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Associated PressFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- A commission investigating a state hiring scandal approved ethics charges Friday against four former high-ranking officials in Gov. Ernie Fletcher's administration.
The Republican administration was under investigation for more than a year over allegations that the governor's political supporters were being given protected state jobs based on their connections instead of qualifications. The governor himself was indicted on three misdemeanor charges that were dropped in a negotiated deal with prosecutors.
In 2005, Fletcher issued a blanket pardon for anyone else in his administration who might be criminally charged. However, the Kentucky Executive Branch Ethics Commission that approved the charges Friday said it does not believe that pardon will have an effect.
The panel, most of which was appointed by Fletcher, approved ethics charges against Darrell Brock, James L. Adams, Basil Turbyfill and Robert Wilson Jr. Wilson and Turbyfill had been fired. All four face potential fines and public reprimand. None still works for the state.
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