SALYERSVILLE – A pretrial hearing for a Magoffin County couple charged in a sexual abuse of a minor case has been reset for a later date.
Matthew Tackett, 42, of Twin Lick Road, in Salyersville, and his wife, Ashley Tackett, 39, were set for a pretrial hearing today, but last week the judge signed an agreed order moving the court date to May 16, 2024, at 10 a.m. via Zoom.
“The Parties have agreed that another Pretrial date is necessary to complete discovery and present motions to the court and to discuss the possibility of criminal mediation,” the order signed by Circuit Judge Kimberly Childers on March 4 reads, moving the pretrial hearing for both defendants from March 7 to May 16.
The order was also signed by Tony Skeens, the special Commonwealth Attorney prosecuting the case, and Terry D. Jacobs, the attorney for the Tacketts.
The two were indicted in November, with Matthew Tackett charged with 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). Ashley Tackett is charged with complicity of first-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12 years of age (Class C felony).
Important to note, no agreement exists between the Tacketts and the prosecuting attorney, and Zoom hearings have been held before in this case.
Matthew Tackett remains out on bond and Ashley Tackett was only issued a summons to court in the case. The two previously pleaded not guilty to all charges.
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.
