Recent Bell County Indictments Include Those Involved With Sex Offenses

From WRIL The Big One -

On August 5, 2026, the Bell County Grand Jury met to hear evidence against several individuals presented by local law enforcement.

Among them were three men facing charges involving the 606 Pred Hunters. The charges stem from the men believing they were talking to underage children online. After communicating sexually, they set up meeting places with the juveniles. In reality, the men were communicating with decoys from the 606 and were later confronted by local law enforcement, resulting in their arrest.

The Grand Jury returned true bills on the following individuals:

A warrant for 29-year-old Joshua Wakin of Middlesboro was taken out Tuesday, June 16, 2026. He was taken into custody on June 18th by the Barbourville Police Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office on a Bell County District Court complaint warrant. Wakin has been charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means by unlawfully communicating to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities with a minor, including a person working in coordination with law enforcement, posing as a minor if the person believes that the person working with law enforcement is a minor, or wanton or reckless in that belief.

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On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Bell County Detective Hunter Luttrell and Sgt. Austin Poindexter were contacted by a member of the 606 Predator group after the group utilized a decoy.

The individual stated that 34-year-old Joshua Helms of Middlesboro, was coming to the Bell County Fairgrounds to meet what he believed was a 15-year-old female which was actually a decoy using the dating app “MeetMe.”

Helms is alleged to have sent pictures of his genitals and texted about sexual intercourse to the decoy.

Detective Hunter Luttrell then advised that the vehicle Helms was in was parked at the Fourmile Dollar General on Highway 25E. Upon Detective Hunter making contact, Helms identified himself as a federal agent with credentials and a handgun. He was also found in possession of an unopened condom and sexual aid.

Helms also stated that the girl (decoy) told him she was 14 years old.

He was charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means by unlawfully communicating to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities with a minor, including a person working in coordination with law enforcement, posing as a minor if the person believes that the person working with law enforcement is a minor, or wanton or reckless in that belief.

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On Monday, June 22, Bell County Sgt. Austin Poindexter and Detective Hunter Luttrell were dispatched to Gambrel’s Market in reference to an individual communicating with a decoy from the 606 Pred Hunters group. Once on scene and read his rights, 21-year-old Jordan Williamson of Arjay, Kentucky, was taken into custody. Williamson stated that he was at the business to meet up with a 14-year-old female.

Williamson was charged with He was charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means by unlawfully communicating to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities with a minor, including a person working in coordination with law enforcement, posing as a minor if the person believes that the person working with law enforcement is a minor, or wanton or reckless in that belief.

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Also indicted was 46-year-old Jackie W. McCann of Pineville, facing two charges.

Count one charges McCann with rape - first degree for engaging in sexual intercourse with a person less than 12 years of age.

Count two charges McCann with sexual abuse - first degree by being in a position of authority and subjecting a minor, who was less than 12 years of age, to sexual contact.