Berea Fire Department Lieutenant / Minor Abuse Case (2025)

Defendant: Jonathan Kerns, age 39, Battalion Chief for the Berea Fire Department. 

Location/Date: Madison County, KY. Arrest warrant published Oct 21, 2025. 

Allegations: Abuse of a minor starting at age 11, ongoing until victim was age 17. The individual allegedly touched the victim inappropriately and provided gifts/dinners. 

Charges/Status: Charged with sex crimes involving a minor; held on $100,000 cash bond at Madison County Detention Ce

nter.