Published: October 16, 2009 12:59 am      

‘Operation Pay Back’ nets 20

More than 50 subjects sought for child support crimes

Law enforcement officials went in search of more than 50 Whitley County residents wanted for not paying child support during a roundup dubbed “Operation Pay Back” early Thursday morning. Several other persons were also arrested in the roundup for other existing warrants, running from the police, or hindering the apprehension of other criminals.

“Most of the arrestees were given several opportunities to work out a payment plan with the courts and refused to do so… this was the last resort,” said Williamsburg Public Affairs Officer Shawn Jackson. Whitley County Attorney Paul Winchester echoed Jackson’s explanation, stating, “We really exhausted all other remedies with these people.”

In all, a little more than 20 of the 50 people were apprehended during the roundup, which spanned from northern Corbin to the southern end of Williamsburg. Others no longer lived at their last known addresses and could not be located.

While trying to locate one man, officers say the suspect darted from a door in the back of the Williamsburg Plastics plant; he was caught shortly thereafter.

One woman, Connie Bunch, who was wanted for not paying child support attempted to flee from the back of her residence. After she was caught hiding behind the home, police say she provided them with a fake name and other misleading information, and the man inside the home was also arrested for hindering her apprehension after he allegedly lied to officers.

Some of the arrested were obviously upset as police escorted them from their homes at 6 a.m., through the rain, and into the back of police cruisers. Others, however, admitted they knew the day was coming, but one man said, “They could’ve just called me.”

“People need to face the responsibility and make arrangements to take care of their children. The children are the victims,” said Officer Jackson. “We encourage anyone who thinks they may be wanted for child support to make arrangements and turn themselves in… The county attorney will try to work with them.”

In all, Winchester estimated that more than $500,000 worth of child support was owed by the individuals collectively.

“The individual amounts of money owed by all of these people arrested today range from small amounts into the thousands,” he said, adding, “One was right around $38,000 owed.”

Williamsburg police were assisted by officers of the Corbin Police Department, Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, and deputy jailers from the Whitley County Detention Center, where all arrestees were later lodged.

Those arrested for flagrant non-support were:

• Ashley Gambrel, 24

• Brian Kevin Canada, 29, Williasmburg

• Charles E. Gray, 52, Williamsburg

• Jonny Johnson, 54, Williamsburg

• Lloyd Gibson, 29, Williamsburg

• John Lawson, 44, Williamsburg

• Tommy L. Mozingo, 38, Williamsburg

• Mark A. Fuson, 42, Williamsburg

• Derrick Wayne Landry, 45, Rockholds

• Rhonda G. Veach, 40, Corbin

• Jason Anderson, 33, Williamsburg

• Terry S. Adkins, 44, Williamsburg

• Timothy R. Carr, 34, Corbin

• Anthony Wayne Vanover, 25, Corbin

• Larry J. Powell, 42, Woodbine

• Connie Bunch, 41, Williamsburg

• Jason Michael Davis, 33, Williamsburg

• William Lee Davis, 31, Williamsburg

• Timothy S. Gibbs, 43, London

• Marshall Petrey Jr., 35, Corbin