FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 14, 2026) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today a guilty verdict for a child predator following a two-day jury trial.
A Russell County jury found Zachary Grider, 35, guilty on one count of Use of Electronic Means to Induce a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activities (Class C Felony). The jurors recommended a seven-and-a-half-year sentence.
In 2024, Grider used a popular platform to send illicit messages to a minor. He later admitted to the messages but claimed to investigators he had been drunk.
“This perpetrator knew this young person and used an existing relationship to prey on a vulnerable victim. I am grateful for the fine work of prosecutors and investigators to help put this predator behind bars,” said Attorney General Coleman.
The Kentucky State Police investigated the case. Assistant Attorneys General Lindsey Studebaker and Tony Skeans prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.
Grider will be sentenced on November 24, 2026.
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