[Theodore R.]

He's no bigger a crook than every other politician," said Karen Joy Jones,

This is the highlight of the story. KY politicians are excused for their "crookedness."

In 1970, there was a legendary sheriff in south Louisiana who also conducted business from his jail cell. F.O. Didier, Jr., a hugely popular Democrat, was jailed for malfeasance but continue to operate out of jail.

[Theodore R.]

Followup to F.O. "Potch" Didier, Jr., former sheriff of Avoyelles Parish, LA:

from Salon.com, 2000

Louisiana is probably one of the few places in the country where Potch Didier, a sheriff from Edward's native Avoyelles Parish, could win reelection while serving a sentence in his own jail.

[billhilly]

If all of the politicians who commit crimes were behind bars, this country would be a better place. The attitude expressed by some of the Judge's supporters are the same that kept Bill and Hillary Clinton in the white house for eight years.

[ambrose]

The common thread that weaves these corruption stories together is the Democratic Party.

[JoeSixPack1]

Ah ha!! The old "change of venue" defense!!!

This judge could have gotten off scott free if he had only been allowed to buy off the jury pool of admittedly corrupt 'bought and paid for' voters in his local jurisdiction! Oh the humanity!!!!

Lock 'em up and toss the key! This little slice of America is corrupt!

[Bubba_Leroy]

In 1998, Newsome was elected Knott County judge-executive, but only after he and his supporters rigged the Democratic primary by buying votes, according to prosecutors.

Look how far down the article you have to go before there is any mention that he is a democRAT. If he had been a Republican, the title of the article would have been, "Republican Judge Conducts Business in Jail Cell."

[bagman]

He is the judge of the Fiscal Court of the county (in other words, he is the executive of the county, not a judicial officer). Just a clarification for those not familiar with Kentucky politics.