Former Governor of Kentucky Testifies in Corruption Inquiry

Former Gov. Wallace Wilkinson testified Thursday before a federal grand jury that is examining allegations of corruption in Kentucky state government.

Wilkinson hurried from the courthouse after his appearance and refused to talk to reporters about the questions put to him by federal prosecutors. He did say he had been told that he was not a target.

“I testified with the federal grand jury about anything and everything that I knew about the questions that they asked,” Wilkinson said.

The former governor said he did not invoke his constitutional right against self-incrimination and “answered all questions fully.”

His comments were cut off by one of the two lawyers who accompanied him as they entered a car to leave.

Wilkinson said earlier Thursday that he had been interviewed by federal agents and had received subpoenas for records. He said the agents asked about banking legislation in 1986, before he became governor, and about his dealings with several individuals, most of them legislators.

More than 30 subpoenas have been issued, including records for 11 current and five former legislators. Four of those former legislators have become lobbyists.

Agents have asked about trips by legislators, racing legislation and banking legislation. The grand jury has taken testimony on at least four occasions.

Kentucky House Speaker Don Blandford acknowledged that federal agents showed him a videotape apparently made during the investigation.

Federal authorities have refused to confirm the existence of the investigation.