SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Kentucky eye bank used by a Scott County Coroner who was indicted on forgery and theft charges issued a statement Tuesday about the case.
The Kentucky Lions Eye Bank statement reads:
"The Kentucky Lions Eye Bank is saddened and concerned by this story and that it involves the mission of donation. The Kentucky Lions Eye Bank is an EBAA accredited eye bank that holds in high regard the integrity of our mission and the stewardship of the gift. The mission of the Kentucky Lions Eye Bank is to restore sight through corneal transplant, ocular research and medical education. The Kentucky Lions Eye Bank utilized the services of Mr. John Goble on two occasions when commercial transportation was not feasible due to surgery time constraints. The surgical transplant tissue transported by Mr. Goble did reach its destination and the mission of the Kentucky Lions Eye bank was fulfilled. The Kentucky Lions Eye Bank will leave the continued investigation to the local and state authorities."
Last week, a Scott County grand jury has returned indictments on three individuals involved in forgery and theft of KSP property.
Master Trooper Mitch Harris was indicted on two counts of second-degree forgery and two counts of theft by unlawful taking over $10,000. Scott County Coroner John Goble was indicted on one count of receiving stolen property over $10,000, receiving stolen property (firearm), abuse of public trust less than $10,000, trafficking in controlled substance and two counts of official misconduct first degree. Michael Crawford, a retired KSP lieutenant colonel, was indicted for receiving stolen property over $10,000 and receiving a stolen firearm.
On Dec. 20, 2017, KSP uncovered evidence that state police ammunition was being misappropriated. KSP initially contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation to request their assistance.
The charges against Harris and Crawford mostly revolve around theft of weapons.
Goble’s indictment says that on or around Nov. 15, 2017, he committed official misconduct when he used a county-owned vehicle to transport donor eyes from My Eye Bank to West Virginia for personal profit.
Goble’s indictment also said that on or around the first week of May 2017, Goble unlawfully possessed 90 Oxycodone tablets. It also said that in 2017, he transported Moonshine in an SUV owned by the County government.
