Deputy Sheriff Steve Croft was dispatched to a residence in the western part of the county on 03/10/08. The call was in reference to a rape. Deputy Croft took a report and contacted this investigator.

On 03/11/08 Susan Carneal, an investigator with Social Services, and I interviewed the thirteen year old female at the McCracken County Sheriff's Department. After speaking to the victim, detectives went to the suspect's residence. Detectives talked with Joseph Branch outside the residence. Branch was asked to come to the Sheriff's Department which he did. During the interview with detectives, Branch confessed to having sexual intercourse and deviate sexual intercourse with a thirteen year old female on three different occasions. The three incidents took place at Lone Oak Manor Apartments beginning in February of 2008 through the 1st week of March of 2008.

There have been previous incidents of this nature reported to the Sheriff's Department and the suspects have been arrested. These predators are taking advantage of young teenage females under the age of sixteen. Some of these young females have become impregnated.

These crimes will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Thanks,

Detective Tom Emery

McCracken Co. Sheriff's Department