Published: September 25, 2008 09:48 pm      

Authorities looking for local woman indicted for abuse

Pulaski County authorities are searching for a woman who was indicted on two counts of criminal abuse after an investigation revealed she allegedly abused her two young children earlier this year.

Tricia Lynn Kimbler, 36, of Somerset was indicted by a Pulaski County grand jury Wednesday on two counts of first-degree criminal abuse involving minors under 12 years old in connection with an incident that lasted between June and July of this year.

According to Pulaski County Sheriff Todd Wood, the investigation began on July 30 when staff at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital expressed concerns over the health of two young twins who had been brought into the hospital for treatment.

The children, now a little over six months old, were around three and a half months old at the time.

“They (hospital doctors and staff) reported that the children had failed to thrive,” Wood said. “They weren’t gaining weight.”

Detective Scott Trotter with the Criminal Investigation Division opened the investigation immediately, and both children were taken into custody by the Department of Social Services.

Wood said both children remain in protective custody, and he said their health has improved considerably.

“I am glad to report that all medical reports at this time have been very positive,” Wood said.

Kimbler was not arrested before her case was turned over to the Pulaski County grand jury this month, and Wood said a warrant has been issued for arrest.

“We do not have a positive address right now on Ms. Kimbler,” Wood said.

Wood said Kimbler’s attorney has indicated he will bring her into custody soon, but Wood said he encourages anyone with more information about Kimbler to contact the sheriff’s office at 678-5145.