KY's smallest county experiencing "trauma" after sheriff turmoil

Governor Andy Beshear asked Sheriff Terry Gray to step down from his position as top law enforcement officer for Robertson County after his third DUI arrest in less than two years.

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The sheriff leading Kentucky's smallest county has resigned after a third DUI arrest in less than two years. Now the Robertson County Judge Executive has appointed a new leader to take over during what she is calling a "critical time."

"Currently, our county is experiencing what I can only describe as trauma," Judge Executive Valerie Grigson Miley wrote on social media.

What happened with the sheriff?

According to the arrest citation, Sheriff Terry Gray was spotted driving 110 miles per hour, with a flashing blue light on top of his pickup truck in nearby Mason County on October 7th. A Mason County Deputy thought the sheriff was either in pursuit of a vehicle or being pursued, but he couldn't tell which one for sure.

The officer noted Sheriff Gray was speeding, crossing the center line and even at one point almost overturned into an embankment.

Mason County officials said they initiated a "high risk" traffic stop due to the recklessness and found Gray inside the truck wearing a sheriff's uniform with a gun and handcuffs on his waist.

Gray told officers he was looking for a vehicle he had lost and he "was not drunk." The officers noted a bottle of Fireball in his pocket.

He was charged with DUI, reckless driving, wanton endangerment, and official misconduct. He is set to be arraigned on October 24 in Mason County.

Governor Andy Beshear asks him to resign

Governor Andy Beshear asked Gray to step down as sheriff within five days or said he would remove him from the position. In a letter to the sheriff, Beshear stated that the grounds for removal included habitual drunkenness in office, gross immorality, and neglect of duty.

He also mentioned the sheriff's criminal history, to include a DUI charge in December of 2023 and another one nine months later in October of 2024.

Gray did turn in a letter of resignation to the Robertson County Judge Executive.

A new sheriff is appointed

Robertson County Judge Executive Valerie Grigson Miley appointed Former Sheriff Randy Insko to serve the remainder of Gray's term.

In a lengthy social media post, Miley explained her decision. She said more than thirty people reached out to her office to express interest in the position, both in finishing Gray's term and running for sheriff next year. But to keep an "even playing field" for next year's election, Miley wanted to put someone in the position who is not interested in running for sheriff in next year's election.

She also said Inkso, who served in the position for 21 years before retirement, can step into the sheriff role at a critical time- property tax season. She said there is no time for a learning curve, and there was reason to appoint someone with experience right away.

"We have everything firmly under control, and can successfully continue the important work of the Sheriff’s Office," Miley wrote on social media.