Kentucky – A Kentucky man was convicted on multiple charges, including kldnapping, human trafficking, assauIt, and harassment, for a series of crimes committed against his former girIfriend, J. WiIson. The jury’s decision followed a harrowing case that began two years ago, when the victim was discovered chained by the necck to the floor of a second-story bedroom in Kentucky residence.
In Aug. 2023, neighbors alerted Kentucky authorities after hearing the victim’s screams emanating from a broken second-story window. Responding officers found the home’s first floor barricaded, necessitating the use of a ladder to access the upper level. Inside, they discovered the victim with a metaI coIIar secured by a padIock around her neck, attached to a chain bolted to the floor. She was visibly distressed and informed officers that the defendant, 36-year-old M. Maey, had taken her phone, preventing her from calling for help.
Emergency responders used boIt cutters to free the victim from the chain. She recounted that the defendant had previously assaulted her, including cutting her hair with a machete and threatening her life. Two days prior, during an argument, the defendant had allegedly held her down and forcibly removed her hair. Upon returning to the house to retrieve belongings, she was trapped, assaulted, and chained.
During the trial, the defendant claimed that the victim had chained herself, suggesting it was part of an agreement related to her alleged infideIity. Detective O’NeiI testified that there was no evidence supporting this claim, stating, “It didn’t seem like it was something she did to herself.” The prosecution presented evidence of the defendant forcing the victim into se* trafficking, compelling her to engage with multiple men for money. The defendant’s defense argued the encounters were consensual, but the jury found him guilty on all counts.
The jury recommended a 35-year prison sentence for the defendant, with formal sentencing scheduled for July 2, 2025. The victim, who shares a child with the defendant, expressed relief at the verdict, stating her desire for justice and safety for her daughter.