Kentucky AG appoints temporary Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bracken, Fleming, Mason counties

A temporary Special Commonwealth’s Attorney for northeast Kentucky’s 19th Judicial Circuit has been appointed by the Attorney General, following a resignation earlier this month.

Mason County Attorney John Estill will serve as Special Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bracken, Fleming and Mason counties.

The Mason County Sheriff’s Department says they received a potential criminal complaint towards former CA Kelly Clarke, which was sent to the Attorney General’s office.

A spokesperson from the office says they can neither confirm nor deny if an investigation is taking place.

Estill says he’ll serve as a caretaker for the role until a permanent replacement is chosen.

“Things don't stop. There’s cases being presented to the grand jury for indictment. There's cases set for trial. The goal is to make sure that all that doesn’t stop and that there's a seamless transition,” Estill said.

Estill will serve as Clarke’s replacement until Governor Beshear makes a permanent appointment, or a new Commonwealth’s Attorney is elected in November.

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