May 29th, 2024

Note: This story is not directly related to evidence rooms.  However, many of us wear many hats in the agency and this is something to be aware of.

A Kentucky State Police trooper who was assigned to an executive security detail for Gov. Andy Beshear is accused of taking department-owned ammunition, according to Franklin County Commonwealth’s Attorney Larry Cleveland. Trooper Daniel Forbis, 42, was indicted in Franklin County Circuit Court for theft and unlawful taking of property more than $10,000 and abuse of public trust on May 21, after he allegedly took control over “movable property” belonging to the state, according to court documents.

Cleveland confirmed to the Herald-Leader Tuesday afternoon that Forbis was allegedly stealing ammunition owned by the state police near the governor’s mansion over a period of months. “On the grounds of the mansion is a storage facility containing ammunition, and (Forbis) was allegedly removing ammunition and taking it for personal use and converting to his own use,” Cleveland said.
Court documents allege while Forbis was acting in a government capacity, he took the public property and “intentionally dealt with such public property as his own,” but failed to disclose this to his employer. Both charges are Class C felonies. State officials called the alleged actions “concerning,” and said they could have jeopardized the safety of Kentucky’s first family.

“The Governor believes everyone is accountable for their actions and trusts the judicial system in dealing with this matter,” said James Hatchett, a spokesperson for Beshear’s office. Forbis has now been suspended without pay pending the conclusion of the internal affairs investigation, according to Sherry Bray, a spokesperson with KSP. If warranted, additional corrective action will be issued, she said. Forbis had a criminal summons issued on May 22, and his first court appearance is scheduled for July 12. A criminal summons is a court order to appear.

He will not be arrested before his appearance, but a warrant could be issued for his arrest if Forbis did not appear for his court date, according to Cleveland. He does not yet have legal representation, according to court records.