FRANKFORT, KY – Attorney General Russell Coleman recently announced that the Kentucky Court of Appeals took the extraordinary step of issuing multiple rulings that ensure the Fayette Circuit Court ordered a repeat felon to return to prison.
Circuit courts in Kentucky are bound to follow the rulings and precedents of higher courts.
On July 31, 2024, the Court of Appeals issued its ruling in favor of the Attorney General ordering the Fayette Circuit Court to remand to custody Gregory Simpson, who has 17 felony convictions spanning more than two and half decades. Although Simpson still has more than 21 years remaining on a total of 42-year sentence, the Fayette Circuit Court had previously released him on the basis that his sentence was unlawful. Simpson has been convicted of a drug crime, assault of a police/probation officer, wanton endangerment, theft and other felonies.
More than two months ago, the Court of Appeals unanimously reversed the circuit court and concluded that Simpson's sentence was in fact lawful.
To protect Kentucky families and uphold the rule of law, the Attorney General's Office immediately sought an order from the Court of Appeals to return Simpson to custody. The Court of Appeals agreed, issuing two subsequent orders to ensure he was immediately sent back to prison—a rare additional step taken by the higher court.
Simpson is now once again in state custody.
"I'm grateful to the Court of Appeals for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that this repeat felon is back behind bars. Our appellate attorneys did incredible work so that justice could again be served," said Attorney General Coleman. "Our Office will continue prosecuting dangerous criminals to ensure that their lawful convictions are upheld."
Assistant Attorney General Courtney Hightower of the Solicitor General's Criminal Appeals Division is pursuing the matter on behalf of the Commonwealth.
Read the Court of Appeal's order.
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