LA GRANGE — Russell Coleman was sworn in as the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s 52nd Attorney General in a private ceremony just after midnight Jan. 1. He took the Oath in Commonwealth’s Attorney Courtney Baxter’s office in Oldham County, where he previously served as a prosecutor.

Coleman, who was joined by his wife Ashely and their children, was administered the Oath by District Court Judge Daniel Fendley of the 12th Judicial District, Division 1. Fendley and Coleman were classmates at the University of Kentucky College of Law.

“Early this morning, I formalized a promise to the people of Kentucky to help protect their families and uphold the rule of law,” said Attorney General Russell Coleman. “I am filled with gratitude for the people of this Commonwealth who placed their trust in me and the fine team that we’ve assembled to take on this mission.

“It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the darkness of violence and addiction affecting so many of our neighbors. But my optimism in Kentucky’s future has never been more robust because of those who carry the weight of the badge in a perilous world,” Coleman continued. “This country and Commonwealth continue to produce amazing public servants. As Attorney General, the Oath is a commitment to support these stalwart lawmen and women to help protect every Kentuckian from Pike to Portland to the Purchase.”