A former Harlan County sheriff has pled guilty to theft charges.
Marvin J. Lipfird admitted to stealing over $20,000 from a Harlan County Sheriff’s Office fund meant to make undercover drug purchases. He took the money from 2011 until 2013. In addition to taking money from the drug buy fund, Lipfird used a county credit card for personal purchases and doubled-dipped on expense reimbursements, according to multiple media reports.
Lipfird was sentenced to five years probation, but will serve three months in jail and five months of home incarceration. He will serve the jail time on weekends. U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove also ordered Lipfird to perform 80 hours of community service and repay the county $20,285.
Lipfird, who served two terms as Harlan County sheriff, also worked on the Loyall and Evarts police department during his over 20-year law enforcement career.
The Harlan County Sheriff’s Office was featured on a National Geographic program, “Kentucky Justice.” The program aired from late 2013 until early 2014, with Lipfird a prominent presence on the show.
He lost his bid for a third term as sheriff in 2014.
(Photo courtesy of The Manchester Enterprise)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
