Two Elliott County Officials Indicted for Misappropriating Property in 2010 Election

ASHLAND, KY—The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that the county judge executive and the former deputy county judge executive in Elliott County have been accused in a federal indictment of illegally trying to influence the outcome of the 2010 primary election.

County Judge Executive Flemen D. “David” Blair, 66, and Deputy County Judge Executive Barry F. Blair, 41, were indicted Friday for theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds (misappropriating property), and a conspiracy charge.

Flemen Blair was campaigning to retain his position as county judge executive during the time he committed the alleged crimes.

The indictment alleges that in May of 2010, both men allegedly distributed county owned gravel to potential voters and their families, free of charge, to influence their votes.

The indictment further alleges that in late 2009 and early 2010 Flemen Blair drove dump trucks and spread county owned gravel on private driveways and roads. Both he and Barry Blair are also accused of directing county workers to haul and spread gravel.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation task force, Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office.

The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth R. Taylor and Robert M. Duncan, Jr.

An arraignment date for both defendants is set for October 21, 2010, in Ashland. If convicted, both defendants face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences.

The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only, and that person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.