FORMER KY STATE TROOPER WHO WAS THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF KSP TROOPER ISLAND CHILDREN’S CAMP IS INDICTED ON THEFT CHARGES FOR EMBEZZLING CAMP FUNDS
DIRECTOR OF TOF PUBLIC RELATIONS SPOKESPERSON FOR THE LOUISVILLE AUTHORITY RELEASES STATEMENT ANNOUNCING EX-TROOPER WAS PLACED ON LEAVE FROM HIS CURRENT POSITION
AUGUST 14, 2026 – written by WADE QUEEN
I GUESS THAT EXPLAINS WHY HE ALWAYS LOOKED SO “WELL-FED”!: FORMER KENTUCKY STATE POLICE TROOPER JONATHAN M. BIVEN, WHO WAS THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF KSP TROOPER ISLAND, A SUMMER CAMP FOR DISADVANTAGED & UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN CLINTON COUNTY, KY., WAS INDICTED FOR EMBEZZLING FUNDS FOR THE CAMP DURING 6 YEARS & 9 MONTHS PERIOD.
A Clinton County, Kentucky grand jury has indicted Jonathan M. Biven, charging him with theft by unlawful taking or disposition involving more than $10,000 but less than $1 million over a 6 & 3/4 years period.
According to the indictment, the alleged theft occurred between January 1, 2019, and September 30, 2024, and involved revenue and/or funds belonging to Trooper Island, the Kentucky State Police youth camp program. The exact amount allegedly stolen during this period of time was not revealed in the indictment or publicly stated elsewhere.
Prosecutors allege Jonathan Biven unlawfully took or exercised control over the money with the intent to deprive the organization of its property. Jonathan Biven committed the Class C felony, which is punishable by from five (5) to ten (10) years in prison when he “unlawfully took or exercised control over revenue or monies, the movable property of Trooper Island with the intent to deprive the owner thereof.”
The indictment was returned by a Clinton County grand jury on Thursday, August 6. The indictment was filed Monday, August 10; and Jonathan Biven had a $25,000 surety bond set.
Jonathan Biven is scheduled to be arraigned in Clinton County Circuit Court on September 10, 2026, at 9:00 A.M., before Judge David L. Williams, according to the court docket.
Director of Public Relations spokesperson for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, Natalie Chaudoin, released a statement, announcing that Jonathan Biven has been placed on leave.
“Jonathan Biven is employed as a Public Safety Officer for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority’s Department of Public Safety at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). The Louisville Regional Airport Authority is aware of the charges filed against Mr. Biven related to his prior tenure with the Kentucky State Police and association with Trooper Island. Effective Friday, August 7, 2026, Mr. Biven was placed on administrative leave with pay from the Louisville Regional Airport Authority pending further investigation into this matter.”
In addition, the Kentucky State Police in Frankfort released a statement, reporting that in September 2024, the KSP found “potential misappropriation” of Trooper Island Camp funds by the former Trooper Island director.
An investigation was opened and the financial transaction findings were presented by the Commonwealth’s Attorney to a grand jury.
“The Kentucky State Police is committed to upholding the integrity of Trooper Island Camp and providing meaningful, quality experiences for children across the commonwealth. Since its creation, Trooper Island has served over 40,000 youth, many of whom have gone on to serve with the Kentucky State Police and other law enforcement agencies,” the KSP statement said.
Trooper Island is a week-long recreation experience where disadvantaged youth can build positive relationships with law enforcement. Trooper Island is a free 35-acre summer camp on Dale Hollow Lake, operated by the Kentucky State Police, according to information on the camp’s website. Established in 1965, it hosts roughly 700 underprivileged children (ages 10–12) and is a week-long recreation experience each year to build positive relationships with law enforcement through outdoor recreation and mentorship.
