Forester will remain on bid-rig trial

FRANKFORT — A federal judge on a high-profile bribery case involving prominent road contractor Leonard Lawson will remain on the case even though his son-in-law is a lobbyist for the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors.

U.S. District Judge Karl Forester asked prosecutors and defense lawyers for Lawson, former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert and Lawson employee Brian Billings to file objections by Tuesday if they had problems with him remaining on the case. No objections were filed.

Forester’s son-in-law, Sean Cutter, is a lobbyist for the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors. Lawson and his son have been active in the organization in the past.

Cutter is one of several legislative lobbyists for the trade group that represents road builders. Forester said he was not aware that his son-in-law worked for the organization until he was contacted about the potential conflict of interest by the Herald-Leader last week.

Three other federal judges have previously stepped down from the case.

Lawson is accused of paying for internal cabinet estimates on road projects that Lawson’s companies were supposed to bid on. Nighbert was allegedly paid by Lawson for those estimates through a consulting contract. Billings is accused of helping cover-up the alleged conspiracy to bribe state employees for information. The acts allegedly occurred during former Gov. Ernie Fletcher’s administration.

All three have pleaded not guilty.

Also on Wednesday, Forester ruled that prosecutors would have to turn over notes and other documents relating to one interview with a key witness in the case — James Rummage.

Rummage, a former transportation engineer, alleges that he received $20,000 in cash from Lawson in exchange for internal cabinet estimates. Rummage originally lied to investigators about the scheme but later worked with prosecutors, taping dozens of conversations between himself Lawson and Billings.

– Beth Musgrave

Filed Under: KY Courts