Convicted sex offender found hiding in trap door at mother’s home

GRAVES COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) – Authorities in Kentucky and Tennessee had been searching for 43-year-old John E. “Johnny” West, a convicted sex offender, for several months.

West, who failed to appear for his court trial in Graves County in 2024, had an arrest warrant issued for bail jumping.

Additionally, he faced charges for violating sex offender registration requirements.

West’s troubles began in Tennessee, where he was granted parole after being convicted of evading arrest, which put others at risk of death, and aggravated assault.

However, his parole was revoked in November 2024, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Law enforcement officers repeatedly searched a home near Pryorsburg, on US Hwy 45 South, belonging to West’s mother, Carlien E. West, 78. Despite statements from his mother that West wasn’t there, authorities suspected he was hiding at the residence.

On Monday morning, deputies from Graves and McCracken County Sheriff’s Offices, along with Deputy U.S. Marshals, conducted a search and discovered two trap doors – one in a closet and another in a bedroom disguised as a mirror.

West was found hiding behind the mirror trap door.

After his arrest, Carlien West was cited for harboring a non-compliant sex offender and has a pending court date.

She admitted to aiding her son to avoid capture because she didn’t want him to go to jail. West faces charges in both Graves County and Tennessee, as well as pending federal charges.

An investigation is ongoing into another suspect who allegedly helped West evade authorities.