Judge refuses to step aside in former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin child support case

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A judge will remain on the bench in a high-stakes child support battle involving former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, rejecting claims she could not be fair.

Angela Johnson denied requests from Bevin and his attorney, ruling there are no legal grounds for her disqualification.

In a written order, Johnson said she has no personal bias, financial interest or prior involvement in the case.

The dispute centers on child support for the couple’s estranged son, Jonah Bevin, whose allegations have fueled months of legal action. The case intensified when Johnson previously gave Bevin a choice: serve up to 60 days in jail or turn over required financial records and pay a $500 fine tied to the case.

Court records show the dispute stems from ongoing proceedings connected to Jonah Bevin's claims of abuse, neglect and abandonment, including allegations he was left in Jamaica after a youth program shut down.

Johnson also rejected claims the court acted unfairly during earlier contempt proceedings, finding the motion to remove her legally flawed.

With the recusal issue resolved, the case will move forward and is expected to reach the Kentucky Supreme Court.