Pike

Pike County Judge Indicted on Fraud Charges, Suspended Amidst Accusations of Theft and Misuse of Government Funds

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Pikeville, Ky. — Pike County Circuit Judge Howard Keith Hall finds himself under federal scrutiny after a grand jury indicted him on serious charges, including mail fraud and theft of government funds. Hall, who had previously served as the county attorney for Pike County for nearly a quarter-century before assuming his current judicial role, has been temporarily relieved of his duties pending further investigation. The allegations date back to 2010 when Hall appointed an assistant county attorney who, despite being enlisted as a part-time worker with a mandate to fulfill at least 100 working hours … Read more

Judge Rules Out Death Penalty for Billy Wagner in Pike County Family Massacre Case

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PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — A significant decision has emerged from Pike County Court as the judge presiding over the trial connected to the 2016 massacre of eight members of the Rhoden family has ruled out the death penalty for defendant Billy Wagner. This ruling adds another layer to a complex case involving multiple family members in a tragedy that has gripped the community. The case against Billy Wagner is part of a broader prosecution of his family, which includes his wife Angela Wagner and their sons George and Edward "Jake" Wagner. The four were accused … Read more