Former Commonwealth’s Attorney Sentenced for Honest Services Wire Fraud and Bribery Scheme

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The former Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bath, Rowan, Menifee, and Montgomery Counties, Ronnie Goldy, 51, was sentenced on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves.  Goldy was sentenced to 41 months, after previously being convicted of honest services wire fraud, use of an interstate facility with the intent to carry on unlawful activity, and bribery concerning a program that receives federal funds. 

According to evidence presented, Goldy maintained a personal relationship with a woman that was sexual in nature, and included encounters and solicitations and acceptance of sexually explicit images and videos of the woman.  On multiple occasions during the scheme, Goldy used his position as the Commonwealth’s Attorney to perform official actions, or to exert pressure and influence on other public officials to perform official actions, benefiting the woman.  Goldy knew these sexually explicit images and periodic sexual encounters were provided in exchange for his willingness to perform, or pressure others to perform, official actions benefitting the woman with whom he had the relationship.

In February, Goldy was convicted by a federal jury of all 14 counts in the indictment. 

“Instead of doing the job he was elected to do, Mr. Goldy chose to abuse his authority and to pressure other officials to advance his corrupt personal interests,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  “When those entrusted with enforcing the law blatantly abuse their authority, it demands accountability.  This was a disgraceful betrayal of the public trust and it undermined public safety and law enforcement.  Through the hard work of committed law enforcement, he now faces that accountability.”

“Goldy’s sentencing should serve as a warning to corrupt officials throughout the Commonwealth that the FBI will not standby when allegations of abuse of power come to our attention,” said Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office. “We will rigorously investigate such claims and follow the facts wherever they lead, ultimately bringing those that violate federal law to justice.”

United States Attorney Shier and Special Agent in Charge Stansbury jointly announced the sentencing.

The case was investigated by the FBI.

The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Boone. 

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