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| Farmer |
Former state Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has been charged with 42 counts of ethics violations by the Executive Branch Ethics Commission. The announcement was made Monday afternoon by the commission, Louisville TV station WDRB reported on its website.
Farmer, a one-time U.K. basketball star and former candidate for lieutenant governor, had been criticized for his spending habits while serving two terms as agriculture commissioner.
Last spring, state Auditor Adam Edelen released an audit that was highly critical of Farmer's terms in office. He was criticized for allegedly having agriculture department employees take him hunting, perform work at his Frankfort home, take care of his dog and for spending state money on fancy hotel rooms for the Sweet 16 basketball tourney when his home was a short distance away, the station reported.
Edelen also said Farmer gave his friends jobs and gave himself gifts.
The sanctions that Farmer will face could result in substantial financial penalties. Another hearing will be scheduled for Farmer and his attorney to face the commission and offer a defense against the allegations, WDRB said.
