Kentucky Governor Indicted
A grand jury indicted Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher on misdemeanor charges Thursday, accusing him of illegally rewarding political supporters with state jobs since taking office two years ago.
Fletcher was charged with conspiracy, official misconduct and violating a prohibition against political discrimination. A conviction on any of the counts could lead to jail time and removal from office, said Vicki Glass, spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office.
Fletcher spokesman Brett Hall said the governor was not surprised by the indictment, given Democratic Atty. Gen. Greg Stumbo’s investigation into the administration’s hiring practices.
“This has been a politically motivated, media-driven investigation from the start,” Hall said. “He has done nothing wrong.”
Thirteen current and former administration officials and associates were previously indicted on misdemeanor counts, and the grand jury handed up another 14 sealed indictments Thursday.
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