Artemus Ky. Man Arrested - Convicted Felon Possession of Handgun and Firearm

From the Knox County Ky Sheriff's Department -

Jerry Messer - KCDC

On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Knox County Deputies responded to a disturbance complaint involving 49-year-old Jerry Messer at a residence on Hampton Cemetery Road in Girdler. The caller advised that Messer of Artemus, Ky., was armed with a handgun and stated that he would have to go in a body bag. A records check on Messer revealed he was wanted on several Knox County Warrants.

When the deputies arrived at the residence, they located Messer inside an outbuilding. At first Jerry Messer continued to refuse repeated commands to exit the building. After a brief standoff, he eventually did come outside and surrender.  

Messer was arrested on a Knox County Indictment Warrant for Trafficking in Controlled Substance-1ST Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Failure to Wear Seat Belts and Persistent Felony Offender I. He was also wanted on two Knox County Bench Warrants for a Parole Violation and failure to pay the fines on Possession of Controlled Substance-1st Degree and Speeding charges.

During the arrest a loaded handgun and a shotgun were found in his possession. Messer was then charged with Possession of a Handgun by Convicted Felon and Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon.

Jerry Messer was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.

Officers from Barbourville City Police Department and KSP Troopers from Post 10 assisted in the arrest.