Ky. Transportation Secretary to Face Trial

[Judi Lynn]

Ky. Transportation Secretary to Face Trial

Ky. Transportation Secretary to Stand Trial on Alleged Violation of Whistleblower Act
FRANKFORT, Ky. Feb 28, 2006 (AP)— State Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert will stand trial for allegedly threatening a whistleblower in a state hiring scandal, a judge ruled Monday.

While Gov. Ernie Fletcher issued a blanket pardon in the case, amnesty does not extend to Nighbert for allegedly retaliating against a whistleblower, the judge said.
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A Franklin County special grand jury has been investigating Fletcher's administration on allegations it based rank-and-file personnel decisions on politics instead of qualifications. So far, the special grand jury has indicted 13 current and former officials and associates on misdemeanor charges stemming from the probe.

In August, Fletcher pardoned everyone who could be charged in the investigation except himself.
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http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1669227



Gov. Ernie Fletcher, Transportation Sec. Nighbert