Somerset husband and wife facing 100 years in prison for child sexual abuse offenses

LONDON, Ky. – A Pulaski County husband and wife now face 100 years in prison for reported child sexual abuse crimes.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky, 39-year-old Christopher Ethridge and 30-year-old Amy Ethridge, both of Somerset, Kentucky, have been sentenced to 30 years in prison for production of child sexual abuse material after previously being sentenced to 70 years in prison.

Officials say Christopher Ethridge was previously sentenced on a first-degree rape charge, while Amy Ethridge was sentenced on a complicity to commit rape charge involving the same child victim in a previous case.

The federal and state sentences will run consecutively, reaching a total of 100 years for each individual, officials say.

On August 23, 2024, officials say Christopher Ethridge, “aided and abetted by his wife and co-defendant,” produced child sexual abuse material of a toddler.

Officials say further evidence found Christopher and Amy Ethridge “discussed sexually abusing a victim child and had a handwritten contract that detailed what sexual acts that they were allowed to perform on the child.”

“The conduct in this case represents a profound betrayal of one of society’s most basic duties — to protect its children,” said Jason Parman, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our office will zealously pursue anyone who exploits or endangers children, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to bring offenders to justice. This prosecution underscores our unwavering resolve to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our community. It also illustrates the results that can be achieved by complementary investigations and prosecutions by state and federal partners.”

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of these crimes, and ensures these offenders will no longer be able to harm children,” said HSI Nashville Deputy Special Agent in Charge Michael Perez. “HSI remains steadfast in working alongside our law enforcement partners to identify offenders, safeguard victims, and pursue justice.”

The investigation was conducted by HSI Lexington, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and KSP.