Kentucky Sheriff and Chief Deputy Indicted on Criminal Charges

The Nelson County sheriff and a sheriff’s deputy have been indicted on several criminal charges involving abuse of public trust.

Sheriff Ramon Pineiroa and Chief Deputy Brandon Bryan are charged with abuse of public trust, theft by deception, forgery, official misconduct and two violations of Kentucky state law.

The charges likely stem from a lawsuit involving Pineiroa and Bryan in which they are accused of illegally selling seized vehicles to various unauthorized buyers. According to the lawsuit, Ian Justice, an employee at the sheriff’s office, reported the behavior and claims that he was retaliated against because of this, even being removed from certain assignments by the sheriff.

Justice alleges that his close friend and fellow employee Will Purdom supported him and was also retaliated against.

This is a developing story and will be updated.