Defense attorneys have implied that text messages between the women could show that Loya may have been the victim of a scheme by the women.

In a ruling Thursday, Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Ann Bailey Smith ruled that District Court Judge Stephanie Burke “erroneously” booted Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connel and his office off the attempted extortion case against Richard Hardacre “with no legal cause to do so.”

Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Ann Bailey Smith said she wanted to clarify "for anyone interested why this case has unfortunately been continued this long in this court."

Brett Hankison's attorney said he "has little jobs here and there" and is appealing his termination from LMPD

“The large and diverse population of Jefferson County bodes well for the seating of a qualified jury in this case,” according to the motion by the Kentucky Attorney General's office. 

Circuit Court Judge Ann Bailey Smith ruled there are “less restrictive alternatives” than allowing only attorneys for the Kentucky Attorney General’s office and former Det. Brett Hankison to see evidence in the case.