Berea, KY — October 20, 2025:
At approximately 5:00 a.m. on Monday October 20th, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a possible domestic situation on Newport Lane in Berea.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the initial investigation revealed that 45-year-old Johnathan Payne of Richmond was hiding outside the residence. When his wife stepped outside to smoke, Payne allegedly forced her back into the home. Once inside, he reportedly assaulted her. The victim’s son attempted to intervene and was also assaulted.
Payne fled the scene but was located a short time later in Richmond by Deputy Samantha Faoro, with assistance from the Richmond Police Department. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Payne has been charged with the following offenses:
Assault 2nd Degree
Assault 4th Degree
Burglary 1st Degree
Intimidating a Witness
Violation of a Domestic Violence Order (DVO)
DUI 1st Offense
He was lodged in the Madison County Detention Center. The case remains under investigation by Deputy James Clark of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
