(WCLU FILE PHOTO)
GLASGOW — A young trio from Jefferson County was indicted last month by a Barren County grand jury in connection a string of organized crime and theft in Barren County.
Lucky Frank B. Russell, 19, Momo Kpehe, 21, and Nolan S. Pate, 19, all of Louisville, were indicted on similar charges including engaging in organized crime and theft.
The crimes occurred last year Aug. 15 and 16, according to an indictment from Barren Circuit Court.
A criminal syndicate is a term describing a group or organization who seeks to promote a crime. The grand jury reasoned the three formed a syndicate when they engaged in theft by unlawful taking, according to an indictment.
Russell, Kpehe and Pate were indicted on a charge of theft by unlawful taking or disposition (auto). The two stole a 2013 Buick Verano from Sonya Nuckols. The property was valued over $1,000 but less than $10,000.
The three were also indicted on a firearm theft charge. The indictment said a Walther 380 pistol and a 9mm Taurus pistol were stolen from Alex Smith.
Russell and Pate face additional indictments. Kpehe was indicted on four out of 10 charges listed on the indictment.
The two face identity theft, receiving stolen property, credit/ debit card fraud and theft.
A 2014 Hyundai Elantra was stolen from Lori Yeoman at an earlier time. The grand jury asserts the two knew the car was stolen when they took possession of it, which warranted the indictment for receiving stolen property ($1,000 or more but less than $10,000).
Three indictments were issued on theft by unlawful taking or disposition (under $500 – contents from a vehicle) charges.
Sometime between Aug. 15 and 16, 2021, they stole contents from vehicles belonging to Sidney Shaw, John Glass and Chad Fisher, according to the indictment.
The jury convened Dec. 15, 2021. An arraignment date was not listed for the three.