Carter County man charged with sexual abuse following multi-year investigation

ASHLAND, Ky. – A man is facing charges following an investigation by the Kentucky State Police into inappropriate communications with a minor.

According to KSP, troopers arrested 28-year-old Harlee Estepp on Wednesday.

Troopers say the investigation began in 2022 after law enforcement received information about Estepp’s interactions with a juvenile.

Authorities say the incidents under investigation are connected to events that took place before Estepp’s latest employment.

Estepp faces charges of first-degree sexual abuse, which carries a potential sentence of 5 to 10 years in prison. Additionally, he is charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor through electronic means.

Estepp remains at the Carter County Detention Center.