To Catch A Predator Update: Louisville

      

     Unlike Northern Kentucky and Bowling Green, where the sentences ranged from 4 to 12 years in prison, the predators in Louisville got off pretty lightly. Nonetheless, it laid the groundwork for the following stings and ruined the lives of 8 men who sought to ruin the lives of children.

     Bryan Prow spent 5 years on probation, ending in 2012, and earned himself lifetime registration as a sex offender with the complementary restrictions on internet use and contact with minors. He lives in Henderson, Kentucky.

     Damon Baete had one of the less-graphic chats and pled guilty to a felony and a misdemeanor in exchange for 5 years probation, ending in 2012, and credit for the year he spent in jail before being convicted. He did not have to register as a sex offender, but he has not reoffended. 

     Leslie Peak received 3 years probation, which expired in 2010, and sex offender registration. He has since been removed from the registry, likely since he testified against a man on another case. Few details are known about him except that he is 61 years old.

     Anthony Vincent Ross received the standard sentence of 5 years probation with lifetime sex offender registration. He has not reoffended, and he currently lives in an apartment in Louisville.

     Todd Nobel was a serial predator who hit up 5 decoys before meeting one in Louisville. Despite this, he received 5 years probation, which ended in 2012, and lifetime RSO status. He still lives in Louisville and is compliant with the terms of his release, which restrict internet use and contact with minors.

     Jeffrey Wayne Barnes received 5 years probation and 20-year RSO status. His probation ended in 2012, and he must remain on the registry until at least 2027. He lives in Nicholasville, Kentucky.

     Billy Wayne Rife received 5 years probation and sex offender registration for trying to rape a minor. I was unable to find his RSO page, but he is likely still registered as the minimum length of time in Kentucky is 20 years.

     The most shocking case was that of Steven Duncil, an elementary school teacher who received 5 years probation for his act. This was not his last run-in with the law, however. He would be arrested in 2016 on federal child porn charges and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He is eligible for release in 2030, after which he must register as a sex offender for life.