Jury finds Tackett not guilty

HINDMAN – After a three-day jury trial, a Magoffin County man was found not-guilty of charges related to sexually abusing a minor.

After three days of hearing testimony and oral arguments, the jury took less than two hours to return a “not guilty” verdict on Matthew Tackett, 43, of Salyersville, who was facing two counts of first-degree sodomy, victim under 12 years of age (Class A felonies); first-degree rape, victim under 12 years of age (Class A felony); and four counts of first-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12 years of age (Class C felonies).

The trial was held April 14 through 16 in the Knott County Circuit Courtroom before Kimberley Childers.

At press time, Tackett’s wife, Ashley, is still scheduled for a status hearing on April 24 in her case, in which she is charged with complicity of first-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12 years of age (Class C felony).

Editor’s Note: The indictment or charge of a person by a grand jury or otherwise is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.