Nelson Circuit Court Indictments Announced

Charges include drug trafficking, child support evasion, and sexual crimes against minors

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:04pm

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An extreme close-up of a pair of metal handcuffs against a stark black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty, investigative nature of the criminal justice system.As the community grapples with a wave of serious criminal indictments, the harsh realities of the justice system are laid bare.Hodgenville Today

The Nelson County Circuit Court has announced a series of indictments covering a range of criminal offenses, including allegations of drug trafficking, child support evasion, burglary, and sexual crimes against minors. The indictments span from August 2025 to February 2026 and involve defendants from across Kentucky as well as neighboring states.

Why it matters

These indictments highlight the ongoing challenges the community faces with drug abuse, domestic violence, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. The cases also raise questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing repeat offenders and holding individuals accountable for serious crimes.

The details

The indictments cover a wide variety of alleged criminal activities. Several defendants are accused of drug trafficking, including the sale of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Others face charges for failing to pay court-ordered child support over extended periods of time. Additionally, there are indictments for burglary, wanton endangerment, and sexual crimes against minors, including human trafficking and the production of child sexual abuse material.

  • The indictments were announced on March 28, 2026 and cover alleged crimes committed between April 2025 and February 2026.
  • The arraignments for the defendants are scheduled for March 19, 2026 in Nelson Circuit Court.

The players

Savian Paschal

A 32-year-old Bardstown resident indicted for first-degree wanton endangerment for allegedly trafficking cocaine with a minor child present in his home.

Recil Mark Morris

A 36-year-old Pax, West Virginia resident indicted for driving with a revoked license, failure to transfer vehicle registration, and other related charges.

Christopher J. Drew

A 51-year-old Cromwell, Connecticut resident indicted for failure to pay court-ordered child support amounting to $16,544.49 over a 15-year period.

Orville Dewayne Beavers

A 62-year-old Bardstown resident indicted on multiple charges including trafficking methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, conspiracy to promote gambling, tampering with evidence, and cruelty to animals.

Leon Irving Plaines, III

A 40-year-old Louisville resident indicted on charges of human trafficking of a minor for commercial sex activity, use of a minor in a sexual performance, rape, and sodomy.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These indictments highlight the ongoing challenges the community faces with drug abuse, domestic violence, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. The cases also raise questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing repeat offenders and holding individuals accountable for serious crimes.