Barbara Shanklin's attorney talks about upcoming ethics hearing - WDRB 41 Louisville - News, Weather, Sports Community

Barbara Shanklin's attorney talks about upcoming ethics hearing

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- We're learning more about Barbara Shanklin's hearing that has just been extended to three days.

Shanklin's attorney Aubrey Williams was initially upset calling this process flawed.

But after the meeting -- he's ready to move forward defending his client.

The ethics commission cleared up some questions in regards to her charges, making the allegations more specific.

Commission chairman, Jonathon Ricketts, says, "The specific ordinances are the same, the facts supporting those are the same, this simply defines them a little more clearly."

Williams requested the modifications. He says, "If you don't know what it is that you are contesting apart from the broad categories and the allegations that have been reported in the media you're at a disadvantage."

The councilwoman is accused of using her position to benefit herself and her family.

The ethics commission says they found enough evidence that Shanklin violated portions of the city's ethics ordinance by hiring her grandson, Gary Bohler, as her aide while he had outstanding warrants.

It also alleges what we found in city records, that Shanklin and her family members benefited from tax-funded upholstrey program.

It also suggests that her involvement in a neighborhood association that sought money from the council could have clouded her judgment.

Shanklin's hearing has been extended to three days, at the request of her attorney.

Williams says, "There is an abundance of material, we've made several open records requests and have no gotten all of those responses to all of those requests."

Aubrey Williams says he's preparing their defense, but has a lot to sift through. He says is still deciding if the councilwoman will take the stand.

Williams says, "It may become necessary to introduce some of the things that we are discovering through the open records request in addition to having witnesses."

The ethics commission hired a hearing officer and an investigative officer who will oversee and prosecute the ethics complaint.

The hearing is scheduled for October 25th, 26th, and 29th.

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  • Thanks to a grant from Norton Healthcare, this story and others are available in real-time closed captioning on WDRB.
    Thanks to a grant from Norton Healthcare, this story and others are available in real-time closed captioning on WDRB.