Crimes Draw Suspension

Two incidents of criminal conduct have led to an attorney’s 181 day suspension by the Kentucky Supreme Court.

The first involved a guilty plea to criminal endangerment

The charges relate to an altercation between Benton and his then girlfriend that occurred around 2:00 a.m. on May 14, 2011, near the corner of Short and Market Streets in Lexington. After Benton reportedly quickly and aggressively accelerated his car toward the victim, he exited his vehicle brandishing a semiautomatic handgun. According to witnesses, Benton then struck the victim in the head with either the pistol or a closed fist, knocking her unconscious.

He then tested positive for marijuana use while on probation. The probation was continued rather than revoked but he got two weekends in jail.

The second incident

Benton entered a guilty plea in Fayette Circuit Court to terroristic threatening, third-degree, which is a Class A misdemeanor. The charge arose from threatening text messages and voicemails Benton sent to an 18-year-old male high school student who had been bullying Benton’s daughter. Benton was sentenced to sixty days imprisonment with credit for time served, and he has served his time.

The attorney must be assessed by the bar’s treatment program and comply with any conditions imposed as a result. (Mike Frisch)