FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Former Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes has been cleared of ethics charges stemming from allegations that the one-time Democratic rising star abused her access to voter registration data to benefit herself and fellow Democrats. Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd ruled Monday that Grimes legally accessed the data while “acting in the scope of her public duties” as secretary of state. “It is unclear how the commission can penalize the commonwealth’s chief election official for having access to voter data, or downloading it to a flash drive when it has failed to identify any illegal or unethical use of such data,” Shepherd said in his order. Grimes had faced a $10,000 fine after the state Executive Branch Ethics Commission said that she committed ethics violations by improperly ordering the downloading and distribution of voter registration data. The judge’s reversal of the commission’s order means Grimes won’t have to pay the fine. |
Thomas Detry's late birdie assured him of a topBiden's upcoming commencement speech roils Morehouse CollegeShohei Ohtani delivers a walkVinnie Jones 'to discuss new romance' with Emma Ford in second series of In The CountryChinese youngsters embrace more diversified tourism optionsOscar Isaac to voice role of Jesus Christ in faithNepal's prime minister wins confidence vote in parliament, his fourth since taking officeDemi Moore stuns in an extravagant silk gown as she joins glamorous Rosie HuntingtonShohei Ohtani gets first walkJim Otto, 'Mr. Raider' and Pro Football Hall of Famer, dies at 86