Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin was arrested this past Thursday following months of defying court orders in a family court and child support case, as reported by local media outlets. Bevin, a Republican and an ally of former President Donald Trump who served as governor between 2015 and 2019, was detained by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and later booked into Louisville Metro Corrections.
Bench Warrant Leads to Arrest
The arrest follows an active bench warrant issued by Jefferson County Family Court Judge Angela Johnson. She found Bevin in civil contempt, leading to a warrant filed in June that mandates Bevin spend 60 days in jail and pay a $500 fine. Newsweek contacted Bevin’s lawyer for comments on Friday.
Apprehended on Movie Set
Reports indicate the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office acted on a tip received through a 911 call. Deputies found Bevin in Paris, Kentucky while he was working as an extra on the movie set of The Greatest Christmas Gift. Jessica Mohr, the owner of the property where the movie was being filmed, informed Louisville Public Media that the sheriff came searching for Bevin. Mohr described how someone on set recognized Bevin’s photo and pointed him out to the sheriff, leading to his arrest.
Contentious Family Dispute
The ongoing legal battle involves Bevin’s ex-wife, Glenna Bevin, and their adopted son, Jonah. The court asked both parents to submit exhaustive financial documents, including tax returns and bank statements, to evaluate child support and financial provisions. While Glenna complied, Bevin repeatedly failed to provide the required documentation.
Jonah, one of the four children Bevin and his wife adopted from Ethiopia in 2012, claimed his adoptive parents left him in a Jamaican youth facility at 17. The facility came under investigation for abusive conditions, and Jonah, once removed, sought financial support for living expenses. Jonah expressed sadness over his father’s arrest, stating that adoption should create a permanent bond.
His legal team highlighted that the arrest was never Jonah’s intention, emphasizing that it’s not a victory but a necessity for enforcing parental obligations. They hope this action promotes accountability and that Jonah only sought basic financial assistance to recover from past ordeals.
Judge Johnson’s Criticism
The dispute dragged on for months, with Bevin held in contempt since May for missing a court date, which he blamed on a home’s damage in Maine. He avoided jail by paying a $250 fine at that time. Bevin’s attorney later sought an extension to submit further financial records, yet Judge Johnson denied and issued the arrest warrant.
Johnson criticized Bevin’s lack of cooperation, stating that his behavior harms court integrity. She declared no leniency, insisting Bevin show good faith to achieve any sentence relief. The focus now remains on whether Bevin will submit the requested financial records or continue his sentence.
Relationship with Trump
During Bevin’s term as governor, he was a main conservative voice supporting Trump. Trump’s backing was a central element in Bevin’s 2019 reelection campaign, although Bevin eventually lost to Democrat Andy Beshear by about 5,000 votes. Trump’s endorsement, coupled with rally support, underscored their political alliance.
Newsweek also sought comments from the White House concerning the events surrounding Bevin’s arrest.