LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled Jefferson Family Court Judge Angela Johnson will remain on a high-profile child support case involving former Gov. Matt Bevin, rejecting arguments that she should be removed for bias.
The Kentucky Supreme Court decision keeps Johnson on the case involving Bevin's ongoing legal fight with his ex-wife, Glenna Bevin, and their adopted son, Jonah Bevin, who is seeking financial and educational support.
In an 18-page order issued Thursday, Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert said the Bevins failed to show legal grounds to disqualify the judge.
According to the Kentucky Lantern, Lambert wrote that claims of bias or media influence were not enough to remove Johnson from the case.
"If judges must tailor their rulings around whether they will garner media attention, rather than on application of law to the facts, justice will never prevail," Lambert wrote in the order.
The dispute stems from a yearslong family court battle over Jonah Bevin's request for support. Jonah, now 19, has alleged he was abandoned at a youth facility in Jamaica after it was shut down, and has accused the Bevins of abuse, neglect and abandonment.
Court records show the case has also centered on disputes over financial disclosures and Jonah's education, which remain key factors in determining whether support will be awarded.
Earlier in the proceedings, Johnson found Matt Bevin in contempt over failure to provide financial records and sentenced him to up to 60 days in jail unless he complied and posted a $500 bond tied to the case.
Johnson has repeatedly denied allegations of bias, writing that she has no personal or financial interest in the outcome and has treated all parties fairly.
Bevin's legal team argued the judge had prejudged issues in the case and unfairly targeted him, while Johnson said stepping aside without cause would be "improperly avoiding her duty."
Jonah Bevin's attorneys welcomed the Supreme Court ruling and said they plan to push for hearings to resume after months of delays.
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