Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin’s arrest: Here’s what we know

Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, who was arrested in Central Kentucky Thursday, will spend 60 days in jail for contempt of court, a Louisville judge ordered Sept. 4.

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Bevin, who had been wanted for months for contempt of court in an ongoing divorce and child support case, was arrested by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Asbury said Bevin was at the scene of a movie production in Bourbon County when someone called dispatch and reported his presence.

Bevin was booked into the Jefferson County jail Thursday, where he remained lodged Friday morning. He is charged with contempt of court after failing to submit required financial documents in the case.

On Friday afternoon, Judge Angela Johnson ruled that Bevin will serve the 60 days in jail, as originally outlined in his arrest warrant, though said she may revisit the case in 30 days and the sentence is appealable.

Bevin arraigned Friday in Louisville

While Johnson said Bevin can appeal his jail sentence, she added that she cannot allow the former governor to “taint the integrity” of the court and she would not consider a reduction of his sentence at this time.

Bevin appeared in court in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs, and laughed with his lawyers before the arraignment began.

“He has over and over again demonstrated a complete disregard and utter disrespect for this court,” Johnson said. “You are not entitled to a reduction. You’ve not earned it. You didn’t even try to turn in the remaining documents before the hearing date, you didn’t turn yourself in.

“You have done nothing to show the court that you are willing to act in good faith, and I cannot reward that with a reduced sentence.”

During the roughly 20-minute hearing, Bevin sat quietly while his ex-wife, Glenna, sat emotional behind him in the gallery. Their son, Jonah, joined remotely.

Sheriff gives more details about Bevin’s arrest

Paris-Bourbon County dispatch received a call around 5:30 p.m. from someone reporting Bevin’s location at the movie scene. Asbury said Bevin was participating in the production.

The sheriff’s office confirmed Bevin’s active arrest warrant and contacted him at the scene. Asbury said he was taken into custody shortly afterward and lodged in the Bourbon-Nicholas County Jail before being transferred to Louisville.

Bevin was “very cooperative” during the arrest, Asbury said.

Why was Matt Bevin arrested?

Louisville Judge Angela Johnson issued a warrant for Bevin’s arrest June 5 after Bevin repeatedly failed to disclose financial records in a court case tied to his divorce and child support for Jonah Bevin, one of his adopted children. He was also ordered to attend court hearings in person, which he did not do on multiple occasions.

When Bevin attempted to join the latest hearing in July via Zoom, Johnson declined to allow him to participate virtually.

“Mr. Bevin made that decision not to be here, but you know, he’s going to pay for it in that he doesn’t get to go under oath and present his side of the story,” Johnson said.

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He was previously held in contempt of court in March for repeatedly failing to turn over financial records in the case after missing the deadline to produce records showing his income, including bank statements and tax returns. In March, he told Johnson he was attempting to gather the financial records, but needed additional time because he did not have traditional documentation of income.

Then, in May, the former governor was given 14 days in jail or the fine, after again failing to comply with court orders. Bevin paid the $250 fine, according to court documents, and was told to produce the requested documents by June 5, which he did not do.

The June order from Johnson said Bevin would have to serve 60 days in the Louisville jail and pay a $500 fine.

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Jonah Bevin’s lawyer issues statement following Matt Bevin’s arrest

John Helmers, Jr., and Melina Hettiaratchi, lawyers representing Jonah Bevin in the civil case, issued a statement Friday saying it was disappointing to see the former governor disobey Johnson’s orders instead of “fulfilling his obligations to support his son.”

“Jonah did not seek this public conflict. He sought basic support he needed to rebuild his life,” Helmers Jr. and Hettiaratchi said in a joint statement. “We hope this enforcement action finally marks the end of deliberate evasion and the beginning of accountability.”

Jesse Mudd, Matt Bevin’s lawyer, has not responded to a request for comment.

Bevin’s time as Kentucky governor

Bevin, a Republican, was Kentucky governor from 2015 to 2019. He defeated Democrat Jack Conway in the general election, but was defeated by Gov. Andy Beshear in the 2019 race after serving just one term.

Bevin has not run for political office since. He did attempt to mount a U.S. Senate primary campaign against Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell in 2014.

Kentucky Democrats quickly tie Alvarado to Bevin’s arrest

The Kentucky Democratic Party released a statement shortly after the arrest Thursday in which the state party chair criticized Ralph Alvarado, Bevin’s running mate in the 2019 election and the Republican nominee for U.S. House District 6.

“We are glad Jonah Bevin is one step closer to getting justice after Matt Bevin abandoned him at an abusive facility in Jamaica,” KDP Chair Colmon Eldridge said. “While Matt spent months on the run, his old running mate Ralph Alvarado dodged questions about why he thinks Kentuckians should overlook his terrible judgment.

“No one who thought it was a good idea to run alongside Matt Bevin should represent the families of Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District.”

Alvarado is running against Democrat Zach Dembo in November for the seat, which is being vacated by Rep. Andy Barr. Barr is the GOP nominee for McConnell’s Senate seat this year.

This story was originally published September 4, 2026 at 7:58 AM with the headline “Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin’s arrest: Here’s what we know.”

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