Search

Shelbyville man receives prison sentence on child molest charges

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 5:10 PM

By Staff report

A Shelbyville man was sentenced for multiple cases of child molestation.

Johnny Douglas Knuckles, 28, of Shelbyville, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on two counts of child molestation. 

Shelby County Prosecuter Brad Landwerlen says Knuckles was also determined to be a serious violent sex offender and to be a credit restricted felon, so that he will have to serve 85% of his sentence before he can be released on parole.

The charges stem from an investigation by Shelbyville Police Department Detective Kyra Peoples after a 2-year-old child was taken to Major Hospital with vaginal injuries.  Those injuries ultimately required emergency reconstructive surgery.  Further investigation revealed that Knuckles had also molested the victim's 5-year-old sister as well. 

Knuckles was convicted of molestation on each victim. 

Knuckles was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Trent Meltzer and prosecuted by Deputy Prosecutor Brandon Robinson.