Attorney of Barren County judge-executive, magistrates releases statement

BARREN COUNTY, Ky. – The following is a statement released by Aaron D. Smith on behalf of his clients, Barren County Judge-Executive Micheal Hale and the magistrates of the Barren County Fiscal Court:

“The lawsuit has no merit. We intend to vigorously defend Judge-Executive Hale and the magistrates of the fiscal court and look forward to being heard by the court in the near future.”

Original Story

BARREN COUNTY, Ky. – Barren County Judge Executive Micheal Hale and other county officials are facing a lawsuit after a Christian County family claims their horses were illegally seized.

According to court documents, Greg and Brittany Turner who operate BG stables, claim that several Barren county officials conspired to seize nine of their horses.

Back in September of 2019, the Turners owned nine horses that were stabled at the Barren River State Park and operated a public riding stable through the Kentucky Department of Parks.

According to court documents, those nine horses were seized and Greg Turner was charged with nine counts of cruelty to animals after reports that the horses were malnourished.

He later pled guilty to those charges.

The Turners are suing Micheal Hale, his wife, the Glasgow mayor and the Barren County Animal Control officer along with several county magistrates.

The lawsuit, filed Monday, June 13, claims the defendants are guilty of theft by unlawful taking and official misconduct when the horses were seized in 2019. They are also calling for a jury trial in the case.

News 40 reached out to Judge Executive Micheal Hale, we have yet to hear back for comment.