Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin was arrested Thursday for contempt of court and ordered to serve 60 days in the Louisville Metro jail. The arrest stems from a warrant issued in June, related to Bevin's failure to comply with a judge's order to release financial records pertinent to his divorce and child support case for one of his adopted children.
Bevin, a Republican who served as the state's governor from 2015 to 2019, had missed multiple court hearings. Judge Angela Johnson denied his attempt to join a virtual hearing last month, stating Bevin had chosen not to be present and would therefore not have the opportunity to present his testimony. His wife, Glenna Bevin, filed for divorce in May 2023 and had submitted her financial documents as ordered. When her estranged husband did not comply, the arrest warrant was issued.
This is not the first time Bevin has faced contempt charges in the case. In March, he was charged with contempt for failing to provide financial documents detailing his income, bank statements, and tax returns. At the time, Bevin reportedly told the judge he needed more time to gather the paperwork, claiming he lacked traditional income documentation. Following continued delays, he was sentenced to 14 days in jail or a $250 fine. He paid the fine and was ordered to submit the documents by June 5.
Just before the June deadline, Bevin's lawyer filed an emergency motion requesting an additional 10 days to collect the required paperwork. Judge Johnson denied this motion and subsequently issued the warrant for his arrest. Bevin appeared disheveled in his mugshot following his arrest Thursday. He is also required to pay a $500 fine. Mugshot of former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin.