Richie Farmer

Prosecutor Opposes Request for Seven Month Delay in Richie Farmer Trial

Rick Howlett and Associated Press — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:09:15 +0000

A federal prosecutor is objecting to a request by Richie Farmer’s attorney that the former agriculture commissioner’s criminal trial be delayed until February.

Farmer’s trial on charges of misappropriating government resources was originally set for July, but his attorney, Guthrie True, wants to move it until early next year, saying he needs more time to prepare.

But Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Taylor filed a court brief this week asking that the trial be scheduled for sometime this fall, saying a delay until February would be excessive.

Richie Farmer Pleads Not Guilty in Initial Court Appearance

Kenny Colston — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:58:24 +0000

Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has officially answered his indictment on five federal charges, pleading not guilty to all of them.

Farmer pleaded not guilty in his first court appearance Thursday, where he was also informed of his rights.

Ag Commissioner James Comer: Indictment of Richie Farmer Won't Affect Department

Kenny Colston — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:17:35 +0000

The federal indictment of former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer won't become a problem for the Department of Agriculture, Farmer's successor said on Monday.

James Comer, who took over the office in 2011, and his office say they have helped with the multiple investigations of Farmer's tenure as agriculture commissioner—including those conducted by the state auditor, attorney general or others.

Richie Farmer Indicted, Accused of Misappropriating State Funds

Brenna Angel | Kentucky Public Radio — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:57:56 +0000

LEXINGTON — Richie Farmer, the basketball star turned Kentucky politician, was indicted last week on charges stemming from his tenure as state agriculture commissioner.

Williams Says He Had "No Idea" About Farmer's Alleged Misdeeds

Kenny Colston — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:04:00 +0000

Kentucky Senate President David Williams says he had no idea what trouble his former gubernatorial running mate Richie Farmer was causing as agriculture commissioner.

During an interview on Kentucky Sports Radio Wednesday, host Matt Jones asked Williams about the abuses of power and resources that were uncovered in a recent audit of Farmer's time in office.

Richie Farmer's Attorney Calls Audit "Political and Self-Serving"

Kenny Colston — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000

An audit of former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer's administration has revealed multiple abuses of state resources.

The report says the former University of Kentucky basketball star illegally hired friends and family, used department resources for Christmas gifts and made state employees mow his yard and build a basketball court at his home on state time.