to do the same. Court documents reveal Brown allegedly abused the child in the same way as Howard, withholding food and not providing the child with access to the bathroom.
The Kentucky State Police investigated the case. Assistant Attorney General Tony Skeans presented the case before the Magoffin County Grand Jury on behalf of the Commonwealth.
The Kentucky Supreme Court’s rule on trial publicity limits information the Office can provide publicly.
The charges in an indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.