Unhappy with what she perceives as a lack of action and support by the City of Hopkinsville toward justice in Christian County, Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Bolen informed the city council and Mayor J.R. Knight at Tuesday’s meeting that she was asking the U.S. Department of Justice to come to Hopkinsville and review what she calls unconstitutional and unethical acts.
Bolen was appointed the county’s lead prosecutor by Governor Andy Beshear in late February following the resignation of her former boss, Rick Boling, who had his law license suspended by the state supreme court. Boling had relieved Bolen of her duties, in essence firing her, before he resigned.
During the public comments portion of the September 26 council meeting, Bolen told the council and mayor that rumors of her job performance were hurting the cycle of justice in Christian County.
click to download audioBolen further told the council that special prosecutors were appointed in certain cases where she had provided representation to those clients.
click to download audioBolen also took issue with the caseload she and her office is being saddled with.
click to download audioAlso at the September meeting, Bolen said unfounded comments are originating from the courthouse.
click to download audioBolen addressed the council at the September 26 meeting during the three-minute public comment section and was asked to wrap up her comments after four minutes.
click to download audioAt Tuesday’s meeting, Bolen doubled down to the council and mayor.
click to download audioBolen said she felt she had no choice but to contact the Justice Department and request they come in and investigate lawsuits and complaints, without providing any specific examples or why she felt the court system fell under the city’s purview.
click to download audioNeither the council nor the mayor offered any public comment to Bolen’s statements at either meeting.
