Charges dropped against Nelson County Sheriff; deputy enters partial guilty plea
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Criminal charges pending against Nelson County Sheriff Ramon Pineoira have been dropped, according to his attorney, Michael Niemietz.
According to court documents, Co-defendant Chief Deputy Brandon Bryan has entered a guilty plea admitting to falsely completing over 60 vehicle inspection forms and improperly sold three sheriff’s vehicles to various buyers.
“From the get-go, we have maintained that the charges were motivated by internal office politics,” Niemietz said in a statement. “Today, after all the evidence was properly evaluated, the charges against the Sheriff were dismissed and Chief Deputy Bryan agreed to pay some fines on two minor misdemeanors. All other chargers were dropped. The misdemeanors do not relate to theft. Chief Deputy Bryan never stole anything. The plea agreement reflects that he made mistakes on some administrative tasks and made som paperwork errors. He chose to accept responsibility for the errors and to pay fines rather than put his family and the community through what would have been a very expensive and emotionally taxing trial.”
Both Sheriff Pineiroa and Chief Deputy Brandon Bryan were indicted on several criminal charges involving abuse of public trust. The two were accused of illegally selling seized vehicles to various unauthorized buyers.
Pineiroa was cleared of any wrongdoing in the case at a hearing Friday.
“I’ve said from the beginning that Sheriff Pineiroa did nothing wrong and we would prove that at trial,” Pineiroa’s attorney Steve Romines told WAVE. “I am thankful that after we provided additional evidence, reciprocal discovery and expert disclosures, that the CW recognized that and has dismissed the case. While that doesn’t happen often, it is commendable when it does.”
Pineiroa and Bryan’s trial was scheduled to start this October.
Bryan pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors, including Forgery 3rd degree.
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