Crime
Richard Huguley Charged with Fatally Shooting Stepfather James Barnett in Salem
LEE COUNTY, Ala. — A 51-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of his stepfather in the Salem community of Lee County.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the 500 block of Lee Road 126 at approximately 7:14 p.m. Thursday following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered 69-year-old James Barnett deceased in a chair located in the front yard of his residence.
Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jessica Henderson confirmed that Barnett suffered a single gunshot wound to the forehead.
Court documents indicate that the weapon used was a .38 Special revolver.
Following the initial investigation, authorities gathered evidence that identified Barnett’s stepson, Richard Lee Huguley, 51, as the primary suspect.
Huguley was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
He is currently being held at the Lee County Detention Center pending an Aniah’s Law hearing, which will determine if he is eligible for bond.
Investigators have not released additional details regarding a possible motive.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with further information to contact them at 334-749-5651 or reach out to Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.