Louisville Judge Holds Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin in Contempt

Former Gov. Matt Bevin, above, and his adopted son, Jonah, took part in Friday’s family court hearing remotely. Bevin appeared to be driving during the hearing, even after the judge suggested he pull over. (Pool photo by Michael Clevenger, Courier Journal.)

LOUISVILLE — A judge held former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin in contempt of court Friday after he failed to comply with an order to provide financial records in an ongoing legal dispute with his estranged son, Jonah.

Jefferson Family Court Judge Angela Johnson ordered Bevin to submit documents, including bank statements and tax returns, by noon Tuesday or face sentencing for contempt.

“I have no choice but to hold you in contempt of court for violating the court’s order,” Johnson said at the end of the 90-minute hearing. “You didn’t do what you were supposed to do when you were supposed to do it.”

Possible penalties include a fine or up to 180 days in jail, though Johnson said she will not impose sanctions if Bevin submits the required documents before the deadline.

Jonah Bevin’s attorneys are seeking a $21,000 fine.

Bevin attended the hearing via Zoom and appeared to be driving throughout. He did not speak after the ruling but maintained during testimony that he had attempted to comply with the court order.

“Absolutely,” Bevin said under questioning by his attorney, Jesse Mudd.

Jefferson Family Court Judge Angela Johnson. (Pool photo by Michael Clevenger, Courier Journal.)

The case marks a significant development for the one-term Republican governor. His estranged son, Jonah, 19, has intervened in the divorce case between Matt Bevin and his ex-wife, Glenna Bevin. The case remains pending as Jonah — who alleges his parents abandoned him at age 17 in an abusive youth facility in Jamaica — seeks financial support.

Jonah is one of four children from Ethiopia the Bevins adopted in 2012. The couple has nine children in total.

John Helmers Jr., one of Jonah’s attorneys, described the ruling as “strong.”

“I’m pleased with the judge’s decision,” he said.

‘Living off savings’

Much of Friday’s hearing focused on whether the financial records provided by Matt and Glenna Bevin met the court’s requirements. Judge Johnson said she will review the information when deciding whether to order support for Jonah.

Johnson had previously directed both parents to submit detailed financial records to Jonah’s legal team and the court by March 12. While neither filed the documents with the court, Glenna Bevin provided sufficient information to Jonah’s attorneys and was not included in the contempt motion against Matt Bevin, Helmers said.

Jonah, who currently lives in Utah, briefly testified via Zoom and supported the request to hold only his father in contempt.

“Matt Bevin is more responsible than Glenna Bevin,” he said.

Bevin argued he tried to comply but faced difficulties gathering all the requested documents.

He said he submitted “all the information that was available.”

He delivered his testimony from behind the wheel of a car and appeared to keep driving even after the judge advised him to pull over.

Bevin said neither he nor Glenna earns a salary. Their attorneys stated they primarily rely on dividends and interest from investments and savings, according to court records.

“We don’t have a lot of income,” Bevin said. “Frankly, we’re living off savings.”

During questioning, Bevin acknowledged assets that include $9 million in property, $3.6 million in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and $1.8 million in retirement accounts.

Helmers argued that Bevin submitted only limited financial details without supporting documentation.

“It’s basically a document that says, ‘Trust me, I’m telling you the truth,’” Helmers said.

‘We love Jonah’

Bevin said he and his ex-wife want what is best for Jonah, who last year secured protective orders against them, saying he felt threatened.

“There’s not a single child that we have spent more financial resources on and, arguably, as much time on, as Jonah,” Bevin said. “We love Jonah. Jonah’s our child as true as any other child.”

In a March 19 affidavit, Jonah said he is living in Utah with a family that has supported him over the past year while he works “when and where I can.”

“Matt and Glenna Bevin have not been contributing to my financial needs over the past year,” he said.

Court records state that Jonah’s attorneys allege his parents abandoned him in Jamaica after authorities shut down the youth facility where he had been placed due to abusive conditions. They claim he had to find his way back to the United States with help from child advocates.

Bevin also said he is trying to keep personal information, including his address, out of court records for safety reasons. He and Glenna Bevin have owned homes in Anchorage, an affluent area east of Louisville.

“The safety of our family is important,” he said, adding that they have received “death threats” and “horrific messages.”

‘You are under oath’

Bevin at one point disputed the judge’s handling of the case, arguing that she had suggested sealing the proceedings to protect the family’s privacy. The case was initially sealed but later opened at the request of The Courier Journal, which argued it should be public.

“It was requested at your suggestion,” Bevin told Johnson.

The judge rejected that claim.

“No sir,” she said. “Do not say things that are untrue. You are under oath. Let’s keep the record straight.”

A trial is scheduled for Friday, March 27, to determine whether Jonah Bevin is entitled to financial support and assistance with completing his education.

Meanwhile, Johnson said Bevin can avoid contempt penalties by complying with the court’s order by March 24.

“Mr. Bevin, you hold the keys to your contempt.”