ISSUE #880- December 12, 2025  

GREETINGS KENTON COUNTY!



The men and women of the Commonwealth's Attorney Office are always working hard to keep Kenton County safe. This newsletter is intended to keep all interested parties up to date on the latest in prosecution and law enforcement news. If you have any questions or would like additional information about the cases you see in this email, please call (859) 292-6580 or email the Commonwealth's Attorney Office at rsanders@prosecutors.ky.gov. 

GUILTY VERDICT:

Commonwealth v. Mario Duran Payne

Judge: Lape

Prosecutors: Rob Sanders & Taylor Roof

Police Agency: Covington

On January 6, 2024, Covington Police responded to 306 West 34th Street at 3pm for a shooting. Officers found Kierra Lane, 25, suffering from multiple gun shot wounds. Despite extensive efforts from Covington Fire Department paramedics, Lane died at the scene. Multiple family members who were at Lane's home identified Mario Duran Payne, the father of Lane's two young children, as the shooter. Payne had already fled the scene. Then-Covington Police Detective Jim Lindeman (who has since come to work as a Commonwealth's Detective in the Kenton CAO) led the investigation which recovered nearby security camera audio of the gunshots and video of Payne's vehicle fleeing the scene. Covington Crime Scene Technician Torie Vilvanathan collected four spent shell casings from a .380 caliber handgun and three partial bullets from the scene. A fourth bullet was recovered from Lane's body during the autopsy.

Payne's cell phone was turned off and unable to be tracked. The vehicle he was driving was located in Covington but Payne was not in it. Det. Lindeman obtained a warrant charging Payne with Murder for killing Lane. Several days later, Payne was arrested by Louisville Metro Police Department after they were called to the house of Payne's relatives for an alleged suicide attempt. Payne was treated at the hospital and then released to the Jefferson Count Detention Center. Det. Lindeman traveled to Louisville to interview Payne who claimed he was handed Lane's handgun back to her when it accidentally went off. Payne was vague about the current location of the gun but admitted he got rid of his cell phone. Payne could not explain why there were four shell casings and multiple gunshot wounds if the gun went off accidentally.

Payne was indicted by the Kenton County Grand Jury for Murder. The case ground slowly through the criminal justice system after Payne claimed he was not mentally competent to stand trial. Multiple psychiatric evaluations suggested Payne was faking mental illness and the case was scheduled for trial on December 9, 2025 before Kenton Circuit Judge Kathleen Lape. Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Taylor Roof called numerous witnesses including responding Officer Matt Raabe and Lt. Rachel White, both of whose body worn camera videos were played for the jury. The prosecutors also presented the 911 calls from Lane's sister and landlord, as well as all of the shell casings and bullets recovered by CSI Vilvanathan. Also called to the stand were Lane's family members who were at her home when she was killed and multiple neighbors who saw Payne walk to his car and drive away after the gunshots.

Jurors learned that Lane had recently broken off her relationship with Payne and moved on to a new boyfriend in the month leading up to the shooting. Lane's new boyfriend testified the couple had been on a date the night before and Lane posted a photo of them on social media. Shortly after, he said, Payne began calling Lane's phone repeatedly, demanding to know where she was and who she was with. Payne was estimated to have called Lane 30-40 times prompting her to silence her phone. The next day, Payne requested visitation time with his children so Lane initially agreed to meet him at Kroger in Latonia, but when Payne said he would keep the children overnight, they had to return to Lane's apartment to get clothes and a diaper bag. Lane's family members said they could hear Payne outside on the porch trying to talk his way into the house. Lane said she was done and had moved on. When she went to close her door, the family heard the first gunshot and Lane fell to the floor. Lane's sister jumped into the doorway to check on her sister. She told the jury Payne pointed the gun at her before turning it back on Lane and shooting three more times. Payne retrieved their infant daughter from the car and set her on the same porch in a pumpkin seat before walking to his car and driving away.

After two and one-half days of evidence and testimony, the jury deliberated for about 90 minutes before returning a verdict of guilty on the single count Indictment for Murder. After a sentencing phase of the trial when the jury learned about Payne's three prior felony convictions, and heard testimony from the mothers of both Lane and Payne, the same jury then recommended a sentence of Life in prison for the Murder.

Formal, final sentencing will take place before Judge Kathleen Lape on February 9, 2026.

GUILTY PLEAS AND SENTENCINGS:

Commonwealth v. Tara Arnold

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Casey Burns

Police Agency: NKY Drug Strike Force

On 12/4/25, Arnold pled guilty to Trafficking Controlled Substance (>2g meth), Prohibited Acts Related to Controlled Substance and Persistent Felony Offender. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 10 years in prison. On 12/4/25, Arnold was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Commonwealth v. Darrian Bell

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Ryan Oliver

Police Agency: Ludlow

On 12/4/25, Bell pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Ryan Oliver recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 12/4/25, Bell was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. Garry Brown

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Maria Wentz

Police Agency: Covington

On 12/4/25, Brown pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 12/4/25, Brown was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. Tina Brown

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Ryan Oliver

Police Agency: Covington

On 12/4/25, Brown pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Ryan Oliver is recommending a sentence of 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 1/12/26.

Commonwealth v. Shawn Dalton

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Maria Wentz

Police Agency: Erlanger

On 12/4/25, Dalton pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz is recommending a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. Final sentencing is set for 1/12/26.

Commonwealth v. Bryan Davis

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Maria Wentz

Police Agency: Villa Hills

On 12/4/25, Davis pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. On 12/4/25, Davis was sentenced to 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years.

Commonwealth v. Kelly Hurst

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Hunter Eickhoff

Police Agency: Erlanger

On 12/4/25, Hurst pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Hunter Eickhoff recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 12/4/25, Hurst was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. John Key

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Maria Wentz

Police Agency: Kenton Co. Police

On 12/4/25, Key pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz is recommending a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. Final sentencing is set for 1/12/26.

Commonwealth v. Justice Morel

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Jordan Sherrow

Police Agency: Ft. Mitchell

On 12/4/25, Morel pled guilty to Trafficking in Stolen Identities and Possession of Controlled Substance (opiates). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jordan Sherrow is recommending a sentence of 5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 1/12/26.

Commonwealth v. Brittany Morris

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Hannah Reese

Police Agency: Lakeside Park/Crestview Hills

On 12/4/25, Morris pled guilty to Fraudulent Use of Credit Card (>$1000). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Hannah Reese recommended a sentence of 2 years in prison, probated for 4 years. On 12/4/25, Morris was sentenced to 2 years in prison, probated for 4 years.

Commonwealth v. Nicholas Newman

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Jordan Sherrow

Police Agency: Kenton Co. Police

On 12/4/25, Newman pled guilty to Possession of Handgun by Felon. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jordan Sherrow is recommending a sentence of 5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 1/12/26.

Commonwealth v. Keith Schweinzger

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Maria Wentz

Police Agency: Covington

On 12/4/25, Schweinzger pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (fentanyl). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. On 12/4/25, Schweinzger was sentenced to 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years.

Commonwealth v. Kelton Williander

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Jordan Sherrow

Police Agency: Independence

On 12/4/25, Williander pled guilty to Receiving Stolen Property $10,000 or more. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jordan Sherrow is recommending a sentence of 7 years in prison, probated for 5 years. Final sentencing is set for 1/12/26.

Commonwealth v. Raven Sims

Judge: Lape

Prosecutor: Ryan Oliver

Police Agency: Covington

On 12/8/25, Sims pled guilty to Assault 2nd Degree and Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Ryan Oliver is recommending a sentence of 7 years in prison. Final Sentencing is set for 2/9/26.

Commonwealth v. Isaac Lee

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Casey Burns

Police Agency: Boone Co. Sheriff

On 10/30/25, Lee pled guilty to Trafficking in Marijuana (8oz to 5lbs). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison. On 12/8/25, Lee was sentenced to 5 years in prison, probated for 5 years.

Commonwealth v. Brian Sutton

Judge: Molloy

Prosecutor: Jordan Sherrow

Police Agency: Covington

On 11/20/25, Sutton pled guilty to Theft by Unlawful Taking >$1000. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jordan Sherrow recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. On 12/8//25, Sutton was sentenced to 1 year in prison.

Commonwealth v. Hunter Adams

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Maria Wentz

Police Agency: Independence

On 12/8/25, Adams pled guilty to Burglary 2nd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz is recommending a sentence of 5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 2/10/26.

Commonwealth v. Clark Byers

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Hunter Eickhoff

Police Agency: Covington

On 12/8/25, Byers pled guilty to Theft by Unlawful Taking >$1000. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Hunter Eickhoff recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison. On 12/8//25, Byers was sentenced to 3 years in prison.

Commonwealth v. Christopher King

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Laura Putman

Police Agency: Covington

On 12/8/25, King pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Laura Putman is recommending a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 2/10/26.

Commonwealth v. Daryl Long

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Casey Burns

Police Agency: Erlanger

On 12/8/25, Long pled guilty to Trafficking in Controlled Substance (>2g meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns is recommending a sentence of 8 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 2/10/26.

Commonwealth v. Ren Mihuta

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Jordan Sherrow

Police Agency: Covington

On 12/8/25, Mihuta pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (fentanyl). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jordan Sherrow recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 2/10/26.

Commonwealth v. Sean Norris

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Jordan Sherrow

Police Agency: Covington

On 12/8/25, Norris pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (fentanyl). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jordan Sherrow is recommending a sentence of 1year in prison. Final Sentencing is set for 2/10/26.

Commonwealth v. Chasity Seldon

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Hunter Eickhoff

Police Agency: Covington

On 12/8/25, Seldon pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Hunter Eickhoff is recommending a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 2/10/26.

Commonwealth v. Shaun Sherrod

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Casey Burns

Police Agency: Covington

On 12/8/25, Sherrod pled guilty to Trafficking Marijuana, 2nd Offense. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Hunter Eickhoff is recommending a sentence of 2.5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 2/10/26.

Commonwealth v. Matthew Steffen

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Jordan Sherrow

Police Agency: Covington

On 12/8/25, Steffen pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jordan Sherrow is recommending a sentence of a sentence of 1 year in prison. Final sentencing is set for 2/10/26.

Commonwealth v. Tony Thomas

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Maria Wentz

Police Agency: Independence

On 12/8/25, Thomas pled guilty to Burglary 2nd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz is recommending a sentence of 5 years in prison. Final sentencing is set for 2/10/26.

Commonwealth v. Nicola Tracy

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Laura Putman

Police Agency: Kenton Co. Police

On 12/8/25, Tracyn pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Laura Putman is recommending a sentence of 2 years in prison, probated for 3 years. Final sentencing is set for 2/10/26.

Commonwealth v. Mouhamudou Amar

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Ryan Oliver

Police Agency: Ludlow

On 12/9/25, Amar pled guilty to Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree and Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Ryan Oliver recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. On 12/9/25, Amar was sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Commonwealth v. Jerzie Dehner

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Laura Puman

Police Agency: Covington

On 11/3/25, Dehner pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (fentanly). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Laura Putman recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. On 12/9/25, Dehner was sentenced to 1 year in prison.

Commonwealth v. Peyton Dudley

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Maria Wentz

Police Agency: Covington

On 11/10/25, Dudley pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (heroin). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 12/9/25, Dudley was sentenced to 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. Sean Flagg

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Casey Burns

Police Agency: Covington

On 11/3/25, Flagg pled guilty to Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Degree (>4g cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison. On 12/9/25, Flagg was sentenced to 3 years in prison.

Commonwealth v. Adam Freeman

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Laura Putman

Police Agency: Covington

On 11/3/25, Freeman pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Laura Putman recommended a sentence of 2 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 12/9/25, Freeman was sentenced to 2 years in prison probated for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. Donna Grubb

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Jordan Sherrow

Police Agency: Covington

On 11/3/25, Grubb pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jordan Sherrow recommended a sentence of 2 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 12/9/25, Grubb was sentenced to 2 years in prison, probated for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. George Huebner

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Kristi Arthur

Police Agency: Kenton Co. Child Support

On 11/3/25, Huebner pled guilty to Flagrant Non Support. Huebner faced 1 to 5 years in prison. On 12/9/25, Huebner was sentenced to 3 years in prison, probated for 5 years.

Commonwealth v. David Lienhart

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Jordan Sherrow

Police Agency: Covington

On 11/3/25, Lienhart pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Jordan Sherrow recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 12/9/25, Lienhart was sentenced to 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. Dylan Riley

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Emily Arnzen

Police Agency: Covington

On 11/3/25, Riley pled guilty to Assault 3rd Degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Emily Arnzen recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 12/9/25, Riley was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, probated for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. Daries Smith

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Casey Burns

Police Agency: Covington

On 11/3/25, Smith pled guilty to Prohibited Acts Related to Controlled Substance and Trafficking Marijuana 2nd Offense. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 1.5 years in prison. On 12/9/25, Smith was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison.

Commonwealth v. Timothy Tenefeld

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Hannah Reese

Police Agency: Covington

On 11/3/25, Tenefeld pled guilty to Complicity to Possession of Controlled Substance and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Hannah Reese recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 12/9/25, Tenefeld was sentenced to 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. James Walker

Judge: Summe

Prosecutor: Hannah Reese

Police Agency: Villa Hills

On /25, Walker pled guilty to Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree and Criminal Mischief 1st degree. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Hannah Reese recommended a sentence of 5 years in prison. On 12/9/25, Walker was sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Commonwealth v. Gerald Duggan

Judge: Lape

Prosecutor: Maria Wentz

Police Agency: Covington

On 10/23/25, Duggan pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (cocaine). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Maria Wentz recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years. On 12/9/25, Duggan was sentenced to 1 year in prison, probated for 2 years.

Commonwealth v. William Heard

Judge: Lape

Prosecutor: Hunter Eickhoff

Police Agency: Covington

On 10/23/25, Heard pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Hunter Eickhoff recommended a sentence of 2 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 12/9/25, Heard was sentenced to 2 years in prison, probated for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. Daniel Helton

Judge: Lape

Prosecutor: Laura Putman

Police Agency: Covington

On 10/23/25, Helton pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance. Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Laura Putman recommended a sentence of 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years. On 12/9/25, Helton was sentenced to 3 years in prison, probated for 3 years.

Commonwealth v. Thomas Presta

Judge: Lape

Prosecutor: Casey Burns

Police Agency: Park Hills

On 10/23/25, Presta pled guilty to Possession of Controlled Substance (meth). Asst. Commonwealth's Attorney Casey Burns recommended a sentence of 1 year in prison. On 12/9/25, Presta was sentenced to 2 years in prison, probated for 3 years.

FAILED TO APPEAR - WANTED!

**Confirm All Warrants Before Arrest**

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed about criminal justice in Kenton County.   

Sincerely,