4 days ago
Louisville man convicted of chaining woman to floor learns sentence
A Louisville man accused of chaining a woman to the floor of a Park Hill neighborhood home in 2023 was sentenced to 30 years in prison by a Jefferson District Court judge July 2.
Moises May, 38, received the sentence after he was found guilty by a jury April 1 on felony charges of human trafficking, kidnapping and intimidation, and misdemeanor charges of harassment, assault and terroristic threats.
'Our community has no tolerance for cruelty and depravity," Commonwealth's Attorney Gerina Whethers said in a statement. "Every new law that gives us more tools to combat heinous crimes makes a difference The victim in this case experienced circumstances no one should ever have to go through."
According to court records, Louisville Metro Police officers were dispatched in August 2023 to a two-story house in the 1700 block of Bolling Avenue in Park Hill after a call came in from neighbors reporting a woman screaming for help.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the first floor of the house was barricaded and that all the doors were screwed shut. Ladders were reportedly required to gain access to the second floor of the home, where the woman was found chained to the floor by a metal dog collar, according to court records.
The Courier Journal does not name victims of crimes unless they choose to be identified.
According to an arrest citation, May and the woman were arguing when May allegedly grabbed her and held her down on a bathroom floor "while he used a machete to cut off a most of her hair." May then "slapped the victim around" before she was able to leave, court records show.
More: Video shows LMPD rescuing woman who was chained to a floor in Louisville
When the woman returned, May allegedly wrapped a metal dog chain around her neck and bolted her to the floor, while threatening multiple times to kill her. He then took her phone so she could not call for help.
The woman was later able to break open a window and scream for help, prompting bystanders to call the police, the citation said. LMPD, along with Louisville Fire and Rescue, responded to the call and were able to rescue the victim and treat her for minor injuries.
Reporter Marina Johnson, producer Ray Padilla and former reporter Rae Johnson contributed to this story.
In other news: Federal lawsuit claims KSP trooper wrongfully arrested woman for recording traffic stop
Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@ or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville man sentenced to prison for chaining woman to floor
