Press Release from Ed Hatchett,
Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts

Subject: Boyd Sheriff Solicits and Accepts Over $160,000 From Private Sources
Release Date: May 8, 2001
Audit online at: http://www.auditor.ky.gov/Public/Audit_Reports/Archive/2000Boyd_Sheriff_Specialaudit.pdf

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Auditor of Public Accounts
144 Capitol Annex
Frankfort, KY 40601

Contact:
Harold McKinney
Legal Counsel
Phone 502-573-0050
FAX 502-573-0067
APA.PressReleases@auditor.ky.gov
(Frankfort - May 8, 2001) In a letter released today State Auditor Ed Hatchett detailed the private fundraising efforts of Boyd County Sheriff Phillip Sturgill. The letter, addressed to Sturgill and Boyd County Judge Executive Bill F. Scott, reveals Sheriff Sturgill raised over $160,000 during a four-year period.

Over $25,000 in expenditures not supported with proper documentation

Most of the $160,000 has been spent but there remains $17,624, which is neither spent nor committed. Over $25,000 was spent without adequate documentation.

Private fundraising by a sheriff apparently is not allowed in Kentucky. According to an opinion of the State Attorney General, "There is no legal basis whereby a sheriff may directly receive donations from private person or corporations for the purpose of running the Sheriff's office."

The largest single donor to the Sheriff's fund was from Kings' Daughters Medical Center located in Ashland. Those gifts totaled $90,000 from 1996 through 1999.

The report recommends that the Sheriff:

  • Refrain from soliciting private donation
  • Remit the $17,624 to the Boyd Fiscal Court
  • Maintain adequate documentation for all expenditures , and
  • Ensure all accounts are audited on an annual basis
 

Edward B. Hatchett Jr.
Auditor of Public Accounts
144 Capitol Annex
Frankfort, KY 40601
WEB: www.auditor.ky.gov/