Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin Arrested Amid Family Court Dispute

Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin was arrested on Thursday following months of non-compliance with court orders related to an ongoing family court and child support issue. Local media reported that the Republican, a known ally of former President Donald Trump, served as governor from 2015 to 2019. He was taken into custody by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and later held at Louisville Metro Corrections.

The arrest resulted from an active bench warrant issued by Jefferson County Family Court Judge Angela Johnson. Bevin was found in civil contempt, and the warrant mandates a 60-day jail sentence and a $500 fine. Newsweek made efforts to contact Bevin’s lawyer for comment.

Arrested on a Movie Set

According to reports, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office acted on a tip received through a 911 call. Deputies apprehended Bevin in Paris, Kentucky, on the set of “The Greatest Christmas Gift,” where he was working as an extra. Jessica Mohr, the property owner where filming occurred, stated that the sheriff inquired about Bevin’s whereabouts.

“The sheriff showed up and was asking some people if they’d seen his picture, and a young man was like, ‘I think that gentleman’s inside,’” Mohr recalled. “And then there he was, and he was sitting there speaking to the lead male actor, and yeah, he was arrested.”

The legal conflict involves Bevin’s ex-wife, Glenna Bevin, and their adopted son, Jonah. The court has requested comprehensive financial records from both parents, including tax returns and bank statements. While Glenna Bevin complied, Matt Bevin did not provide the required documents.

A Contentious Family Dispute

Jonah Bevin, one of four children adopted by Matt and Glenna Bevin from Ethiopia in 2012, claimed abandonment by his adoptive parents at age 17 at a Jamaican youth facility. The facility faced closure due to allegations of abusive conditions. Jonah, left to fend for himself, began seeking financial aid, according to the Kentucky Lantern.

Following his father’s arrest, Jonah expressed sadness in a statement to WLKY. He remarked, “The sad reality is that adoption is supposed to be forever,” noting a lack of felt love from his parents. His attorneys emphasized that Jonah wanted only basic financial support to rebuild his life.

Judge’s Sharp Rebuke

The ongoing dispute escalated previously when Bevin was held in contempt in May for missing a court appearance. He avoided jail by paying a $250 fine. Bevin claimed he missed the hearing due to a boulder damaging a home he owns in Maine. Judge Johnson ordered the necessary documentation by June 5. Despite a request for an extension by Bevin’s attorney, the judge issued an arrest warrant when documents were not provided.

Judge Johnson criticized Bevin for not cooperating. She stated, “You have done nothing to show the court that you are willing to act in good faith.” Johnson emphasized the integrity of the court should not be compromised by such behavior.

The focus now turns to whether Bevin will provide the requested financial records and if he will be released or serve the 60-day sentence.

Trump and Bevin’s History Explained

During Bevin’s term as governor, he was a prominent conservative figure and supported Trump. The former president endorsed Bevin’s 2019 reelection campaign and held a rally in his support. Despite aligning himself with Trump, Bevin lost the election to Democrat Andy Beshear by approximately 5,000 votes.

Newsweek also contacted the White House for comment. For inquiries, the editors to contact are Jason Lemon and Anthony Murray.