KENTUCKY
Federal officials said today they have launched a new initiative to weed out government crime in one of the most corrupt states in the nation — Kentucky.
The FBI is asking residents of Kentucky to report public corruption under a new initiative, according to officials.
In a 2014 study by Harvard University’s Center for Ethics identified Kentucky as one of the most corrupt states in the country, officials said.
WDRB 41 Louisville News
Residents are asked to call a new, toll-free tip line (844) KYNOPC1 (596-6721), a billboard campaign, and a dedicated e-mail address Kentucky_PC_Complaints@ic.fbi.gov.
The Harvard study indicates that in Kentucky between 2003 and 2012, about 300 individuals were convicted of federal crimes related to public corruption.
The FBI noted that it’s a violation of federal law for any federal, state, or local government official to receive anything of value in exchange for or because of an official act.
While the vast majority of public officials in Kentucky are dedicated and honest, Special Agent in Charge Howard S. Marshall of the FBI’s Louisville Division said “there is simply no acceptable level of corruption,” FBI officials stated.
“Public corruption victimizes everyone—taxpayers, voters, communities,” stated U.S. Attorney John Kuhn. “Public officials, whether elected or appointed, are more than mere employees. They are servants of the public interest, and we must insist on absolute honesty, integrity and trustworthiness from every one. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure crimes involving public corruption are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
U.S. Attorney Kerry Harvey agreed: “Public corruption is a terribly destructive force throughout Kentucky and has been a particularly pernicious problem in certain areas of the Eastern District of Kentucky. While the overwhelming majority of public officials serve honorably, those who corrupt the operations of government rob their communities-their friends and neighbors-of the fundamental right to honest government. We are pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with the FBI as we work together to combat this statewide problem.”
In a few short months, officials said Kentucky will go to the polls for significant state-wide elections with a national election looming in 2016.
Marshall said: “There is simply no greater right than to elect our political leaders. Anyone attempting to corrupt this process will be investigated as a top priority for our office.”
This year also presents a new opportunity for our state government to partner with the FBI to address a potential, long term problem, authorities state.
Officials said they rely on our federal, state, and local partners to address corruption matters, but concerned citizens are our biggest asset when it comes to exposing officials who use their positions for personal gain.