Community rallies in Edmonson County against child sexual abuse

BROWNSVILLE, KY – A determined group gathered outside the Edmonson County Courthouse on Thursday morning for the “Edmonson County Kids Matter” ribbon campaign — a grassroots effort aimed at raising awareness and demanding change in the wake of a sexual abuse case involving a minor.

Participants wore blue and red ribbons, held signs, and voiced frustration over what they believe are lenient punishments for sexual predators.

“What inspired it is the people are tired of predators,” said Nick Sanders, co-organizer of the rally. “Getting away on minimal bonds — $2,500 — where somebody smoking weed [is] getting $25,000. It’s backwards. We should not be letting these predators walk.”

The rally coincided with a court appearance for Tyler Skaggs, a 36-year-old Smiths Grove man facing 11 counts of promoting a sexual performance by a minor less than 16 years old.

Organizers say the campaign will continue through Thursday, August 15, as they call for stricter laws and greater protections for children in the community.