CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

LONDON, Ky. — Commonwealth’s Attorney for Perry County, 51-year-old Scott Blair of Hazard, went to jail Friday after the unveiling of a federal criminal complaint accusing him of honest services wire fraud.

The criminal complaint alleges that from April 2020 to March 2024, Blair used his position to assist various individuals facing criminal charges in Perry County. The complaint details numerous instances where Blair solicited bribes – including sexual favors and methamphetamine – in return for favors dispensed through his official capacity.

A team of high-profile officials jointly made the announcement, including Carlton S. Shier IV, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI’s Louisville Field Office; Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General; and Col. Phillip J. Burnett Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police.

Attorney General Coleman released a statement Friday calling for Blair’s resignation, citing a fundamental breach of public trust.

“Given the serious accusations of abusing his office to assist criminals in exchange for drugs and sexual favors, the public good demands that Scott Blair immediately resign,” Coleman stated.

U.S. Marshals transported Blair to the Laurel County Detention Center. He will make his initial court appearance Monday at 2:45 p.m.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are accusations only. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.