FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 17, 2026) – Attorney General Russell Coleman and Ronnie Bowling, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Whitley and McCreary counties, announced today a life sentence for a child predator following a two-day jury trial.
A Whitley County jury found Preston Coffey, 27, guilty of Rape First Degree, Victim under 12 (Class A Felony) and Sex Abuse First Degree, Victim under 12 (Class C Felony). The jurors recommended a life sentence.
Beginning in 2024, Coffey groomed and sexually assaulted a 9-year-old child. Coffey was supposed to be a caregiver for the child during this time.
Click here for his photo.
“We're so grateful for the Attorney General's collaboration in prosecuting on behalf of our kids, specifically Ramsey Dallam who devoted endless hours to consoling, meeting with, and preparing our victim to testify,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Bowling.
“When a predator harms one of our most vulnerable, it is our job to incapacitate them as long as the law permits; full stop,” said Attorney General Coleman. “I’m proud of our partnership with Commonwealth’s Attorney Ronnie Bowling in prosecuting this case and protecting Kentucky kids.”
The Kentucky State Police investigated the case. Commonwealth’s Attorney Bowling was assisted by Ramsey Dallam, the Deputy Executive Director of the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit, in prosecuting the case. Erica Paske with the Attorney's General Office of Victims Advocacy provided victim services.
The recommended sentence would require Coffey to serve 20 years before he is eligible for parole. Coffey will be sentenced October 5, 2026.