MARTIN COUNTY GRAND JURY ISSUES NO INDICTMENTS AFTER STATE REPORT ON ALLEGATIONS OF FRAUD AND THEFT BY MARTIN COUNTY WATER BOARD

A Martin County Grand Jury reported their findings on Thursday, May 2, from their special called session of April 22, 2019, concerning allegations of fraud and theft from the Martin County Water Board. 

The grand jury heard evidence from the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office concerning alleged fraud and/or theft; specifically, the Attorney General’s Office investigation and they heard testimony by Investigator Mullins for the Office of the Attorney General as well as the audit report of forensic auditor Meaghan Barnett as it related on the three following allegations: 

1. The alleged theft of a $3 Million grant received between the years 1999 and 2003 that was meant to improve the water district had allegedly been stolen

2. Whether members of the Martin County Water Board of Commissioners or other individuals in Martin County had received and were receiving free water.

3. The misappropriation and misuse of  Martin County Water District funds.

After hearing the evidence and reviewing the testimony presented by the Commonwealth, the Grand Jury of Martin County returned a ‘no true bill’, meaning they found no basis for criminal charges; no criminal indictment(s) were made and further that there was no basis in fact for criminal charges against any individual or entity.  

After being cleared at the conclusion by the grand jury, The Martin County Water District released a statement, stating their appreciation for the Kentucky Attorney General Office’s thorough and independent investigation into these allegations, and is eager to move forward in order to improve the quality of life for each and every one of its customers. 

A copy of the Attorney General’s full report can be found on the Martin County Water District’s Facebook page.

A full Lexington Herald Leader story of the grand jury investigation can be found HERE