Special Judge Roger P. Elliott, who was named in August to oversee Barren County Jailer Leland Cox’s case, will be replaced by Senior Judge Steve Mershon of Jefferson County.
“Judge Steve Mershon is approved to handle the Leland Cox case and all of the matters that arise from the situation,” said Jackie Radus, Regional Court Administrator for the Green River region.
Cox is charged with 30 counts of third-degree sexual abuse, a class B misdemeanor and the case would have been handled in Barren District Court.
Judge Elliott, who was absent for Cox’s pretrial hearing last week, has now himself been charged with a felony crime.
Elliott was charged in Pulaski County on Thursday with one count of theft by deception for allegedly passing more than $300 in cold checks.
Elliott was named special judge in August after Barren County District Judge John Alexander, Barren Circuit Judge Phil Patton and Barren Family Judge Mitchell Nance all recused themselves from presiding over the Cox case.
Senior Judge Mershon has served as a district and circuit judge.
A new date for the pretrial hearing is expected to be set soon.
Local News
Special judge to replace special judge
Jailer’s hearing will have to be reset
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UPDATE 3:05 p.m.: Fatal wreck on Burkesville Road
A Summer Shade man was identified as the driver in a fatal crash on Burkesville Road early Saturday morning.
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Jail staff challenges Ober’s report
A long list of allegations made by a private investigator against the Barren County Detention Center is being challenged by a majority of the jail employees, who say they have not witnessed anything illicit.
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BBBS honors volunteers Bell, Click
There’s no doubt about it. Tamara Click and Price Bell love spending time with their “little sister and little brother.”
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Magistrates defend decision
Almost a month after a private investigator presented his summary report about the Barren County Detention Center and nearly five months since the initial vote for an investigation, the members of the Barren County Fiscal Court are standing by their decisions.
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Park, students form partnership
Barren County Middle School and officials from Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP) began a partnership in 2009 through a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, according to a district news release.
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Cemetery dedication planned Sunday
On Sunday, a dedication ceremony culminating efforts of several concerned citizens who restored the cemetery will take place at 2 p.m. at the D.F. West Cemetery on Ky. 70 near Hiseville.
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No swimming allowed at lake for Memorial Day
Don’t visit Barren River Lake this Memorial Day weekend and expect to go swimming.
- 2:10 AFTERNOON UPDATE: Hart Co. man arrested for trafficking
- 9:03 a.m. Morning Update: Glasgow firefighters and Barren-Metcalfe EMS respond to wreck with injuries
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Late Night Update: Investigation continues regarding injured teen
Very little is known about the circumstances surrounding a 15-year-old Barren County boy who was found seriously injured and lying in a ditch alongside his bicycle on Dripping Springs Road late Monday night.
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UPDATE 3:05 p.m.: Fatal wreck on Burkesville Road

