FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 14, 2026)– Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today the AG’s Office is seeking to uphold the 30-year sentence for a violent criminal and human trafficker.
In 2025, a Jefferson County jury found Moises May, 39, guilty of five counts of human trafficking (Class B Felony), kidnapping (Class B Felony), intimidating a participant in the legal process (Class D Felony) and misdemeanor charges of harassment with physical contact and third-degree terroristic threatening.
According to court documents, May chained a woman to the floor by her neck and left her in a locked home. The woman was rescued by officers with the Louisville Metro Police Department after a neighbor heard her cries for help. May had previously used the woman’s phone to impersonate her and arrange for her to have sex with other men for money. He filmed at least some of these encounters through a hole in the ceiling. She felt forced into the encounters because she knew May would hurt her if she refused.
May is now appealing his conviction.
“A jury found this violent individual guilty for his horrific crimes, following an excellent prosecution by Commonwealth’s Attorney Whethers’ Office. To support this victim and the safety of this community, we will strongly defend the conviction before the Kentucky Supreme Court,” said Attorney General Coleman.
“This defendant was convicted of disturbing acts that have no place in our community. A jury made up of members of this community found him guilty and sent a clear message that heinous crimes need to be met with serious punishment,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina D. Whethers. “We have no tolerance for cruelty and depravity. The judge in this case followed the jury’s recommended sentencing, and we want nothing more than justice for the brave and resilient victim in this case. That, to us, means that the sentence is upheld, and that the defendant is held fully responsible for his horrific deeds.”
Download May’s photo here.
The Attorney General’s Assistant Solicitor General Graham Pilotte filed the brief on behalf of the Commonwealth.
Read the brief here.