WOLFE/MAGOFFIN COUNTIES – A man wanted in relation to some Wolfe County barn burnings last December was found at a residence in Magoffin County and is now facing charges from the incidents.
In the initial report from the Wolfe County Sheriff Department in December 2025 indicated that there were three people had already been arrested during the investigation: Cory Wallen, 27; Brian Harper, 36, and Joshua Spencer, 27, and they have been indicted earlier this year following the investigation, charged with second and third-degree arson, criminal mischief, two counts of menacing and second-degree cruelty to animals. The three were booked in the Three Forks Regional Jail, with authorities still looking for the fourth individual, identified as Freddy Fletcher.
Magoffin County Sheriff Department Deputy Eugene Salyer received a tip last weekend, relayed from the Wolfe County Sheriff Department, saying there was a residence on Far Middle Fork, a trailer, where it was believed Fletcher was at the time.
Deputy Salyer told Mortimer Media Group that, upon his arrival, he saw Fletcher running through the residence and hiding in a back room. He reportedly refused commands initially, but finally did surrender without any further incident. He was taken into custody and taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, now facing the same charges and indictment counts as his alleged co-conspirators.
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.
