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Last photo Kentucky woman, 31, posted before being charged with incest and sodomy involving child under 12
Here's the final picture the woman accused of sexually abusing a child under 12 shared on her social media.
Lauren Winans, from Bardstown, was arrested on charges of incest, sexual abuse, and first-degree sodomy involving a child under 12.
An indictment returned by a Nelson County grand jury disclosed that she has been accused of committing sexual offenses against a child under 12 between January 1, 2022, and November 20, 2022.
Before her arrest, Winans reportedly shared a photograph on Facebook, showing her husband, Andy Winans, and their dog.
What do the charges allege?
The indictment alleges that the 31-year-old "committed the offense of sodomy in the first degree by engaging in deviate sexual intercourse with C.G.W., a person less than twelve years of age," as cited by The New York Post.
She has also been accused of incest, with the indictment claiming that she "committed the offense of incest when she had sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with a person whom she knew to be an ancestor who was less than twelve years of age."
It remains unclear whether the alleged incest offense involved the same child mentioned in the other charges against Winans, with court documents not specifying how the alleged victim or victims are related to her.
Kentucky's sheriff's office clarifies the woman's husband's involvement in law enforcement
A Kentucky sheriff's office has released a statement clarifying its connection to Winans's husband, who works in law enforcement.
The Nelson County Sheriff's Office revealed that he was a former employee who now serves with the Bardstown Police Department. However, they stressed that they had no involvement in the investigation into his wife and had not been aware of the allegations against her.
"The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office is issuing the following statement to address recent public inquiries and provide accurate information: Ongoing Investigation: The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is the primary investigating agency regarding the allegations involving Lauren Winans," the department said.
"The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office was not aware of these allegations, holds no details regarding the case, and is not involved in the investigation. Inquiries should be directed to KSP," they continued.
The department also spoke about pictures circulating online involving one of its official vehicles, revealing that disciplinary action had previously been taken over the conduct depicted.
"Regarding the photos featuring an agency vehicle, our administration deemed the conduct completely inappropriate. Prompt disciplinary action was taken at the time of the incident," they continued.
Winans is currently being held in the LaRue County Detention Center. Her arraignment is scheduled for November 5. She has not yet posted the $250,000 bail she's being held on.
If convicted of the most serious charge, first-degree sodomy, she could potentially face up to life in prison.