Investigation of Former Kentucky State Inspector and Former State Representative for Bribery Allegations

We conducted a joint investigation with the FBI of bribery allegations against Kelly Shortridge, former Environmental Inspector for the Kentucky Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement, and Keith Hall, former Kentucky State Representative. 

 

We found that Shortridge, who was responsible for inspecting several coal mines owned, operated, or associated with Hall, was paid directly by Hall, or through associates, approximately $46,000 in order to give favorable treatment on mining violations. Shortridge admitted to overlooking mining violations during his inspections. 

 

Our investigation also found that Shortridge solicited and accepted approximately $15,000 in check payments from various coal companies and businesses and used the money for personal use.

 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of Kentucky prosecuted this case and Shortridge pled guilty to bribery and was sentenced to 2 years in prison, 3 additional years of supervised release, and fined $2,000. The DOI Suspension and Debarment Official (SDO) debarred Shortridge until 2019.

 

A jury convicted Hall of bribery and he was sentenced to 7 years in prison, 2 additional years of supervised release, and fined $25,000. The SDO also debarred Hall until 2019.

 

We issued our report to OSMRE for information.