Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin Arrested Amid Court Dispute

Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin was arrested Thursday following months of court order defiance related to a family court and child support dispute, as reported by local media. Bevin, a Republican and former ally of President Trump, served as governor from 2015 to 2019. He was apprehended by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and lodged in Louisville Metro Corrections.

The arrest arose from a bench warrant issued by Jefferson County Family Court Judge Angela Johnson after Bevin was found in civil contempt. The warrant stipulates a 60-day jail term and a $500 fine. Attempts to reach Bevin’s lawyer for comment were made by Newsweek on Friday.

Arrested on a Movie Set

Reports indicate the arrest followed a tip to 911. Bevin was found in Paris, Kentucky, working as an extra on the film set of The Greatest Christmas Gift. Jessica Mohr, the property owner where filming occurred, recounted the sheriff’s quest for Bevin. “The sheriff showed up asking if anyone had seen his picture, and someone inside identified him,” Mohr said. “Bevin was speaking with the lead actor before his arrest.”

A Contentious Family Dispute

The legal matters involve Bevin’s ex-wife, Glenna, and their adopted son, Jonah. The court demanded both parents submit comprehensive financial documents, including tax returns and bank statements, for child support deliberations. While Glenna complied, Bevin failed to provide the required documents.

Jonah Bevin was one of four Ethiopian children adopted by Matt and Glenna Bevin in 2012. He claimed abandonment by his adoptive parents in Jamaica at age 17. After the facility’s shutdown due to abusive allegations, Jonah was left to fend for himself, seeking financial support.

In response to his father’s arrest, Jonah expressed sorrow, stating, “Adoption is supposed to be forever.” His attorneys, John Helmers Jr. and Melina Hettiaratchi, remarked there was “no cause for celebration” over the arrest, emphasizing Jonah’s pursuit of basic financial support.

Judge’s Sharp Rebuke

The dispute has spanned months. Bevin was previously held in contempt in May for missing a court hearing, escaping jail by paying a $250 fine. He claimed absence due to an incident at his Maine home. Ordered to present records by June 5, Bevin’s request for time extension was denied, leading to the arrest warrant.

On Friday, Judge Johnson criticized Bevin for lacking cooperation, stating, “You have shown no willingness to act in good faith,” refusing any sentence relief. The focus now is on whether Bevin meets the court’s document submission demands.

Trump and Bevin’s History Explained

During his governorship, Bevin was a prominent conservative and Trump ally. Trump endorsed Bevin’s 2019 reelection and held a supportive rally. Despite alignment with Trump’s agenda, Bevin lost to Andy Beshear by approximately 5,000 votes.

Newsweek sought comments from the White House. For story details, contact editors Jason Lemon and Anthony Murray.