Two former staff members of the Adair County Regional Jail who were indicted on theft charges in September 2025 have pleaded guilty.
Jailer Buddy Powell reported a theft complaint to Columbia Police Department on August 18, 2025. The investigation resulted in two individuals, Misty M. Shover and Montie D. Shover, being indicted on charges of theft by unlawful taking or disposition, between $1,000 and $10,000; tampering with physical evidence; and official misconduct. They were accused of stealing jewelry that belonged to an inmate.
Both Shovers accepted the same offer on plea of guilty from Commonwealth’s Attorney Brian Wright on April 28. The offers state that they are agreeing to a one-year sentence on the theft charge, one-year on the tampering with physical evidence charge, and one year on the official misconduct charge. All three sentences will run concurrently for a total sentence of one year.
It further states that each of the defendants will be responsible for paying $3,000 in restitution.
Formal sentencing is scheduled for May 26 in Adair County Circuit Court. Under Kentucky law, the Shovers will have to serve two months of the sentence before they are eligible for parole.
“I want to thank my staff for their hard work in investigating the incident,” said Powell. “They spent many hours reviewing video and trying to locate the property.”
“I want everyone to know that this behavior will not be tolerated at the jail,” he said. “I will prosecute it to the fullest extent of the law.”
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
