Man Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting North Laurel Girls’ Basketball Coach at JCHS Game

Tommy Kilburn, 41, of Hyden, KY was arrested on February 09, 2026, at the Jackson County Old Courthouse in McKee, KY when Deputy J.R. Weaver executed complaint warrant #E05510005137910.

Deputy Weaver obtained the complaint warrant on February 06, 2026. The complaint alleges that on February 03, 2026, at 4:09 PM, Kilburn assaulted the alleged victim, Eddie Mahan, who is the Head Coach for the North Laurel Lady Jaguars. The complaint warrant alleges that Kilburn pushed Mahan down to the ground and used his fists to punch the alleged victim in the head approximately three (3) times, leaving red marks on the victim’s face.

The North Laurel Lady Jaguars had traveled to the JCHS to play the Lady Generals (the Lady Jaguars won 73-21). The complaint warrant states that the alleged assault occurred after the basketball game.

Jackson County Attorney Ross Murray told reporters that on Feb. 3, a Jackson County sheriff’s deputy who had been at the North Laurel girls game at Jackson County called Murray to say a North Laurel coach had allegedly been assaulted by the father of one of the players of his own team. Murray said the coach — who Murray did not name — declined medical treatment and declined to file criminal charges, according to the deputy.

Kilburn was arrested and transported to the Jackson County Detention Center where he was booked and charged with “assault, 3rd degree (school employee or school volunteer). Kilburn was scheduled for arraignment in District Court on February 09, 2026. However, the arraignment hearing was continued until February 23, 2026. Kilburn was released from custody on a $10,000 unsecured bond a couple of hours after his arrest.

Haley Jo Fields, commonwealth’s attorney for Clay, Jackson and Leslie counties, said the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was investigating. Fields said depending on the outcome of the investigation, a Jackson grand jury may consider an indictment.

Laurel Schools issued the following statement the day before the arrest:
February 5, 2026 Re: Laurel County School Responds to a Report of an Assault on a North Laurel High School Girls' Basketball Coach at an Away Game
Laurel County Schools is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment at all school-sponsored events. We expect all parents and other members of our community to lead by example and demonstrate good sportsmanship and mutual respect. These expectations are clearly outlined and acknowledged in the Laurel County Schools Athletic Handbook and district safety and civility policies. Any behavior that jeopardizes the safety or well-being of students or staff, or disrupts the integrity of school activities, will not be tolerated. In keeping with district policy and legal requirements, Laurel County Schools cannot comment on specific incidents that may be subject to any law enforcement investigation. The district remains focused on ensuring that school events are conducted in a manner that reflects our shared values of respect, responsibility, and safety.