Kentucky Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Raping 6-Month-Old Baby in Case Described as ‘Simply Horrific’

WEBSTER COUNTY, KENTUCKY – A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to raping a 6-month-old baby, a crime that prosecutors described as one of the most disturbing child abuse cases ever handled in the state.

Judge Hands Down Maximum Sentence

According to the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, Mykill Puckett pleaded guilty in Webster Circuit Court to multiple felony charges, including first-degree rape of a victim under 12, incest, first-degree assault, first-degree criminal abuse of a child, and first-degree wanton endangerment.

Puckett will not be eligible for parole and is barred from any contact with the victim for 10 years following his release. He must also serve five years of supervised probation after completing his sentence.

“The abuse in this case was simply horrific,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Zac Greenwell, who prosecuted the case. “Law enforcement and prosecutors responded with the full weight of Kentucky’s justice system.”

Case Began With Hospital Report

The investigation began in August 2023, when hospital staff contacted authorities after discovering injuries consistent with severe child abuse on a 6-month-old infant.

Officers soon identified Puckett as the primary suspect and arrested both him and his partner, Holly Jo Jones, who was also charged with first-degree assault and criminal abuse of a child under 12.

Jones remains in custody awaiting trial.

Court records obtained by PEOPLE and AOL News indicate that medical professionals immediately suspected sexual assault, prompting the involvement of Kentucky State Police and child protection investigators.

Prosecutors Condemn “Darkest Crimes”

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman commended investigators and prosecutors for their swift response, emphasizing the broader commitment to protecting the state’s most vulnerable residents.

“Every day, Kentucky’s law enforcement and prosecutors stare into the darkness and see some of the worst conduct imaginable,” Coleman said. “Through collaboration with Commonwealth’s Attorney Greenwell and his office, we made clear this behavior has no place in Kentucky, and we will use every legal tool to stop it.”

No Chance of Early Release

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Puckett will serve the full 30-year sentence without early release eligibility. Prosecutors said they pursued the maximum penalty allowed under Kentucky law short of a life sentence.

Authorities added that child advocacy organizations in Webster County have since increased community outreach and support resources for abuse survivors and families.

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