Former Graves Commonwealth Attorney Indicted

A former Graves County elected official was indicted and faces charges for misuse of public funds.

According to the Kentucky State Police, former Graves County Commonwealth's Attorney David L Hargrove was indicted by a Franklin County Grand Jury on Monday.

Kentucky State Police report that in January they were asked by newly elected Graves County Commonwealth's Attorney Richie Kemp to investigate Hargrove for allegations that he used public funds for personal expenses. The investigation, which lasted several months, focused on the use of court ordered forfeiture funds.  KSP was able to obtain financial records which they say showed multiple debits for non-qualifying expenses.

On Monday, a Kentucky State Police Detective testified before a Franklin County Grand Jury regarding the investigation. The case was moved to Franklin County due to Hargrove's previous role as Commonwealth's Attorney in Graves County. The grand jury indicted Hargrove on a charge of abuse of public trust, over $10,000, which is a class C felony.  

Hargrove was served with a criminal summons on Tuesday, and is scheduled to appear before the Franklin County Circuit Court on January 31.

Hargrove served as Graves County Commonwealth's Attorney from 1995 to January 1, 2019.

Graves County Commonwealth's Attorney Richie Kemp released the following statement:

Shortly after taking office, I became aware of a troubling matter. I sought the advice of other Commonwealth's Attorneys and those in law enforcement on how to best to proceed. After much thought and careful consideration, I felt obligated to report the matter to the Kentucky State Police and the Attorney General's Office. After reporting the matter, the Graves County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office has had no involvement whatsoever in the investigation or decision to prosecute David Hargrove. The Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, 48th Judicial Circuit, is the prosecuting office. I have no further comment regarding this matter.