Carrollton police chief, officer reassigned following indictments

CARROLLTON, Ky. (WDRB) -- The mayor of Carrollton says the chief of police and another officer have been re-assigned following their indictments for kidnapping and official misconduct.

The county sheriff is already facing charges in a separate case and with their two top law enforcement officials under indictment, some Carroll Co. residents admit they're concerned about their community and its reputation.

Ernie Welch's family has been in the restaurant business in Carrollton for more than 50 years.

“As for the general people that live here, I think they're just the number one people. I really do,” said Welch.

But he admits he's concerned about what others may be thinking about his town.

“Out of the county, they'll ask me where I'm from, and they'll say some things I don't really like. But I live here. I was born and raised here,” he said.

On Monday, Carrollton Police Chief Michael Wilhoite and an officer were indicted on charges of kidnapping and official misconduct. They allegedly disobeyed a judge's order, and put a mentally ill inmate on a bus out of town.

“They're in the wrong if they did it. They eat in my place every day, so I don't want to say anything bad about them because they're great people,” said Welch.

It comes on the heels of the indictment in a separate case of Sheriff Jamie Kinman also on charges of official misconduct.

“I think it's sad that we've got situations like we have right now,” said Carroll Co. Judge Executive Bobby Lee Westrick.

He has been in office since January.

“There's always two sides to every story. I just want the people in the community, the city and the county, to feel safe that we still have law enforcement,” he said.

Sheriff Kinman was recently re-elected and is still on job.

In a statement, Carrollton Mayor Robb Adams says the city officers have been reassigned to roles outside law enforcement. It's not clear who's running the department.

Back at the restaurant, Eric Welch believes the remaining officers will continue to do their jobs.

“We've got some good officers out there. Even without the chief, we've got some real good officers,” said Welch.

Those who live in the area say they're at least confident any problems are now being addressed, and not swept under the rug.

More: Carrollton Police chief, officer indicted on official misconduct and kidnapping charges