Man accused of robbing woman, stealing her car at knifepoint surrenders to authorities

Jonathon t. Rickett, 34, who is accused of threatening Laverne Seay with a knife before stealing her car and purse, has turned himself in at the Knox County Detention Center.

Rickett was wanted on robbery, theft and wanton endangerment charges stemming from an investigation by Corbin Police into the incident on Feb. 19 at the Holiday Motel.

Corbin Police Captain Rob Jones, public affairs officer, said at about 6:40 p.m. a white male, held the knife to Seay’s throat, stole her purse and 2005 Nissan Altima.

Knox County Sheriff’s deputies found the vehicle on Flat Creek Road later that night. Deputies noted someone had tried to set the vehicle on fire by igniting the front passenger’s seat.

Cpl. Rick Baker began the investigation that led police to name Rickett as a suspect. Seay, later picked Rickett out of a photo lineup as the robber.

Jones said Corbin Police have tried multiple times to serve the arrest warrant on Rickett but were unable to locate him.

Rickett turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Knox County Detention Center. He has since been transferred to the Whitley County Detention Center where he is being held on charges of first-degree robbery, theft by unlawful taking – auto valued at $10,000 or more, first-degree wanton endangerment, contempt of court and non payment of fines.