On Tuesday, June 11, 2019 Billy Huddleston, Jr., 47, appeared in Adair Circuit Court and entered a guilty plea to multiple charges related to child pornography and video voyeurism. Huddleston pled guilty to 1 count of Video Voyeurism; 1 count of Voyeurism; 2 counts of Promoting a Minor Under Age 18 in a Sexual Performance; and 1 count of Criminal Attempt to Commit Promoting a Minor Under Age 16 in a Sexual Performance. Huddleston appeared in Adair Circuit Court with his attorney, Bethany Stanziano of Columbia, KY and acknowledged that he was guilty of those charges. Commonwealth’s Attorney Brian Wright is recommending that Huddleston serve 20 years in prison for these crimes.
The charges were the result of an investigation led by Columbia Police Officer Charles Greer that began in July 2018. Officer Greer was contacted by individuals at the Wal-Mart in Columbia where Huddleston had allegedly videoed a 16-year old inside the restroom. Investigation by Officer Greer led to the recovery of additional videos that had been recorded by Huddleston on a cell phone. The videos were recordings of teenagers and young adult men inside the restroom and were made without the knowledge or consent of those persons.
Officer Greer was assisted in his investigation by the Cyber Crimes Unit at the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office. Wright thanked Officer Greer, the Columbia Police Department, and the Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes Unit for conducting such a thorough investigation and for performing a very prompt analysis and examination of the electronic devices that were seized in this case.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Wright agreed for two of the charges to be reduced to Class C Felonies and Wright is recommending that Huddleston serve a total of 20 years in prison. Wright stated that “this case serves as a reminder that parents and others must always remain on guard and alert for sexual predators, even in places such as the local Wal-Mart where people often feel safe from such crimes.” Wright added, “children should be taught from a young age to be aware of their surroundings and to always report suspicious behavior to a parent or other trusted adult.”
Final sentencing is scheduled for August 27, 2019, at 9:00amCT before Adair Circuit Judge Judy Vance Murphy.
