Cumberland Kentucky Man Charged With Sexual Offenses

From the Bell County Sheriff's Department -

Christopher Shipman - HCDC

After an ongoing investigation was initiated by Sgt. Jody Risner and Detective Hunter Luttrell at the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, complaint warrants were obtained for 44-year-old Christopher Shipman of Cumberland, Ky.

On the morning of Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the US Marshals Service - Central Kentucky Fugitive Task Force, Harlan Police Department, Cumberland Police Department, Evarts Police Department, and the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended Shipman without incident and executed multiple search warrants in connection with the arrest warrants.

Shipman has been charged with (2) two counts of sodomy - 1st degree - victim under the age of 12, (2) two counts of sexual abuse - 1st degree - victim under the age of 12, and strangulation - 1st degree.

He is lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center and is being held on a total of $500,000 cash bonds.