AG Daniel Cameron files motion to keep Breonna Taylor grand jury proceedings a secret

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — On Wednesday, Attorney General Daniel Cameron filed a motion in Jefferson Circuit Court that would keep the proceedings and testimony from the Breonna Taylor case, that were held in front of a grand jury, a secret. The motion was filed in the case of Anonymous Grand Juror #1 v. Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The motion argues that the proceedings and testimony before a grand jury are required by law to remain secret. The motion also points out that the anonymous grand juror does not seek to limit the scope of his or her disclosures.

“As I’ve stated prior, I have no concerns with a grand juror sharing their thoughts or opinions about me and my office’s involvement in the matter involving the death of Ms. Breonna Taylor,” AG Cameron said in a press release. “However, I have concerns with a grand juror seeking to make anonymous and unlimited disclosures about the grand jury proceedings. The grand jury process is secretive for a reason, to protect the safety and anonymity of all the grand jurors, witnesses, and innocent persons involved in the proceedings. Allowing this disclosure would irreversibly alter Kentucky’s legal system by making it difficult for prosecutors and the public to have confidence in the secrecy of the grand jury process going forward.”

In addition to Attorney General Cameron’s motion, the Kentucky Commonwealth’s Attorneys' Association released a statement today about the question of grand jury secrecy and the ability of a former grand juror to discuss proceedings before and by the grand jury.

In thestatement, the association noted that “individual dissatisfaction with a grand jury proceeding, or with another grand juror, or with the prosecutor’s comments or legal interpretation are not compelling reasons to set aside the rules of grand jury secrecy.”

To view a copy of Attorney General Cameron’s motion, click here.