LOUISVILLE Ky. (Aug. 22, 2024) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced the recipients of the 2024 Outstanding County Attorney and Outstanding Commonwealth’s Attorney awards at the Kentucky Prosecutors Conference yestreday in Louisville. The Attorney General highlighted the crucial role these elected officials play in upholding justice and the rule of law around the Commonwealth.
The Kentucky Prosecutors Conference is a gathering of all 120 County Attorneys and 57 Commonwealth’s Attorneys, offering an opportunity for prosecutors to exchange ideas and experiences on effective practices within their offices. Additionally, the conference provides valuable training and information essential for enhancing their professional duties and includes an awards ceremony to recognize their achievements.
Commonwealth’s Attorneys are elected prosecutors of felony crimes in Kentucky. County Attorneys are elected with jurisdiction to prosecute misdemeanors, handle juvenile issues and to serve as counsel to their county’s fiscal court.
The four award recipients are:
STACY TAPKE – KENTON COUNTY ATORNEY
“Throughout her impressive career, Stacy has been a leader in Northern Kentucky and across the Commonwealth. Stacy is tireless in supporting families, and I’m proud to recognize her outstanding leadership,” said Attorney General Coleman.
“I’m grateful to Attorney General Coleman for this humbling recognition and to the dedicated professionals in the Kenton County Attorney’s Office who make it possible for us to have an outsized impact across Kentucky,” said Kenton County Attorney Tapke.
JENNY OLDHAM – HARDIN COUNTY ATTORNEY
“Jenny’s devotion to her team in Hardin County and to her colleagues across Kentucky have made her an invaluable asset to the prosecutorial community. I’m grateful for her continued service and leadership,” said Attorney General Coleman.
“This award is shared with everyone on my team who works tirelessly for Hardin County families. It’s a privilege to serve in this role, and I’m grateful to Attorney General Coleman for his collaboration in our work,” said Hardin County Attorney Oldham.
JACKIE STEELE – COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY 27TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
“Jackie has been a force for good in London for over 20 years, and he is well-deserving of this recognition. He has handled hundreds of felony cases, including some of the most difficult you can think of. Earlier this year, when I asked, Jackie accepted responsibility for an entirely separate circuit to ensure the families of Perry County weren’t without a felony prosecutor,” said Attorney General Coleman.
“Serving as Commonwealth’s Attorney has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I love this work, and I’m so proud of our contributions to our community. I’m thankful for this recognition from Attorney General Coleman and for my incredible staff,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Steele.
LOUIS KELLY – COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY 54TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
“Louis is dedicated to the rule of law. He has restored public confidence in his office, one of the most populous judicial circuits in the Commonwealth,” said Attorney General Coleman. “Louis is a whip-smart and thoughtful public servant who I’m proud to recognize with this award.”
“In these roles, we are incredibly blessed to serve our communities and protect Kentucky families. I’m grateful to Attorney General Coleman for his authentic friendship and his steadfast leadership for our Commonwealth,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Kelly.