Former Kentucky Governor Sentenced to 60 Days in Child Support Dispute
Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin has been ordered to serve 60 days in Jefferson County jail for contempt of court for failing to comply with financial disclosures and hearings regarding his adopted son, Jonah Bevin, child support payments.
Bevin was arrested on an outstanding contempt warrant and appeared before Jefferson County Family Court Judge Angela Johnson on Friday, Sept. 4. The warrant was issued in June when Bevin did not submit financial paperwork or appear at hearings related to the case.
Judge Johnson said Bevin had ignored court orders on numerous occasions and refused to consider a lesser sentence or alternative punishment. If she improved in 30 days, the court could rethink the sentence, she said.
The family court case has been ongoing for approximately 15 months and includes Jonah, who is requesting financial aid and help with his education, including a legitimate high school diploma.
Jonah has also claimed that he was neglected, that he was not given an education and sent to a child residential facility in Jamaica at the age of 17. In 2024, the child welfare authorities in Jamaica effectively closed the facility due to indications of abuse and neglect.
Bevin is the father of Jonah and his former wife Glenna Bevin adopted him.
At Friday’s hearing, Jonah’s attorney stated that it was crucial to enforce family court orders to make sure that court orders are followed.
Bevin’s lawyers argued against jail time and offered alternatives, such as home detention.
Bevin was the governor of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019.
