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September 29, 2004
PRESS RELEASE
Re: Commonwealth
of Kentucky v. Lindell Choat
Our law firm represents Lindell Choat and his wife, Mary Jayne.
As you know, he is Lyon County Attorney and his wife is a
nurse. What I am allowed to say is greatly limited by Rules of
Professional Conduct and regards only Mr. Choat’s status as Lyon
County Attorney, which is a constitutional office in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky. Legal Ethics forbid my speaking about
the merits of this case. I cannot even state my personal
opinion about their guilt or innocence. But I can tell you that
Mr. Choat and his wife intend to enter pleas of not guilty to
all charges against them.
Because Mr. Choat is an elected official who holds an
office established by the Constitution of Kentucky, the law
provides that during the pendency of charges and before any
determination of guilt or innocence, based entirely on the
existence and NOT the proof of charges, another person is to
perform his duties. He remains Lyon County Attorney. Grounds
for his removal are limited to felony conviction. Mr. Choat and
his wife will enter a plea of not guilty to these charges. Mr.
Choat will remain Lyon County Attorney and will not resign. I
remind you that Mr. and Mrs. Choat are presumed under the law to
be innocent of any crime. That means you should give them the
benefit of the doubt until you hear all of the facts of this
case. I wish now I could tell you.
I will listen to your questions, but I doubt if I will
be able to answer any of them.
Mark P. Bryant
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