Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, an ally of former President Donald Trump, was arrested on Thursday. Local media reported his arrest came after months of defying court orders related to an ongoing family court and child support dispute.
Bevin, who served as governor from 2015 to 2019, was taken into custody by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and booked into Louisville Metro Corrections. His arrest followed a bench warrant issued by Jefferson County Family Court Judge Angela Johnson. Bevin was found in civil contempt, with the warrant requiring him to serve 60 days in jail and pay a $500 fine.
Newsweek contacted Bevin’s lawyer on Friday for comment.
Arrested on a Movie Set
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office acted on a 911 tip, arresting Bevin in Paris, Kentucky. He was working as an extra on the film set of The Greatest Christmas Gift. Jessica Mohr, the property owner where the movie was filmed, told Louisville Public Media about the arrest.
“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.”
A Contentious Family Dispute
The legal battle involves Bevin’s ex-wife, Glenna Bevin, and their adopted son, Jonah. The court ordered both parents to submit comprehensive financial records, including tax returns and bank statements, related to child support and financial provisions.
While Glenna Bevin submitted her documents, Johnson found that Matt Bevin repeatedly failed to comply. Jonah Bevin was one of the four children Matt and Glenna adopted from Ethiopia in 2012. Jonah alleged that at 17, his adoptive parents abandoned him at a youth facility in Jamaica, which authorities later closed due to allegations of abuse. He claimed he was forced to support himself and sought financial assistance.
In response to his father’s arrest, Jonah expressed sadness, emphasizing that adoption should be permanent. In a statement to WLKY, Jonah said his parents’ actions demonstrated a lack of love. His attorneys noted that the arrest was not something Jonah desired, saying there was “no cause for celebration” when enforcing obligations through arrest. They stressed Jonah’s desire for basic financial support to rebuild his life and hoped the court’s action would foster accountability.
Judge’s Sharp Rebuke
The dispute has persisted for months. Bevin was previously held in contempt in May for missing court, avoiding jail by paying a $250 fine. He attributed his absence to a boulder crashing into a home he owns in Maine. The judge ordered Bevin to provide the records by June 5, but his lawyer’s request for more time was denied, leading to the arrest warrant.
Judge Johnson criticized Bevin for his continued lack of cooperation, according to Louisville Public Media. She stated, “You have done nothing to show the court that you are willing to act in good faith.” Johnson refused to reduce or alter Bevin’s sentence, stating she would not tolerate behavior undermining the court’s integrity.
The immediate attention will focus on whether Bevin submits the required financial records. This will influence whether he remains in custody for the 60-day sentence.
Trump and Bevin’s History Explained
During his governorship, Bevin was a prominent conservative figure and a strong Trump supporter. Trump endorsed Bevin’s 2019 reelection campaign, holding a rally in Lexington just before the election. Bevin embraced Trump’s agenda, integrating the president’s support into his campaign. Despite Trump’s backing, Bevin lost to Democrat Andy Beshear by about 5,000 votes.
At the time, the Associated Press described Bevin as a “close ally” of Trump.
Newsweek also reached out to the White House for comment regarding Bevin’s situation.
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