One sentenced, one pleads guilty to sex crimes against children and animals in Graves County

Two people have pleaded guilty in Graves County after being accused of sexually abusing children and selling explicit videos and photos of them online. 

In a post to Facebook on Tuesday, Graves County Sheriff Jon Hayden said the Graves County Sheriff’s Office received information in 2023 that a person was sexually abusing children and selling sexually explicit videos and photos of them online. It was also reported this suspect and another were involved in filming and having sex with animals. 

The Sheriff's Office said  an investigation lasted several months and during that time they seized electronic devices they said contained multiple images of children under the age of 12 who were made to perform sexual acts, as well as video and photographic evidence of sexual crimes against animals. 

Two suspects identified in the investigation were 47-year-old Neela M. Wilford of Mayfield, and 32-year-old Christopher D. Carruthers of Meadow Lands, Pennsylvania. Authorities said the pair met online. Carruthers came to and committed these crimes in Graves County. 

In 2024, both suspects were arrested by Graves County Sheriff’s deputies, then indicted by Graves County Grand Juries. 

In April, Carruthers, whom had previously pled guilty in Graves Circuit Court on 6 counts of Sex Crimes Against Animals, and 2 Counts of Possession of Matter Portraying a Minor (Under the Age of 12) in a Sexual Performance, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Those 12 years are to run consecutive to a prison sentence already being served on an unrelated case. 

On Monday, Wilford pleaded guilty on multiple counts of Sex Crimes Against Animals, Possession of Matter Portraying a Minor (Under the Age of 12)  in a Sexual Performance, and Methamphetamine possession, on a 20-year recommended sentence.

Wilford is scheduled to be sentenced in Graves County Circuit Court on June 23.