EKB News

Pending results of appeals filed, U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove has ruled in favor of Knott County Judge Executive Randy Thompson, Magistrate Ronnie Adams and Deputy Judges Phillip Champion and Mac Combs. The Knott County officials will not have to report to prison on March 23rd. In granting the motion to allow them to remain out on bond, the court stated they had clearly demonstrated they were not flight risks and were not a danger to the public. The ruling also stays the order to pay restitution. Attorneys say appeals could take up to two years to complete. The officials were convicted in June of last year after being accused of buying votes in the November 2006 election.