Grand Jury Returns Indictments on Sex Crimes, Arson, Assault and Theft Charges

MANCHESTER — The Clay County Grand Jury returned a series of indictments during its recent session, including charges involving alleged sex crimes against minors, first-degree arson, assault, theft, and child support violations.

Among the most serious indictments, William D. Sizemore, 19, of Manchester, was charged with first-degree sodomy, first-degree rape and procurement or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means. According to the indictment, Sizemore engaged in deviate sexual intercourse with a minor female and knowingly used a communications system to contact the minor. The case is being investigated by Kentucky State Police Trooper James Creekmore.

Samuel Bennett, 43, of Shibb Branch, was indicted on charges of first-degree unlawful transaction with a minor involving an illegal sex act and first-degree sexual abuse. The indictment alleges Bennett offered money to a minor under the age of 16 in exchange for illegal sexual contact and engaged in sexual contact with the juvenile.

A Louisville man accused of setting fire to the Manchester Dollar General also faces multiple felony charges. Woodson Roark, 44, was indicted for first-degree arson after allegedly igniting a butane canister inside the store while employees were present. Roark was additionally indicted on two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment for allegedly placing employees Destiney Davidson and Casey Wagers in danger. Authorities estimate the fire caused approximately $50,000 in damage. Roark was also indicted for first-degree criminal mischief. Clay County Deputy Walter Marker investigated the case.

Another indictment involved allegations of severe domestic violence. Randy Parker, 48, of Manchester, was indicted for second-degree assault, first-degree strangulation and first-degree wanton endangerment. According to the indictment, Parker allegedly struck Kendra Romaker, grabbed and threw her to the ground, causing visible injuries. He is further accused of placing a chain around her neck and attempting to drag her behind a motorized vehicle. Kentucky State Police Trooper Don Trosper is investigating the case.

Christopher Dale Collins, 52, listed as homeless, was indicted on charges of second-degree assault and two counts of fourth-degree assault. Authorities allege Collins struck his mother, Fannie Smith, in the head with a guitar, causing injuries that required 14 staples. The indictment further alleges he punched Smith, threw her into a creek, attempted to strike a juvenile with the guitar and punched the minor in the head.

Sylvia Savage, 45, was indicted on two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment after allegedly discharging a firearm near Donald Arceneaux and twice pointing a semiautomatic pistol at Clay County Deputy Paul Michael Whitehead during an April incident. Savage was also indicted for fleeing or evading police on foot after allegedly running into nearby woods while attempting to avoid arrest. Clay County Chief Deputy Clifton Jones investigated the case.

In a financial crimes case, Brett D. Smith, 71, of Hamden, Connecticut, was indicted for theft by unlawful taking. The indictment alleges Smith unlawfully took $50,000 from the checking account of John Goins in December 2024. Trooper Don Trosper is investigating.

Zebulun Garner, 47, of Manchester, was indicted for first-degree criminal mischief and possession of a defaced firearm. Authorities allege Garner damaged a vehicle belonging to Sabrina Dixon by breaking windows, damaging tires and denting the vehicle, resulting in more than $500 in damage. He was also charged with possessing a firearm with a serial number that had been removed.

Additional indictments included:

• Earl Burkhart, 48, failure to comply as a registered sex offender.
• Lawrence Smith, 42, of Rawlings Road, bail jumping after allegedly failing to appear in Clay Circuit Court on May 4.
• Stephanie Lovins, 20, of Manchester, bail jumping after allegedly failing to appear in court on April 6.
• Ronnie Marcum, 38, of Jarvis Branch, bail jumping after allegedly failing to appear in court on May 4.
• Justin Jackson Jr., 28, of Gum Branch, theft by unlawful taking for allegedly stealing a water meter belonging to Janet Smith.

The grand jury also returned indictments connected to a theft investigation involving stolen vehicles, tools and equipment.

David Murrell, 43, of London; David Mathis, 58, of Manchester; and Stanley Lovins, 27, of Manchester, were each indicted for theft by unlawful taking after allegedly stealing multiple tools, a box trailer and two motorcycles belonging to Eric Hacker in March 2026.

Mark Minton, 49, of Manchester, was indicted for receiving stolen property after authorities allegedly found him in possession of a stolen black Jeep and one of the motorcycles taken from Hacker.

The grand jury also returned several indictments for flagrant non-support:

• Tasha Bowling, 38, for allegedly failing to pay $10,769 in child support.
• Tameka Moore, 42, of Beaver, for allegedly failing to pay $15,850.50 in child support.
• Jason Roberts, 43, of Manchester, for allegedly failing to pay $24,513.92 in child support.
• Tommy Richardson, 43, of Mozelle, for allegedly failing to pay $21,484.93 in child support.
• Billy Spurlock, 52, of Manchester, for allegedly failing to pay $34,521.59 in child support.

An indictment is an accusation only and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.