LOUISVILLE, KY – A Louisville man stands on trial amid disturbing allegations of abuse against his girlfriend, with police testimonies painting a chilling picture of what happened inside a modest home in the Park Hill neighborhood. Moises May, accused of chaining Jonna Wilson and subjecting her to brutal treatment, allegedly claimed she orchestrated her own imprisonment.

Testimony from Detective Brittany O’Neil of the Louisville Metro Police Department challenged that narrative in court Wednesday. Detailing the incident, O’Neil reported that police discovered Wilson restrained in the second-story bedroom, chained to the floor, a scene wholly inconsistent with self-confinement.

Wilson, who is also May’s daughter’s mother, was described by O’Neil as a victim, not a willing participant in the alleged abuse. May purportedly told investigators that Wilson chained herself due to being unfaithful, but O’Neil dismissed his assertions based on the findings at the scene.

Further adding to the allegations, O’Neil recounted that May had allegedly cut Wilson’s hair with a machete, with varying explanations from him about the act. May 1 suggested a lost game of checkers prompted the haircut, later changing his story, stating it resulted from a disagreement over hair dye.

The court also heard accusations of human trafficking, with May allegedly forcing Wilson to engage in sexual acts for money on multiple occasions. This testimony coincided with chilling footage from police body cameras released after May’s arrest. The footage captured officers discovering Wilson, thanking them amidst tears as they rescued her.

Authorities were alerted to Wilson’s plight on August 16, 2023, following neighbors’ reports of distressing screams from the home. When police arrived, they found barricades thwarting entry, leading one officer to use a ladder to gain access to Wilson, chained with a metal collar and visibly shaken.

Emergency services were called to assess Wilson’s condition, and paramedics employed bolt cutters to release her from the chain. The arrest citation reveals that prior to the police’s arrival, May had allegedly subjected Wilson to further physical threats and aggression, along with degrading treatment.

Wilson, recounting her harrowing experience to police and media, expressed deep fear for her life, stating that she believed she might not survive if she didn’t escape.

The trial is nearing its conclusion with jurors poised to deliberate after closing arguments, as May faces an array of charges, including kidnapping, human trafficking, and harassment. May has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges against him.