Jack Brammer with the Lexington Herald Leader has the following story on merit system investigation materials being turned over to the U.S. Attorney, as well as to the state Personnel Board, the Executive Branch Ethics Commission and the bar counsel office of the Kentucky Bar Association.
U.S. attorney general to get evidence in Ky. hiring case
By Jack Brammer
HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU
FRANKFORT - - Evidence gathered by a special grand jury that investigated hiring practices in Gov. Ernie Fletcher's administration, including grand jury testimony, will be turned over to the U.S. attorney general, a judge ruled today.
Franklin Circuit Judge Reed Rhorer also said the materials will be given to the state Personnel Board, the Executive Branch Ethics Commission and the bar counsel office of the Kentucky Bar Association.
Deputy Attorney General Pierce Whites acknowledged for the first time in a hearing today that the bar association, which oversees the conduct of lawyers, requested the materials. He declined to say why the association wants the information. The board and commission, which are conducting investigations, previously had asked the court for the materials.
Bruce Davis, executive director of the bar association, could not be immediately reached for comment.
"It's a wonderful outcome," Whites said after today's hearing.
He said the U.S. attorney general should get the information "as a matter of prosecutorial comity."
Asked whether federal law might have been violated, Whites said that is for the U.S. attorney general to decide.
Fletcher's office had no immediate comment.
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Thanks to the Bluegrass Report which has posted this story also.
