Attorney General Coleman Announces Five Indictments for Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult in Ohio County, Kentucky

FRANKFORT KY - On Friday, July 19, 2024, Attorney General Russell Coleman announced that an investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control resulted in the indictments of five individuals for exploitation and the use of forged instruments, such as false documents pertaining to a power of attorney and an irrevocable qualifying income trust.

On July 15, 2024, an Ohio County Grand Jury indicted:

1. Darron Lee Brawner, 50, an attorney of Rumsey, for the exploitation of a vulnerable adult (Class C Felony) and four counts of the criminal possession of a forged instrument in the 2nd Degree (Class D Felony);
2. Douglas Key, 57, of Clarkson, for the exploitation of a vulnerable adult (Class C Felony) and four counts of the criminal possession of a forged instrument in the 2nd Degree (Class D Felony);
3. Jana Brawner, 38, of Rumsey, for the criminal possession of a forged instrument in the 2nd Degree (Class D Felony);
4. Kristy Burchfield, 55, of Owensboro, for two counts of the criminal possession of a forged instrument in the 2nd Degree (Class D Felony); and
5. Kyle Lane Nixon, 31, of Hardinsburg, for two counts of the criminal possession of a forged instrument in the 2nd Degree (Class D Felony).

The Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control investigated the case. Assistant Attorneys General Linsey Hogg and Emily Campbell presented the case before the Ohio County Grand Jury on behalf of the Commonwealth.

The Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $6,650,000 for the federal fiscal year (FY) 2024. 25% of that grant, totaling $1,662,500 for FY 2024, is funded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

To file a Medicaid fraud or abuse complaint or to report the abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult, visit ag.ky.gov/MedicaidFraud or call the Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Hotline at 1-877-ABUSE TIP (1-877-228-7384).

The Kentucky Supreme Court’s rule on trial publicity limits information the Office can provide publicly.

The charges in an indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.