A Breckinridge County man who pled guilty to rape, assault, sodomy and other charges in 2009 is being released from prison early.
According to the Kentucky Department of Corrections, Ernest D. Pine, 75, formerly of Hardinsburg, pled guilty on July 6, 2009, to first-degree rape (with serious physical injury), first-degree sodomy (with serious physical injury), first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, attempted murder, and first-degree criminal mischief.
According to WAVE.com, Pine cut the victim’s throat during the attack, which occurred in Hardinsburg on July 25, 2008, according to the Kentucky Department of Corrections.
As part of Pine’s plea deal, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. However, the family affected by Pine’s crimes was recently notified by the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) that Pine was being released on August 19, 2025.
Pine is being released early on good behavior, the victim’s husband told WAVE.com.
Pine, on Wednesday, made an appearance in a Breckinridge County courtroom where the judge ordered him, upon his release, to have no contact with the victim or her family.
(Photo: Ernest D. Pine, courtesy of the Kentucky Dept. of Corrections)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
