AG Coleman files emergency appeal to keep 240 plus violent criminals behind bars

Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Friday the filing of an emergency motion with the Kentucky Court of Appeals to keep more than 240 convicted, violent criminals behind bars.

In February, the Franklin County Circuit Court invalidated a portion of the Safer Kentucky Act, which broadened the definition of “violent offender” to include those convicted of strangulation, reckless homicide, attempted murder, carjacking and more. Earlier this week, the Circuit Court denied the AG’s request to keep its order from going into effect while litigation continues.

Unless the Kentucky Court of Appeals agrees with Coleman and blocks the Circuit Court’s order, more than 240 violent, convicted criminals could immediately be released by the Kentucky Parole Board.

See a list of the violent, convicted criminals who could immediately be released by the Parole Board, along with their county and crimes.

“The General Assembly passed the Safer Kentucky Act to protect families and support law enforcement,” Coleman said. “Unless the Court of Appeals steps in, more violent criminals could soon be back in your neighborhood.” 

The Kentucky General Assembly, led by Rep. Jared Bauman (R-Louisville) and other members of the Louisville delegation, enacted House Bill 5, the Safer Kentucky Act, with sweeping changes to the commonwealth’s criminal justice laws in 2024.

Criminals convicted of a violent offense are prevented from release on probation, shock probation, parole, conditional discharge, or other form of early release until they serve at least 85% of their sentence.

Before HB 5, criminals convicted of offenses like strangulation and reckless homicide became eligible for early release after serving only 20% of their sentences. The Safer Kentucky Act applies to violent offenders who committed their crimes before the law’s effective date, as long as they hadn’t been sentenced yet. 

“The law also enhances penalties for crimes involving fentanyl, fleeing police, and offenses committed with stolen firearms, helping keep repeat and high-risk offenders off the streets longer. By limiting probation or parole in certain violent or firearm related cases and adding stronger consequences for endangering officers or the public. The legislation provides law enforcement with clearer tools to deter crime and protect communities,” said Scott Hildebrand, president of the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police. “All law-abiding Kentuckians, regardless of their political beliefs, want the worst of the worst kept away from them so that they may live a safe and more prosperous life.  HB-5 helps law enforcement with this task.”

“Letting violent criminals out onto our streets will put Kentucky families and police officers at risk,” said Shawn Butler, Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police executive director. “Kentucky’s police chiefs proudly stand with Attorney General Coleman to uphold the Safer Kentucky Act and keep our families and law enforcement safe.”