FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 19, 2024) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today he designated Jackie Steele—Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit in London—to temporarily serve as Special Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 33rd Judicial Circuit in Hazard, following the resignation and arrest of former prosecutor Scott Blair.
Steele will be supported by two Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys, a victim advocate and an administrative assistant already serving in the office as well as the Attorney General’s Office of Special Prosecutions. Steele has agreed to serve in this capacity until the Governor makes an appointment or the voters elect a new Commonwealth’s Attorney in a November special election.
“Jackie Steele has an extraordinary reputation in this region and throughout the law enforcement community. I’m grateful he has agreed to step into this critical role,” said Attorney General Coleman. “The people of Perry County should rest assured that there will be no disruptions during this transition, and they have a full team of felony prosecutors upholding the rule of law and keeping them safe.”
Steele has served as a Commonwealth’s Attorney since 2008. He was the recipient of the Outstanding Commonwealth’s Attorney Award in 2011. He was appointed to be a member on the Prosecutors Advisory Council by the Commonwealth’s Attorneys Association.