A former state representative and official in previous Gov. Matt Bevin’s cabinet has been charged with first-degree rape.
John Tilley, 53, a Democrat from Hopkinsville who served five terms in the General Assembly, surrendered to police Monday morning in Lexington and was booked into the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Community Corrections, news outlets report.
Police allege Tilley had sex with a victim who was not able to consent because of the person’s level of intoxication. The incident occurred on April 15 at a Lexington hotel.
“Mr. Tilley maintains his innocence of the criminal charges and has fully cooperated with the investigation,” his attorney told outlets.
During part of his five terms as a state representative, Tilley served as chair of the Kentucky House Judiciary Committee. Additionally, he was secretary for the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet under Bevin where he oversaw the state’s prison system.
During his time at the public safety cabinet, Tilley worked to decrease the backlog of untested rape kits.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
