UPDATE: Sept. 18 at 2 p.m.
London City Councilmember Justin Young released a response after he was heard during a court hearing using a racial slur, stating "I take responsibility for my words."
Young released the following statement:
At that time, I was dealing with overwhelming emotions of anger and betrayal after learning that the woman I was in a relationship with had been unfaithful. In that moment, I said something I should have never have said. There is no excuse. My words were wrong, and I deeply regret them.
Young went on to say, "I am not a racist. But I also recognize that what I said was harmful and unacceptable. I believe in owning my mistakes, learning from them, and doing better moving forward. While I cannot take back what I said, I can promise to grow from this experience and ensure it never happens again."
UPDATE: Sept. 18 at 11 a.m.
On Thursday, London Mayor Tracie Handley released a statement regarding the allegations that Councilmember Justin Young said a racial slur in court amid a domestic violence case.
Handley stated the following:
"I am deeply troubled by the allegations regarding councilmember Young's involvement in domestic violence and his admission to using racial language during court testimony. These matters do not reflect the values our city strives to uphold. As these matters are still being adjudicated in the court system, I will refrain from commenting on them, specifically, at this time. However, I want to be clear about my position: I have zero tolerance for domestic violence, and I am committed to fostering a community where every residence is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race or background, and where every resident feels safe and valued."
UPDATE: Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.
London City Councilmember Justin Young was arrested Monday and charged with fourth-degree assault and second-degree criminal mischief (dating violence) involving alleged domestic violence with an ex-girlfriend.
The arrest followed a heated Laurel County District Court hearing when an expletive-filled recording of the incident was played before the judge.
In the complaint, Young's ex-girlfriend Crystal Hoskins told deputies she and Young got into a physical fight in May after Young accused her of cheating. The complaint also mentions a July incident.
During the hearing, Hoskins' attorney questioned Young about what he said about another man he accused of having an affair with his ex.
"How did you reference him that night?" the attorney asked.
"I don't remember," Young said.
"You don't remember?" the attorney pressed.
"I don't remember exactly," Young said.
"Did you use a racial slur?" the attorney asked.
"I probably did," Young said.
"What slur would that be?" the attorney asked.
"I referred to her as a quote 'n***** loving w****,' that's all I remember," Young said.
LEXS 18 tried unsuccessfully to reach Young for comment. New London Mayor Tracie Handley was not available.
Young bonded out soon after his arrest. He's due back in court Wednesday for his arraignment.
Original Story:
LEX 18 obtained a complaint warrant that confirmed London city councilmember Justin Young was arrested on domestic violence and criminal mischief charges following incidents involving a woman that occurred over several months.
The warrant issued by Laurel County District Court reported that 49-year-old Young was taken into custody on Sept. 15 on charges of fourth-degree assault involving dating violence and second-degree criminal mischief.
The charges stem from two separate incidents reported by a woman who filed a criminal complaint. According to the complaint, the first incident occurred on May 24 at around 10 p.m. at the woman's home in Corbin.
The woman, according to the complaint, told deputies that she and Young got into an argument in her garage after Young accused her of cheating.
"Young grabbed her with both hands and shoved her into a wooden beam inside the garage, throwing her around, and pushing her to the ground," the complaint read.
The woman allegedly showed deputies photographs of bruises around her shoulder area from the incident.
A second incident allegedly occurred July 20 at the woman's home, according to the complaint. During another argument, Young allegedly grabbed the woman's phone and smashed it, causing severe damage to her iPhone.
Young was released on a $2,500 cash bond with conditions including no contact with the alleged victim and no further violations of law. He is scheduled to appear in Laurel County District Court on Sept. 17.
On Tuesday, LEX 18 learned that Young filed a complaint against the alleged victim in his domestic violence case, 41-year-old Crystal Hoskins.
A warrant detailed that Hoskins was arrested on Sept. 15 on charges of third-degree terroristic threatening and fourth-degree domestic assault.
Young reported the alleged assault to the Laurel County Sheriff's Office on Sept. 8. According to the arrest warrant, the incidents occurred between May 26 and August 2.
Young told investigators that on Aug. 2, he and Hoskins were in her garage when she began drinking and an argument ensued, the warrant read. During the altercation, Hoskins allegedly hit Young in the face and arm area, broke his glasses and damaged his phone.
Young also reported that Hoskins threatened to kill him "several times during the argument," according to court documents.
