Kentucky State Police are investigating violent threats made to Kentucky Parole Board members, the apparent result of a doxing incident fueled by misinformation in a news story regarding the release of a prisoner.
The KSP says they are investigating every threat made to Kentucky Parole Board members following inaccurate information being shared on the release of Ronald Exantus. The Kentucky Parole Board did not release Exantus – instead, unanimously voted for him to remain in prison – yet members have received repeated threats from the public.
While the Parole Board wanted Exantus to remain in prison, Kentucky law required the Department of Corrections release him on Mandatory Reentry Supervision (KRS 439.3406). At a time when political violence is on the rise, it’s more important than ever that information shared is accurate and threats like these are taken seriously.
“Despite repeatedly voting for Ronald Exantus to remain in prison, Parole Board members have faced significant threats over the last several days, even having their personal addresses released publicly,” said Ladeidra N. Jones, chair of the Kentucky Parole Board. “We are encouraging individuals to take these threats seriously and to prioritize factual information, which is that the board did not release Exantus – instead, a law passed by the General Assembly did.”
Kentucky law required Exantus appear before the parole board last month. After reviewing his file on Sept. 30, the Board made a unanimous decision that Exantus remain in prison to serve out his sentence. Despite the Parole Board action, Kentucky law required the Department of Corrections to release the inmate on Mandatory Reentry Supervision (KRS 439.3406).
The parole board did not make this decision, as it does not have the authority to release anyone on Mandatory Reentry Supervision. This process is governed strictly by state law.
Exantus was charged in the 2015 death of 6-year-old Logan Tipton and stabbeing his father and two sisters at their Woodford County home. In 2018, a jury convicted him of assault but found him not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Members of the Parole Board and their staff are reportedly working from home, at least until Wednesday.
The Parole Board and the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet urge individuals to stop the threats against Board members, share the facts and understand that sharing misleading and incorrect information is dangerous.
