Ohio inmate on the loose in Kentucky was accused in failed murder-or-hire scheme

MAYSVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — The search for an escaped inmate out of Ohio continues in bordering Kentucky counties.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio announced that Roy Butler and Jerry Cooper had escaped from the Brown County Detention Center between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15. The pair reportedly damaged a security window before fleeing through the sheriff’s office impound lot.

On Tuesday morning, Butler was taken into custody in Mason County near Dover. But the search for his accomplice continues.

“We believe Jerry Cooper is in the Dover area near the Mason Bracken line. Please remain clear of the area if able and report any suspicious activity,” the Mason County Sheriff’s Office wrote.

However, the word has continued to spread to bordering counties, including Fleming and Rowan, which have issued notices to their residents.

“If located, do not approach,” Ohio authorities emphasized.

Court documents show that Cooper was booked on charges including attempted murder, felonious assault, conspiracy, tampering with physical evidence, and having weapons under disability.

He was indicted by a grand jury in May and was set to go to trial in June 2026.

The indictment states that the case dates back to Jan. 15, when Cooper was allegedly recruited to kill a man named Kelly Applagate.

According to court documents, George Kendall began meeting with Cooper and Michael Fite, the alleged getaway driver, to plan the shooting. After being paid, Cooper and Fite allegedly drove to Applegate’s home on Feb. 10.

Cooper reportedly rang the doorbell, and when Applegate opened the door, he was shot in the chest. He fled the area with Fite’s help, per the indictment.

Court documents show that all three men have been charged in connection with the shooting.

Cooper has been lodged in the Brown County Detention Center ever since. That is, until he and Butler fled through the damaged security window.

Maysville police recommend that residents keep doors and windows secured, and if you see anything unusual, report it to local authorities.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates.