LOUISA, Ky. — A former public official and his wife pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal fraud charges.
Former Lawrence County Attorney Michael Hogan, 41, and his wife and legal secretary, Joy Hogan, both pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
With their pleas, they admitted to paying Joy Hogan “bonuses” from delinquent tax funds that were intended to pay for operations of the county attorney’s office. Those checks were then deposited into their joint accounts and used for personal expenses.
Over a seven-year period, Joy Hogan was paid more than $365,000 in bonuses.
Michael Hogan also pleaded guilty to federal program theft for billing the child support program for more hours than he actually worked.
“Whenever public officials turn to self-interests and use taxpayer money for their personal benefit, it causes real damage,” U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV said. “Mr. Hogan was an elected County Attorney – responsible for upholding the law – yet, he has now admitted to betraying that public trust and to taking a significant amount of public money for the benefit of he and his wife. Not only was this conduct a theft of public funds, but it also dangerously erodes the public’s faith in government officials and law enforcement. We appreciate the efforts of our dedicated law enforcement partners, without whom this prosecution would not have been possible.”
“The Hogans’ blatant disregard for properly handling tax payers’ hard-earned money eroded the public’s trust in government,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI’s Louisville Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to regain that trust by identifying and investigating those in power who choose to put their own financial gain above those they serve.”
As part of his plea agreement, Michael Hogan agreed to resign as county attorney.
The couple will be sentenced in July.
