Written by Stephanie Bolen
Commonwealth’s Attorney
Hopkinsville, KY – In the past sixteen (16) months, three attorneys have had their law license suspended by the Kentucky State Bar, two murder cases have been dismissed based on the grand jury being provided with false information and one Circuit Court Judge has received a public reprimand by the Judicial Conduct Commission for violating the rules of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Additionally, three (3) federal lawsuits have been filed involving some aspect of the Justice System here in Hopkinsville/Christian County. Two of those cases have been settled out of court, and one case is still pending.
Although these are so brazen, they are all a part of the public record. This information is available to everyone, yet nothing has been said or done. People have been and are in fear of retaliation, being lied about, face accusations of criminal behavior, and losing their jobs if they speak out.
The following are several matters that have prompted this request:
- Over 30 cases have been brought to my attention where the defense attorney and prosecuting attorney were the same person. In essence, a defense attorney has represented a client in a criminal case and then became a prosecutor and prosecuted his former client.
- In Commonwealth v. John Read Atkins, Mr. Atkins was charged with Forgery and Theft. He was indicted on August 12th, 2016 and a warrant was issued for his arrest. That warrant was later recalled the same day. That case was dismissed in 2019. This case involved Judge Atkins’ son. Prior to the indictment the Judge was informed that his son was being indicted, this case remained lifeless for 3 years until it was dismissed in 2019. Records indicate Judge Atkins was the judge that handled the disposition of the case. That case number is 16-CR-425.
- In Commonwealth v. D’Shayvion Baker, Mr. Baker was charged with Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon and Theft of a Firearm. An employee at the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office emailed the lead officer indicating that they needed “something” to put Baker in proximity of the gun.
- The case was dismissed after 7 court appearances. The case number is 22-CR-278.
- In Commonwealth v. Jerone Malveaux, Mr. Malveaux was charged with Trafficking in Marijuana more than 8 ounces, less than 5 pounds, 1st Offense while Armed, and Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted felon. The basis for Mr. Malveaux’s arrest and charges were based on witness statements and video surveillance. Mr. Malveaux’s attorney repeatedly asked for a copy of the surveillance videos and witness statements. No statements or surveillance video existed.
- The case was dismissed after 2 years of court appearances.
- Commonwealth v. Brandi Simpson the allegation was that $44,891.87 was defrauded from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. These actions resulted in 2 felony charges. One charge was dismissed, the other charge was reduced to a misdemeanor with the amount of restitution being reduced to $1,000.00. This has left taxpayers responsible for the remaining $43,891.87. The case number is 22-CR-338.
- The case names for the two murder cases that were dismissed are: Commonwealth v. Seth Henderson and Commonwealth v. Anathashia Hathaway. The case number for Commonwealth v. Seth Henderson is 22-CR-259 and the case number for Commonwealth v. Anathashia Hathaway is 22-CR-529.
- The three cases filed in federal court involving some aspect of the Christian County Justice System are:
- Sanders v. City of Pembroke, Maureen Leamy, et al. The case number is 5:19-CV-23-TBR. In this case Mr. Sanders suffered for mental illness and his mother was trying to get help managing her son’s care. She alleged that while trying to get her son help, he was made a ward of the state. This case was settled out of court.
- Ann Cherry v. The City of Hopkinsville, et al. The case number is 5:14-CV-179-TBR. This case alleged abuse of process, malicious prosecution and the violation of due process. This case was settled out of court for $150,000.00.
- Haskins v. The City of Hopkinsville, Jerimiah Kline, et al. The case number is 5:2023cv00079. This case was brought based on allegations that Mr. Haskins’ rights were violated when the officer pulled him over. This case is still pending.
Transparency and accountability are key to ensure that people involved in the criminal justice system are treated ethically, fairly, and equally and to have confidence in the system working appropriately.
