Kentucky man sentenced for sexual crimes against children, family dog

Editor’s note: Details of this story may be disturbing to some readers.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — An eastern Kentucky man was sentenced Thursday for crimes against children and animals.

Attorney General Russell Coleman said 43-year-old Kent Simpkins, of Salyersville, was sentenced for seven felony counts in Magoffin County.

“This predator was already far down a dangerous path of criminal activity.  We are grateful to the team of detectives and prosecutors whose dedicated efforts will ensure this man is kept far away from children,” Coleman said.

Reportedly, after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip, police searched Simpkins’ IP address and social media and found multiple images of minors involved in sexual acts, numerous animal sex videos, and a video of Simpkins involved in a sexual act with the family’s dog.

“A single tip to law enforcement led to a 10-year sentence that will keep this dangerous predator away from our children,” Coleman previously said. “I am grateful to the investigators and prosecutors who stare into this darkness to protect our families from these serious crimes.”

In a news release from the attorney general’s office, state officials said that on Thursday, 43-year-old Kent Simpkins pleaded guilty to:

• One count of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12
• Three counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12
• Two counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under 12
• One count of sexual crime against an animal

In addition to the 10-year sentence, Simpkins will be a lifetime registrant on the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry and receive five years of post-incarceration supervision.