Middlesboro pair charged amid investigation into ‘possible child abuse video,’ officers say

MIDDLESBORO, Ky. (FOX 56) — A man and woman in Middlesboro are facing child abuse charges after investigators allegedly received evidence of criminal neglect on Thursday while responding to a complaint at a local apartment complex.

In a news release, the Middlesboro Police Department (MPD) announced that on Thursday, March 27, officers were dispatched to Bella Garden Apartments in Middlesboro after receiving complaints of possible child abuse there.

The department wrote on Facebook that there was a “possible child abuse video” that was allegedly circulating on social media.

“The same evening, Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson received additional evidence and information regarding the alleged abuse,” officers said in a news release.

On Friday, the MPD wrote that an investigation was carried out with the help of social workers, and Brandon Saylor, 33, and Kelly Wilburn, 28, were both arrested.

Saylor was charged with:

• Four counts of an abused or neglected child
• First-degree criminal abuse
• Two counts of first-degree criminal abuse of a child age 12 or under
• Fourth-degree assault – domestic violence with a minor injury
• Tampering with a witness

Wilburn was charged with:

• Four counts of an abused or neglected child
• First-degree criminal abuse
• Two counts of first-degree criminal abuse of a child age 12 or under

Saylor and Wilburn were lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.

The child abuse investigation remains ongoing. Anyone in Middlesboro who suspects child abuse in their area is asked to call local law enforcement at (606) 248-3636.