The ethics trial involving a former West Kentucky lawmaker accused of sexually harassing female state employees will begin tomorrow.
Three of the women who brought formal ethics complaints against former Rep. John Arnold, a Democrat from Sturgis, are expected to testify at Tuesday’s adjudicatory hearing that will determine whether or not Arnold violated state ethics laws.
Thomas Clay is an attorney for the women, and he expects the proceedings to go by the numbers.
“Well I think it’s going to be a typical administrative hearing,” he said. “I think they’ll call witnesses. They’ll be subject to direct examination and cross examination, and then the commission will deliberate and make a decision, and hopefully the process will play out.”
Calls to Arnold’s attorney, Steve Downey, were not returned. Downey has informed Kentucky Public Radio in the past that Arnold will likely not appear at any hearing due to what he says are Arnold’s declining mental and physical health.
Pierce Whites, an attorney for House Speaker Greg Stumbo’s office, says he is not aware of any subpoenas delivered to Stumbo or other House members compelling them to testify at the Tuesday hearing.
Arnold resigned in September, and has denied the charges against him.
