Clark constable pleads guilty to trafficking charges

Published 12:49 am Sunday, January 8, 2017

Clark County Constable Glenn Witt pleaded guilty Friday to drug trafficking charges, a move which will eventually force his resignation.

Witt, 52 of 4013 Paris Road, was arrested last summer by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office following reports he was selling pills.

According to court records, Witt pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of oxycodone. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. Witt was incarcerated following the hearing in Lexington. His sentencing hearing was set for April 10 in Lexington.

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Witt was arrested July 13 following a controlled buy from Witt using a confidential informant with the sheriff’s office. Following the buy, deputies stopped Witt’s vehicle and recovered the marked buy money as well as his badge and firearm.

At the time, Clark County Sheriff Berl Perdue Jr. said his office had received several reports of Witt selling drugs. Deputies opened an investigation earlier this year when the rumors increased.

Once the judge’s order in entered and Witt is convicted, he would automatically resign and the office would be vacant, Clark County Judge-Execituve Henry Branham. As of Saturday morning, Branham said Witt has not resigned.

Under Kentucky law, the judge-executive would be responsible for appointing a new constable until the next election takes place. Branham said he did not plan on appointing a new constable as there are four others in Clark County to handle the duties. No elections are scheduled this year.

Witt has been a constable since 2007.

In Clark County, constables serve papers for the court system. State law affords them full law enforcement powers, but Clark County ordinances prohibit them from having blue lights or other emergency equipment in their vehicles.

About Fred Petke

Fred Petke is a reporter for The Winchester Sun, the Jessamine Journal and the State Journal. His beats include cops, courts, fire, public records, city and county government and other news. To contact Fred, email fred.petke@bluegrassnewsmedia.com or call 859-759-0051.

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