Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear says a former top deputy in his office will face state charges. Tim Longmeyer has already pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge.
Court documents unsealed Tuesday at the request of the Lexington Herald-Leader show Longmeyer arranged for illegal campaign donations to Beshear's campaign.
Beshear told reporters he’s not ready to say what state charges will be filed against Longmeyer. He expressed appreciation Wednesday to the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for its investigation of Longmeyer.
The A-G says, without their work Longmeyer could have done real damage to the attorney general’s office, “The U.S. Attorney and the FBI have been absolutely clear on multiple occasions that there was no wrongdoing by me, the office of the attorney general or any campaign including mine.”
Longmeyer earlier this spring acknowledged guilt in federal court to soliciting more than $200,000 in bribes from state business deals while working for former governor Steve Beshear. He was deputy attorney general in Andy Beshear’s office until he resigned in March, a few days before being charged.
Beshear says his office is still working to match state charges with federal charges. “We’re actively doing that work and it doesn’t matter to the attorney general’s office, even if you’ve worked in the office. If you break the law, we’re gonna charge you,” said Beshear.
Beshear thanked the F.B.I. and U.S. Attorney’s office for its investigation. He says Longmeyer could have done real damage to the attorney general’s office and its efforts at fighting crime. ?
