Ronnie Goldy Indictment

Case: 5:23-cr-00089-DCR-EBA Doc #: 1 Filed: 08/17/23 Page: 1 of 15 - Page ID#: 1
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT ~Distrlciofi<entooky

EASTERN DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY ALEO
CENTRAL DIVISION AUG 17 2023
LEXINGTON
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
V.
RONNIE L. GOLDY
* * * * *
THE GRAND JURY CHARGES:
BACKGROUND
1. At all relevant times, RONNIE GOLDY was the Commonwealth Attorney
for the 21st Judicial Circuit in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As Commonwealth
Attorney, GOLDY was an agent of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and was responsible
for the just administration of the Commonwealth's criminal laws. GOLD Y's
responsibilities included prosecutions for criminal offenses within the 21st Judicial
Circuit; that is, Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, and Rowan counties.
2. At all relevant times, Individual 1, whose identity is known to the grand
jury, was a resident of various locations within the Commonwealth of Kentucky,
including locations within the 21st Judicial Circuit.
3. At various relevant times, Individual 1 was charged with criminal offenses
within the 21st Judicial Circuit and other locations within the Commonwealth of
Kentucky, including the following:

a. On or about June 24, 2015, Individual 1 was charged in Rowan Circuit
Court with a violation ofK.R.S. 514.110(3)(b) (receiving stolen
property valued between $1,000 and $10,000), a Class D felony offense
with a maximum penalty of up to five years of imprisonment and a
$10,000 fine (hereinafter, "Case A"). Individual 1 agreed to plead
guilty in Case A, and on or about January 15, 2016, the Rowan Circuit
Court entered a judgment finding Individual 1 guilty of a lesser included
violation ofK.R.S. 514.110(3) (receiving stolen property valued under
$500). Thereafter, Individual 1 remained subject to the jurisdiction of
the Rowan Circuit Court, including the requirements that Individual 1
abide by certain release conditions and make appearances in court as
ordered, and subject to potential additional incarceration for violations
of the Circuit Court's conditions and orders.
b. On or about November 30, 2015, Individual 1 was charged in
Montgomery Circuit Court with a violation ofK.R.S. 514.040 (theft by
deception; value under $500), a Class B misdemeanor offense with a
maximum penalty of up to ninety days of imprisonment and. a $250 fine
(hereinafter, "Case B"). Individual 1 agreed to plead guilty in Case B,
and on or about April 14, 2016, the Montgomery Circuit Court entered a
judgment finding Individual I guilty of violating this statute.
Thereafter, Individual 1 remained subject to the jurisdiction of the
Montgomery Circuit Court, including the requirements that Individual 1

abide by certain release conditions and make appearances in court as
ordered, and subject to potential additional incarceration for violations
of the Circuit Court's conditions and orders.
c. On or about February 22, 2016, Individual 1 was charged in Rowan
Circuit Court with a violation ofK.R.S. 508.020 (assault, second
degree), a Class C felony offense with a maximum penalty ofup to ten
years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine (hereinafter, "Case C").
GOLDY appeared in Case C as the Commonwealth's Attorney
prosecuting the criminal charges against Individual 1. Individual 1
agreed to plead guilty in Case C, and on or about August 23, 2016, the
Rowan Circuit Court entered a judgment finding Individual 1 guilty of a
lesser included violation ofK.R.S. 508.030 (assault, fourth degree).
Thereafter, Individual I remained subject to the jurisdiction of the
Rowan Circuit Court, including the requirements that Individual 1 abide
by certain release conditions and make appearances in court as ordered,
and subject to potential additional incarceration for violations of the
Circuit Court's conditions and orders.
d. On or about August 17, 2018, Individual I was charged in Clark Circuit
Court with multiple criminal offenses, including a violation ofK.R.S.
514.160 (identity theft), a Class D felony offense with a maximum
penalty ofup to five years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine
(hereinafter, "Case D"). Individual 1 agreed to plead guilty in Case D,

and on or about May 8, 2019, the Clark Circuit Court entered a
judgment finding Individual 1 guilty of an attempted violation of this
statute and other offenses. Thereafter, Individual 1 remained subject to
the jurisdiction of the Clark Circuit Court, including the requirements
that Individual 1 abide by certain release conditions and make
appearances in court as ordered, and subject to potential additional
incarceration for violations of the Circuit Court's conditions and orders.
e. On or about August 15, 2019, Individual 1 was charged in Bath Circuit
Court with multiple criminal offenses, including a violation ofK.R.S.
218A.1412(1)(d) (trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree), a
Class C felony offense under the circumstances, with a maximum
penalty ofup to ten years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine
(hereinafter, "Case E"). Bath County law enforcement authorities
impounded Individual l's vehicle and cellular phone at the time of
Individual 1's arrest. Although this case was charged in the 21st
Judicial Circuit, a Special Prosecutor was appointed to prosecute the
criminal charges against Individual 1, based on GOLDY's expression
of a conflict of interest based on a purported familial relationship with
Individual 1. Individual 1 agreed to plead guilty in Case E, and on or
about February 6, 2020, the Bath Circuit Court entered a judgment
finding Individual 1 guilty of a lesser included violation ofK.R.S.
21 SA.1415 (possession of a controlled substance, first degree) and other

offenses. On or about March 5, 2020, the Bath Circuit Court entered an
order directing the return of the aforesaid vehicle and cellular phone to
Individual 1. Thereafter, Individual 1 remained subject to the
jurisdiction of the Bath Circuit Court, including the requirements that
Individual 1 abide by certain release conditions and make appearances
in court as ordered, and subject to potential additional incarceration for
violations of the Circuit Court's conditions and orders.
4. At all relevant times, GOLDY owed the Commonwealth of Kentucky and
its citizens a duty to perform his responsibilities free from fraud, deceit, and self-
enrichment.
5. At all relevant times, GOLDY maintained a personal relationship with
Individual 1, which included at various points, engaging in sexual acts with Individual 1
and soliciting and accepting sexually explicit photographs and videos from Individual 1.
6. On multiple occasions during the relevant period, GOLDY used his
position as Commonwealth Attorney to perform official actions and to exert pressure and
influence on other public officials to perform official actions benefitting Individual 1.
At all relevant times, GOLDY and Individual 1 understood that the sexually explicit
images and periodic sexual encounters were provided in exchange for and because of
GOLDY's willingness to perform and procure official actions benefitting Individual 1 as
requested and as opportunities arose.

COUNTS 1-6
18 u.s.c. § 1343
18 u.s.c. § 1346
18 u.s.c. § 2
7. Paragraphs 1 through 6 of this Indictment are re-alleged and incorporated
by reference as if set forth fully herein.
8. From a date in or about November 2017, and continuing through a date in
or about November 2020, in Bath County, in the Eastern District of Kentucky, and
elsewhere,
RONNIE GOLDY,
with intent to defraud, devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud
and to deprive the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its citizens of their right to the honest
and faithful services of a public official, namely, the honest services of GOLDY, through
bribery.
MANNER AND MEANS
The manner and means used to accomplish the objectives of the conspiracy
included, among others, the following:
9. GOLDY used his position as Commonwealth Attorney to perform official
actions to seek and secure Individual l's release from incarceration for Individual 1 's
criminal offenses and violations of release conditions. For example:
a. In or about November 2017, Individual 1 was arrested and held in custody
pending probation revocation proceedings in Cases A, B, and C. On or
about November 21, 2017, GOLDY notified the Judge presiding over
Cases A and C that Individual 1 was being detained in Montgomery County
Jail and asked, "Can we let her out[?]"
, b. In or about August 2018, Individual 1 was arrested and held in custody
pending the criminal charges filed in Case D. On or about August 19,
2018, GOLDY notified the Judge presiding over Cases A and C that
Individual 1 was being detained in Clark County Jail. GOLDY expressed
his belief that Individual 1 had been arrested because of warrants previously
issued in Cases A and C. GOLDY claimed that Individual I was
"working for law enforcement" and urged "we need [Individual 1] out if
possible."
10. GOLDY used his position as Commonwealth Attorney to exert pressure on
other public officials to perform official actions that benefited Individual 1. For
example, and in addition to the communications listed in Paragraphs 9.a and 9.b above:
a. On or about November 6, 2019, GOLDY contacted the Special Prosecutor
assigned to Case E about the charges against Individual 1. GOLDY
claimed that Individual 1 was his "cousin" and suggested that the drug
trafficking charge against Individual 1 should be characterized as drug
possess10n.
b. In or about March 2020, GOLDY worked to secure an agreed court order ·
directing the release of the property that had been impounded during
Individual I's arrest in Case E. GOLDY contacted the Special Prosecutor
and others about the proposed agreed order. On or about March 4, 2020,
GOLDY urged the Special Prosecutor to sign the proposed agreed order
and present it to the Judge in Case E.
11. GOLDY assigned and ascribed monetary value to sexually explicit images
depicting Individual 1. For example:
a. On or about May 3, 2018, Individual 1 asked GOLDY for money,
purportedly to help Individual 1 buy fuel for Individual l's vehicle.
GOLDY responded by sending $25.00 to Individual 1 through an internet
platform, and following that money transmission with successive messages
stating, "Now your turn. Loi."; "Don't leave me hanging"; and "You're
killing me." After additional messages back and f01ih, Individual 1
responded by sending GOLDY eight photographs depicting Individual 1 in
nude and sexually suggestive poses.
b. On or about April 19, 2020, Individual 1 offered to send additional sexually
explicit photographs and videos to GOLDY in exchange for approximately
$100. GOLDY responded, "Ok. I'll have to set up my card on my phone
... [to] Send$$".
12. GOLDY solicited sexually explicit images of and sexual encounters with
Individual 1 in exchange for using his position as Commonwealth Attorney to perform
official actions and exeti pressure on other public officials to perform official actions that
benefited Individual 1. For example:
a. On or about June 15, 2018, several days after Individual I sought
GOLDY's assistance in resolving a wa1Tant for Individual l's an-est,

GOLDY sent a message to Individual 1 asking, "When do I get to see a
video". After Individual 1 responded, "When am I not gonna have a
warrant hahaha", GOLDY responded, "Lal. Good point", and "Incentives
never hurt.", explained his efforts to resolve Individual l's warrant, and
stated, "I'll try and speed it up."
b. On or about June 27, 2018, GOLDY sent a message to Individual 1 stating
"You owe me big time.'' After Individual I asked why, GOLDY
responded, "Judge is about to withdraw some warrants." After additional
messages back and forth, Individual 1 responded, "I'll send you that as
soon as I get home and make it." After approximately four weeks,
GOLDY asked Individual I, "Don't you owe me a video? Lol". After
Individual 1 responded,"& you could be right.. that is right, you did come
through on your end, didn't ya?", GOLDY replied, "Yes I am right. U
owe me a very good video or two."
c. On or about August 20, 2018, after making requests to facilitate Individual
l's release from incarceration, GOLDY sent a message to Individual 1
stating, "You are killing me. Lol", and "Though I do expect some videos
(more than I) this time." Individual 1 responded, "i suppose I may be able
to do that for you" and continued by suggesting that GOLDY "meet up"
with Individual I. GOLDY responded, "We can meet anytime you want."
Individual 1 responded with a statement about the difficulty of creating a
new video during the daytime and continued, "You DID get a bond taken
care of on a Sunday, I suppose." After additional messages between the
two, on or about August 21, 2018, GOLDY stated, "Don't get off topic.
You still owe me videos. Can't tease and then not deliver."
d. In or about September 2018, Individual 1 asked GOLDY to help Individual
1 postpone a court hearing scheduled in Case D. GOLDY sent a response
to Individual 1 stating, "U notice you keep asking but not giving. Lol".
After Individual 1's answer, GOLDY responded with a message stating,
"I'm still waiting on those videos remember. Loi". GOLDY then sent
additional responses stating, "I can see what I can do." and "Clark county
can be difficult at times but I will do my best."
EXECUTION OF THE SCHEME
13. On or about the dates listed below, in the Eastern District of Kentucky and
elsewhere,
RONNIE GOLDY
for the purpose of executing the scheme described above, and in order to effect the
objects thereof, transmitted and caused to be transmitted by means of wire
communication in interstate commerce the following writings, signs, signals, pictures,
and sounds:
Count Date Descri12tion

Apple iMessage communication from GOLDY to the Case
1 August 19, 2018 A and Case C Judge, claiming "[Individual l] is working for
law enforcement and we need her out if possible.''
Facebook Messenger communication from GOLDY to
2 August 20, 2018 Individual 1, stating "You are killing me. Lol Though I do
expect some videos (more than 1) this time."
Count Date DescriQtion

3 August 20, 2018
Individual 1, stating "We can meet anytime you want."
September 23,
4 Individual 1, stating "I'm still waiting on those videos
2018
remember. Lol"
November 6,
5 E Special Prosecutor, identifying Case E as "My cousin['s]
2019
trafficking case that's probably a possession."
Apple iMessage communications from GOLDY to the Case
E Special Prosecutor, asking about the status of an agreed
6 March 4, 2020 order for the release of Individual 1's property and claiming
"[Individual l's] family is trying to get [the] car. Tow guy
I wants like $2000. Crazy."
Each in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1346, and 2.
COUNTS 7-12
18 U.S.C. § 1952(a)(3)
18 u.s.c. § 2
14. Paragraphs 1 through 12 of this Indictment are re-alleged and incorporated-
15. On or about the dates listed below, in the Eastern District of Kentucky and
elsewhere,
RONNIE GOLDY
knowingly and intentionally used and caused to be used a facility in interstate and foreign
commerce, namely a telephone and a wire and electronic communication as set forth
below, with the intent to promote, manage, establish, carry on, and facilitate the
promotion, management, establishment, and carrying on of an unlawful activity, that is
bribery, contrary to 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 1346 and K.R.S. § 5 I 8.030(1 )(a), and
thereafter performed and attempted to perform an act to promote, manage, establish, and
carry on, and to facilitate the promotion, management, establishment and carrying on of
the above unlawful activity:
Count Date Descri£tion

7 August 19, 2018 A and Case C Judge, claiming "[Individual 1] is working for
law enforcement and we need her out if possible."
8 August 20, 2018 Individual 1, stating "You are killing me. Lol Though I do
expect some videos (more than 1) this time."
9 August 20, 2018
Individual 1, stating "We can meet anytime you want."
September 23,
10 Individual 1, stating "I'm still waiting on those videos
2018
remember. Lol"
November 6,
11 E Special Prosecutor, identifying Case E as "My cousin['s]
2019
trafficking case that's probably a possession."
Apple iMessage communications from GOLDY to the Case
E Special Prosecutor, asking about the status of an agreed
12 March 4, 2020 order for the release of Individual l's property and claiming
"[Individual l's] family is trying to get [the] car. Tow guy
wants like $2000. Crazv."
Each in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1952(a)(3) and 2.
COUNT 13
18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(l)(B)
16. Paragraphs 1 through 12 of this Indictment are re-alleged and incorporated
17. In the one-year period from on or about January I, 2018 through on or
about December 31, 2018, the Commonwealth of Kentucky received benefits in excess of
$10,000 from the United States government under federal programs involving grants,
contracts, subsidies, loans, guarantees, insurance, and other forms of Federal assistance.
18. On or about August 20, 2018, in the Eastern District of Kentucky, and
elsewhere,
RONNIE GOLDY
corruptly solicited and demanded for his own benefit and accepted and agreed to accept
things of value from Individual 1, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection
with business, a transaction, and a series of transactions of the Commonwealth of
Kentucky, specifically including Rowan and Clark Counties, valued at $5,000 and more;
that is, the criminal matters of Individual 1 identified above as Cases A, C, and D.
All in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(l)(B).
COUNT 14
18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(l)(B)
19. Paragraphs I through 12 and 17 of this Indictment are re-alleged and
incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.
20. On or about September 23, 2018, in the Eastern District of Kentucky, and
elsewhere,
RONNIE GOLDY
corruptly solicited and demanded for his own benefit and accepted and agreed to accept
things of value from Individual I, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection
with business, a transaction, and a series of transactions of the Commonwealth of

Kentucky, specifically including Clark County, valued at $5,000 and more; that is, the
criminal matter of Individual 1 identified above as Case D.
All in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(l)(B).
A TRUE BILL
CARLTON S. SHIER,IV
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
PENALTIES
COUNTS 1-6: Not more than 20 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and 3
years of supervised release.
years supervised release.
years supervised release.
PLUS: Mandatory special assessment of $100 per count.
PLUS: Restitution, if applicable.

Ronnie Goldy Indictment

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Ronnie Goldy Indictment

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Case: 5:23-cr-00089-DCR-EBA Doc #: 1 Filed: 08/17/23 Page: 1 of 15 - Page ID#: 1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT ~Distrlciofi<entooky

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

1. At all relevant times, RONNIE GOLDY was the Commonwealth Attorney

for the 21st Judicial Circuit in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As Commonwealth

Circuit; that is, Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, and Rowan counties.

2. At all relevant times, Individual 1, whose identity is known to the grand

jury, was a resident of various locations within the Commonwealth of Kentucky,

including locations within the 21st Judicial Circuit.

3. At various relevant times, Individual 1 was charged with criminal offenses

Kentucky, including the following:

a. On or about June 24, 2015, Individual 1 was charged in Rowan Circuit

Court with a violation ofK.R.S. 514.110(3)(b) (receiving stolen

property valued between $1,000 and $10,000), a Class D felony offense

with a maximum penalty of up to five years of imprisonment and a

$10,000 fine (hereinafter, "Case A"). Individual 1 agreed to plead

Court entered a judgment finding Individual 1 guilty of a lesser included

violation ofK.R.S. 514.110(3) (receiving stolen property valued under

$500). Thereafter, Individual 1 remained subject to the jurisdiction of

the Rowan Circuit Court, including the requirements that Individual 1

abide by certain release conditions and make appearances in court as

ordered, and subject to potential additional incarceration for violations

of the Circuit Court's conditions and orders.

b. On or about November 30, 2015, Individual 1 was charged in

Montgomery Circuit Court with a violation ofK.R.S. 514.040 (theft by

deception; value under $500), a Class B misdemeanor offense with a

maximum penalty of up to ninety days of imprisonment and. a $250 fine

(hereinafter, "Case B"). Individual 1 agreed to plead guilty in Case B,

judgment finding Individual I guilty of violating this statute.

Thereafter, Individual 1 remained subject to the jurisdiction of the

Montgomery Circuit Court, including the requirements that Individual 1

abide by certain release conditions and make appearances in court as

ordered, and subject to potential additional incarceration for violations

of the Circuit Court's conditions and orders.

c. On or about February 22, 2016, Individual 1 was charged in Rowan

Circuit Court with a violation ofK.R.S. 508.020 (assault, second

degree), a Class C felony offense with a maximum penalty ofup to ten

years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine (hereinafter, "Case C").

GOLDY appeared in Case C as the Commonwealth's Attorney

prosecuting the criminal charges against Individual 1. Individual 1

Rowan Circuit Court entered a judgment finding Individual 1 guilty of a

lesser included violation ofK.R.S. 508.030 (assault, fourth degree).

Thereafter, Individual I remained subject to the jurisdiction of the

Rowan Circuit Court, including the requirements that Individual 1 abide

by certain release conditions and make appearances in court as ordered,

and subject to potential additional incarceration for violations of the

Circuit Court's conditions and orders.

d. On or about August 17, 2018, Individual I was charged in Clark Circuit

Court with multiple criminal offenses, including a violation ofK.R.S.

514.160 (identity theft), a Class D felony offense with a maximum

penalty ofup to five years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine

(hereinafter, "Case D"). Individual 1 agreed to plead guilty in Case D,

and on or about May 8, 2019, the Clark Circuit Court entered a

judgment finding Individual 1 guilty of an attempted violation of this

statute and other offenses. Thereafter, Individual 1 remained subject to

the jurisdiction of the Clark Circuit Court, including the requirements

that Individual 1 abide by certain release conditions and make

appearances in court as ordered, and subject to potential additional

incarceration for violations of the Circuit Court's conditions and orders.

e. On or about August 15, 2019, Individual 1 was charged in Bath Circuit

Court with multiple criminal offenses, including a violation ofK.R.S.

218A.1412(1)(d) (trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree), a

Class C felony offense under the circumstances, with a maximum

penalty ofup to ten years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine