PIKEVILLE, Ky. (EKB) — Former Prestonsburg Mayor Jerry Fannin entered an Alford plea after years of litigation.
EKB News reports that Fannin entered the plea, which is not an admission of guilt, only an acknowledgment that there was enough evidence to convict him. Fannin was charged with one count of theft for diverting city money and services to the now-defunct East Kentucky Drillers football franchise in 2013, while he was mayor. He was also part owner of the franchise and a player on the team.
Fannin said he could not remember committing the crime, due to the lingering effects of two strokes he suffered in 2016.
There is no agreement on a sentence, but prosecutors have agreed not to oppose a sentence of probation if Fannin falls to the lowest level of the sentencing guidelines, as expected.
Sentencing is set for August 16.
