In an order signed by Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance VanMeter, Judge Hunter Whitesell will fill the position to which Judge Chris Hollowell was elected. Hollowell presided over the 2nd Judicial District, Division 2 that serves McCracken County.
The order, obtained by West Kentucky Star, states that "reliable, verified information" received by the court indicated that Hollowell is "unable to perform the duties of his office." Supreme Court officials would not offer any additional information about the situation.
The Kentucky Constitution allows the Chief Justice to assign any judge, active or retired, to preside over any court other than the Supreme Court if he deems such an assignment necessary. The order was handed down on September 6th and said that Whitesell would serve until further notice.
Hollowell was first elected to the bench in 2006.
Photo of Hollowell courtesy of KYCourts.gov
