Kentucky State Police Charged Carter Co. Man With Child Exploitation Offenses
Ashland, Ky. (March 20, 2025) – On March 19, 2025, the Kentucky State Police arrested Harlee Estepp, age 28, following an investigation into inappropriate communications with a minor. This investigation, which commenced in 2022, was initiated after law enforcement received information regarding Estepp’s interactions with a juvenile. The matters under investigation are connected to events that transpired prior to his current employment.

Estepp, who is the Track coach at Ashland Paul Blazer High School, faces charges of first-degree sexual abuse, classified as a Class C felony, which carries a potential sentence of 5 to 10 years in prison. Additionally, he is charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor through electronic means. Mr. Estepp is currently detained at the Carter County Detention Center.
Estepp was transferred from the Boyd County Detention Center to the Carter County Detention Center Thursday and is being held on a $50,000 cash bond, according to a deputy clerk for the Carter County Circuit Clerk.
The deputy clerk says he was transferred there because it’s a Carter County charge.
His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26 at 1 p.m.
The deputy clerk says Estepp’s indictment is sealed, so more details on the case are not immediately available.
(Editor’s Note: THE LEVISALAZER.COM STAFF CONTRIBUTED TO THIS POST)