Suspended Nelson County fire chief appears in court on abuse of public trust, theft charges

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A suspended Nelson County fire chief indicted for official misconduct faced a judge Wednesday.

John Skaggs, 39, pleaded not guilty in arraignment court on charges of abuse of public trust, official misconduct and theft following his indictment earlier this month.

He was suspended from the Rolling Fork Fire Department by its board back in January. According to the department's treasurer, leaders were prompted to take a closer look into the chief after seeing abnormalities when paying bills.

Skaggs is accused of misusing public money and property, in part, for filling up his personal vehicle using a fire department gas card.

"Formal reading of the indictment has been waived, not guilty plea is entered, any and all motions are reserved for the defense," Judge Joe G. Ballard, 10th Judicial Circuit Court, said. "I'll order the Commonwealth to provide discovery pursuant to our local rules. We'll set the case for pretrial conference and jury trial."

Ballard scheduled Skaggs' pretrial conference for Sept. 12 at 9 a.m., and a jury trial for Sept. 22.

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