A man wanted in Kentucky on over 100 counts of first-degree sexual abuse of small children has been arrested in Alabama.
Kentucky State Police said an arrest warrant for 47-year-old James M. Barnes, of Flemingsburg, was originally issued on November 11, 2023. Barnes, though, fled the state.
On January 14, 2026, state police referred the case to the U.S. Marshals Service for assistance in apprehending the suspect. Soon, information was developed that Barnes could be living in Alabama.
Then, on January 21, 2026, U.S. Marshals along with other law enforcement agencies located Barnes in Nauvoo, Alabama.
He was arrested and is awaiting extradition to Kentucky.
During the initial investigation, three juveniles accused Barnes of sexually abusing them. He faces 120 counts of first-degree sexual abuse (victim under the age of 12) when he’s returned to Kentucky.
(Photo: James Barnes, courtesy of Kentucky State Police)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
