Kentucky State Troopers have arrested Joseph A. Lawrence, age 55, of Murray in reference to an investigation into sexual offenses. KSP Post 1 received a report on May 13, involving the sexual assault of a minor. Preliminary investigation has shown Lawrence, between 2014 and 2016 engaged in numerous sexual encounters with a child under the age of 12.
Joseph A. Lawrence was located at 8:30 p.m. May 13 on Peach Orchard Road. After an approximate five-hour standoff, Lawrence was taken into custody without further incident. He was charged with twenty counts of First Degree Sexual Abuse and one count of First Degree Sodomy. Lawrence was lodged in the Calloway County Jail.
KSP Post 1 was assisted on scene by the KSP Special Operations, KSP Special Response Team and Calloway County Sheriff Department.
The investigation is continuing by Detective Michael Robichaud. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police Post 1 at 270-856-3721 or anonymously at 1-800-222-5555. Citizens may also report tips anonymously through the KSP app. The app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android applications and can be easily downloaded free of charge through Apple and Google Play stores.