The Murray Sentinel reported Calloway District Judge Randall Hutchens set Carter's bond at $100,000. Carter is charged with multiple theft related offenses that allegedly occured during his tenure.
Hours after the bond was announced, Carter's attorney filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, challenging the bond and his continued detention.
In making the filing, Murray attorney Mitch Ryan said the bond violated Kentucky law and constitutional protections – both state and federal – against excessive bail.
The petition also argued that Carter has no prior criminal history, voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement and was assessed by Pretrial Services as posing no failure-to-appear risk. The filing also contends that bond may not be used to secure restitution or serve as punishment.
According to a news release, Murray Police began an investigation last month after being contacted over financial discrepancies found during a transition in leadership.
The 40-year-old Carter is charged with theft by unlawful taking and 19 counts of theft by deception. He resigned as HOPE Calloway executive director in December.
photo credit: Murray Police Department
