Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
A press conference was held at the Bell County Courthouse to officially announce the resignation of Bell County District 5 Constable Jesse Hall.
Hall pleaded guilty to six counts of diversion of charitable gaming funds for financial benefit over $300, three counts of theft by failure to make required disposition over $500 and one count of theft by failure to make required disposition over $10,000.
Hall is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 15.
When a constable resigns it is the responsibility of the county judge to appoint someone to the vacant position. During the press conference, Bell County Judge-Executive Albey Brock appointed Richard Dunn as the new constable.
“I can with all confidence know the public will be served in an excellent capacity,” said Brock. “I’m certain Mr. Dunn will hold a high level of professionalism as it applies to the authority that is bestowed upon the constable and will work closely with local law enforcement and the sheriff’s office.”
Brock stated he sought advice from the sheriff’s office when it came to making his decision.
Bell County Sheriff Bruce Bennett and Chief Deputy David Cornelius recommended Dunn for the position.
According to the Kentucky Constable Association, constables are peace officers with broad powers of arrest and authority to serve court processes. The constable has the authority to enforce both the traffic code and the criminal code of Kentucky.
The association also stated the constable may execute warrants, summonses, subpoenas, attachments, notes, rules and orders of the court in all criminal, penal and civil cases.
According to the association, constables will possess the same qualification as the sheriffs and may exercise jurisdiction in any part of the county.
Anthony Cloud can be reached via email at acloud@civitasmedia.com or by phone at 606-248-1010, ext. 208.
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