Former Kentucky Governor Arrested While Playing an Extra in Christian Movie Production

Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin (R) was arrested on Thursday by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, according to Kentucky Public Radio.

Two dispatchers told KPR that Bevin was taken into custody in Paris, Kentucky.

“Bevin was reportedly arrested while playing an extra on the set of a Christian film production there,” KPR said.

Bevin has been mired in a dispute over child support payments. In March, Jefferson County Family Court Judge Angela Johnson found Bevin in contempt after she said he repeatedly ignored her orders to furnish the court with financial records in a child support case centering on his 19-year-old son Jonah Bevin.

In one hearing, the ex-governor had been ordered to appear in the courtroom, but instead, he joined via Zoom, stating that he was on his way back to Kentucky after attending a funeral. Bevin did not say where he was dialing in from. It was the second time Bevin appeared in court via Zoom after being told to show up in person.

“Your arrest warrant will be issued today,” Johnson told him on March 24. She later issued a written order for his arrest and sentenced him to 60 days in jail unless he posts a $500 cash bond and submits “financial records, bank statements, tax returns and all other documents that would show the receipt of income.”

KPR reported that Johnson issued two warrants over the summer. The first was for failing to appear at a hearing. That was rescinded after Bevin paid a fine. Johnson issued the other warrant over the matter of the financial disclosures. She sentenced him to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

The former governor alleged in a filing in March that the judge was making rulings based on a desire for media coverage.

“She is using me as a political piñata,” the filing stated.

Bevin is currently embroiled in an ongoing divorce case with his ex-wife, Glenna Bevin. Meanwhile, Jonah Bevin, whom Kentucky’s former first couple adopted from Ethiopia in 2012, alleges that the former governor used him to “boost” his 2015 gubernatorial campaign. Matt Bevin served one term as governor, losing his reelection bid to Andy Beshear in 2019.

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