GEORGETOWN, Ky. (LEX 18) — Scott County Coroner John Goble has submitted a letter of retirement Wednesday after pleading guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit theft of weapons and ammunition belonging to Kentucky State Police.
According to Goble's plea agreement, from 2014 to 2018, Goble agreed with Mike Crawford to store ammunition belonging to the Kentucky State Police, in the basement of his office. The Eastern District of Kentucky says the ammunition was misappropriated by the KSP armorer, Mitch Harris, and then given to Crawford and Goble. Officials say the total value of the misappropriated ammunition had a value of approximately $40,000.
Before pleading guilty, the Judge had Goble answer a series of questions to evaluate his competency to enter the plea.
— Christiana Ford (@christianaford_) May 11, 2022
Goble was indicted in April 2022.
"I conspired to possess ammo owned by Kentucky State Police over a period of four years with two other subjects," said Goble to the judge on Wednesday. "I started it in the basement of my office, and I knew it was wrong... I knew them very well and I did not hesitate to get the access to the ammunition."
Goble will be sentenced on August 12 in Frankfort federal court. He faces up to five years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. He would also be responsible for restitution.
Scott County Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington says deputy coroners will fill in for now. Two candidates are running to be the next Scott County coroner, and there will be a primary election on May 17. The judge-executive by statute designates someone to fill in. Whoever wins that primary, he will appoint them to serve as the interim coroner.
