BELL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A Bell County EMS employee was arrested Friday in connection with the theft of a county payroll check, according to the Bell County Sheriff’s Department. Officials arrested 24-year-old Emily Rayne Long, an EMT with Bell County EMS, who was identified as the individual who stole a payroll check valued at $1,128.05 on Jan. 30, 2026. The investigation began after the Bell County Fiscal Court and the sheriff’s office confirmed the check had been stolen. Officials said a stop payment was placed on the check once the theft was reported, and Long’s employment with the county was terminated. Long was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center and charged with theft by unlawful taking over $1,000 but under $10,000. The case remains under investigation by the Bell County Sheriff’s Office. Categories: Featured, Local News ...read more read less