After being indicted by a Grand Jury, David A. Daugherty, 58, of McKee, KY, was scheduled to appear before Judge Oscar Gayle House for arraignment in two separate cases: 25-CR-00073 & 25-CR-00074. Both cases involve the alleged crime of “Flagrant Nonsupport”.
However, Daugherty failed to appear in court for his arraignment(s). Judge House subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest, setting a $10,000 cash bond for each case.
Daugherty was arrested on July 24, 2025, during the execution of two separate Complaint Warrants issued by the County Attorney. Complaint Warrant #E05510005021627 alleges that the Jackson Family Court ordered Daugherty to pay child support in the amount of $200.00 per month on March 15, 2001. Daugherty allegedly became $2,500 delinquent as of April 1, 2002. The Circuit Court case associated with this complaint warrant has been assigned #25-CR-00073.
In the second complaint, Complaint warrant #E05510005021638 alleges that the Jackson Family Court ordered Daugherty to pay child support in the amount of $725.00 per month starting on July 01, 2006. Daugherty allegedly became $2,500 delinquent as of November 1, 2006. The Circuit Court case associated with this complaint warrant has been assigned #25-CR-00074.
Daugherty appeared before Judge Henria Bailey-Lewis in District Court for arraignment in both cases on Monday, July 28, 2025. Daugherty entered pleas of “not guilty” in both cases. Judge Bailey-Lewis ruled that Daugherty was considered a “flight risk” in both arraignments. Preliminary hearings were scheduled for August 04, 2025.
During the preliminary hearings on Monday, Daugherty waived the need for the hearing and stipulated to probable cause in both cases. Each case was subsequently held over to a grand jury for consideration and potential indictment. Daugherty was ordered to appear in Circuit Court to answer any indictments coming forth from the grand jury.
As in all cases at this stage of adjudication, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until due process is afforded and the court determines guilt.
The charges against Daugherty are among some of the first cases alleging flagrant nonsupport to progress in court actions.
Earlier this year, Jackson County Attorney Ross Murray had warned: “You have 30 days to get your case into compliance. After that, if you are not making regular monthly payments in full on your child support obligation and you are $2,500.00 or more delinquent on your child support obligation, you can expect felony criminal charges to be filed against you from my office.” Murray wrote: “NCPs!! (Non-custodial parents) You have two (2) choices! Either pay your child support, or we will do our best to send you to prison!”
However, in addition to a promise of prosecution in cases of flagrant nonsupport (>$2,500 delinquent), the County Attorney also extended a hand to help those who may be struggling themselves, resulting in a lack of ability to provide child support. The County Attorney reported, “Even if you are arrested, if you are on drugs and want help, we will try to get you help. Your stabilization and transition into being a productive member of society is in everyone's best interest. Your child needs YOU, not just your money.”
