After three days of trial, Anthony Beard Jr., was convicted of burglary first degree, assault second degree, and wanton endangerment second degree last night. Beard forced his way into a relative’s home and shot someone inside. The victim was struck in the torso, arm, and leg. Beard was immediately identified by relatives, and was arrested by Lexington Police within several hours. Sentencing is scheduled for November 9th at 1:00 p.m.. Prosecutors were Brad Bryant and Taylor Brown, the primary investigating detective was Franz Wolff, Judge James Ishmael presided over the trial.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Kathy Phillips and former Crime Victim’s Advocate Robin Anderson believe every child should have a great costume for Halloween festivities. To make sure that happened they formed Caring Costumes in 2016, and dressed many Fayette County children for Halloween. It’s that time of year, and Caring Costumes is collecting gently used costumes once again.

Kathy and Robin will make sure the costumes are cleaned and donated to an organization who has identified children in need. If you have a new or gently used Halloween costume to donate please connect with https://www.facebook.com/CaringCostumes/

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Dan Laren participated in the first annual “Downtown Dash” in Versailles on Saturday, September 23rd. Dan says, “It was fun!” The event was hosted by the American Legion Post 67. It included a 5K race, a “Fear the Beer” one mile run, music, crafts, food and fun in historic downtown Versailles to raise funds in support of veterans, active duty military, and the community. Dan served as a Military Police Officer (MP) in the United States Army in the 1980s. He was stationed in Germany.

Photo: (left to right) Frankfort police officer David Duncan, Dan, and retired Lexington Detective Keith Ford on the “Hill of Pain”.

This weekend our Victim’s Advocate Megan Vanover and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Dan Laren participated in the Bluegrass Crime Stoppers Shootout. The Shootout is a fundraising event, with proceeds benefitting Bluegrass Crime Stoppers and the Crime Stoppers in Schools program, including the payment/rewards program that leads to the arrest of those who commit crimes in our community. See the link below for the telephone number and Web Tips to encourage citizens to volunteer vital information helpful to law enforcement agencies to fight against crime. Thanks to Megan and Dan!

http://www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com/index.aspx

Our office turned out last night to support the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass, Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass, and to honor our retired Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Larson. And most importantly – to help raise money for children. It was a great success!