STAFF REPORT

A suspected serial sex offender is behind bars, according to Perryville Police.

Perryville Police say they believe Kobe Ford, 26, is a suspected serial sex offender after they launched an investigation that began earlier this year. Ford was indicted Thursday in Mercer County Circuit Court on several counts of unlawful transaction with a minor and unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activities.

Perryville Police say they were investigating Ford in reference to a narcotics case when they say they discovered evidence he might be linked to numerous sexual assault cases. Police say Ford already was in custody on other charges when they made that realization.

He was indicted on two counts of Unlawful Transaction with a Minor, 1st Degree – Sex Act; one count of Unlawful Transaction with a Minor 1st Degree – Controlled Substance; one count of Unlawful Transaction with a Minor 2nd Degree – Controlled Substance; five counts of Unlawful Use of Electronic Means to Induce a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activities.

Police say Ford had sexual acts with “numerous” alleged victims, many of whom were minors, including several under the age of 16. Ford is facing several counts of unlawful transaction with a minor and unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activities. He is being held in the Boyle County Detention Center.

The investigation focused on events from 2017 through this year.
Perryville Police worked in conjunction with Boyle County Probation and Parole, Danville Police, Boyle and Mercer County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Franklin County Regional Jail, Boyle County Detention Center, and the Boyle and Mercer County Victim’s Advocates.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Perryville Police Department at 859-332-8361.