FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 29, 2026) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today the indictment of a former detective sergeant with the Murray Police Department on dozens of felony charges related to a sexual relationship with an underage girl.
A Calloway County Grand Jury indicted Justin Swope, 44, on one count of Unlawful Transaction with a Minor, First Degree, Illegal Sexual Act, Victim Under 16 (Class B Felony), one count of Unlawful Transaction with a Minor, First Degree, Illegal Sexual Act, Victim Under 18 (Class C Felony), ten counts of Promoting a Sexual Performance By A Minor, Victim Under 18 (Class C Felony), four counts of Sodomy, Third Degree (Class D Felony), ten counts of Rape, Third Degree (Class D Felony), and two counts of Sexual Abuse, First Degree (Class D).
According to the indictment, the abuse began in 2018 when the victim was just 15 years old and continued through 2021. During that time, Swope sent the girl inappropriate pictures of himself and forced her to do the same. Later, he forced her to take part in sexual acts and sexual intercourse, sometimes in a parked car. Swope was employed with the Murray Police Department during this time.
A picture of Swope is available here.
The Kentucky State Police investigated the case. Assistant Attorney General Richie Kemp presented the case 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.