Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin (R) was taken into custody Thursday afternoon at a film location in Paris, Kentucky, after authorities acted on an outstanding warrant stemming from his divorce and child support proceedings. The arrest occurred during the production of a Christmas movie at a local horse farm estate.
Bourbon County Sheriff Tony Asbury confirmed the arrest in a press release, stating that his office received a tip about Bevin's involvement in the film project. Deputies located the former governor at the scene and took him into custody without incident. Asbury noted that Bevin was cooperative throughout the process.
According to Jessica Mohr, the property owner, deputies arrived while Bevin was speaking with the film's lead actor. Mohr told Kentucky Public Radio that the sheriff's deputies asked if anyone had seen the former governor's photo, and a crew member pointed them inside. "Yeah, he was arrested," she said.
The warrant was issued after Jefferson Family Court Judge Angela Johnson found Bevin in contempt for failing to turn over financial documents in his case with ex-wife Glenna Bevin. In June, Johnson sentenced him to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Bevin also faced an earlier warrant for missing a May court hearing, which he blamed on a boulder crashing into his Maine residence.
Bevin, who served as governor from 2015 to 2019, lost his reelection bid to current Governor Andy Beshear (D). His 2019 running mate, Ralph Alvarado, is now the Republican nominee in Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, a race to replace Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), who is running for the U.S. Senate.
The Kentucky Democratic Party seized on the arrest, issuing a statement that "no one who thought it was a good idea to run alongside Matt Bevin should represent the families of Kentucky's Sixth Congressional District." The party's jab highlights the political fallout from Bevin's legal troubles.
Alvarado's campaign responded by distancing itself from Bevin's actions. Spokesperson Andrew Westberry told The Hill, "Court orders are not optional, and everyone should comply with the court's directive. Failure to do so has consequences." Westberry's comments reflect an attempt to keep the focus on Alvarado's own record rather than his former running mate's legal issues.
Bevin's arrest adds another chapter to his post-gubernatorial life, which has included a move to Maine and occasional forays into media and entertainment. His appearance as a "featured extra" in a holiday film now carries an unexpected legal footnote.
The case also underscores the broader scrutiny of Kentucky politicians. As the state's political landscape shifts ahead of the 2026 elections, Bevin's entanglement could cast a shadow over Republican efforts in the 6th District. Meanwhile, the former governor remains in custody, awaiting further court proceedings on the contempt charge.
