Governor Gives Some Rights To Convicted Molester
Governor Gives Some Rights To Convicted Molester Save Email Print
Posted: 11:35 AM Aug 29, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:35 AM Aug 29, 2008
51 comments
A | A | A

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear has restored some rights to a Lexington man convicted of child molestation charges.
Beshear gave back the right to vote and to hold office to Ron Berry, who served three years in prison after being convicted in 2002 on 12 counts of sodomy involving teenage boys.
Berry formerly headed a youth program that is now defunct.
The Lexington Herald-Leader quoted attorney Gayle Slaughter, who
represents several people who accused Berry of molesting them that
she doesn't mind allowing Berry to vote, but is "at a loss for words" on the governor allowing him to hold office.
Beshear spokesman Jay Blanton said the governor routinely approves the partial restoration of civil rights if applicants have served their sentence, paid restitution and have no further charges against them.
---
Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader,
http://www.kentucky.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
More Stories
Former Titans QB Steve McNair Shot To Death

Kentuckians gather at Capitol for tax protest

2 children, 2 adults killed in house fire in Louisville

Free parking for Lexington's Fourth of July Festival

 Grant County authorities ID water skiing accident fatality

Investigators seek cause in fatal house fire

Truck crashes into family's backyard

Water skier killed on Williamstown Lake
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Becky Location: Mt. Sterling, Kentucky on Mar 2, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I think someone would have to be really stupid to make a decision like that but the most anyone can do is watch who they vote for next time.
Posted by: maggie Location: Versailles on Sep 2, 2008 at 01:41 PM
I can't believe he was only sentenced to 6 years for 12 counts of sodomy. Gov. Beshear should have him move into his neighborhood. It's amazing, these people are making decisions that affect mine and my family's life everyday. What is this world coming to?
Posted by: Zatoichi Location: Richmond on Sep 2, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Another vote for Obama.
Posted by: Chris Location: Prestonsburg on Sep 2, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I'm not surprised. This isn't politics as usual, or is it? What would the (using the word loosely) Governor have to gain by letting this sick, twisted, pathetic peice of human waste, have any rights at all? Beshear, you are trash. Exactly what favor are you paying back to or granting to whom? 1. Cut school funding 2. put in gambling casinos 3. let the sick n twisted molestors off the hook 4. Realease the scum of prisons into soceity... one word ...CONSERVATIVE Get him out of thier, he's pathetic
Posted by: Mom Location: KY on Sep 2, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Again, if he was acting within the law, and I use that term loosely, what kind of laws do we have in this state anyway? We need a complete overhaul of this government. Instead of cutting school funding, and all the other programs that are really needed, start at the top, and make cuts in the pay of everybody from the governor on down-and leave the poor education system alone. Get the legislators to work on rewriting the pitiful laws we have. As much money as the federal government is wasting in Iraq, let them build a prison there and send all these perverts over there. Or better yet, put them on the frontlines over there. Our people are being killed every day over there to defend the likes of people like this.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 2, 2008 at 12:09 PM
The democrats have quickly become the party of the trashiest people on earth!
Posted by: Mari Location: Berea on Sep 2, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Gov. Beshear, there are some crimes that do not warrant forgivness and sex crimes are on the top of the list. What's next? Are you going to put convicted child molesters back in our public schools?
Posted by: earwig Location: Prestonsburg on Sep 2, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Nothing this guy does should surprise anyone by now....just brace yourself for whatever may come next and its been less than a year...
Posted by: ROGER Location: IRVINE on Sep 1, 2008 at 09:25 PM
WHEN IS ENOUGH...ENOUGH! I THINK THE GOVERNOR SHOULD APOLIGIZE TO ALL THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS AND FURTHER MORE, I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SORRY EXCUSE FOR A GOVERNOR! BUT ONE PERSON EVEN 100 PEOPLE ISN'T ENOUGH TO CHANGE THIS! SO MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE BOYS WHO WERE HURT BY THIS MAN AND THE LIVES THAT ARE FOREVER SCARED. WE TEACH OUR CHILDREN TO RESPECT FIGURES OF AUTHORITY BUT NO ONE SHOULD RESPECT A MAN THAT WOULD ALLOW A CHILD MOLESTER RIGHTS TO TAKE CARE OF THE STATE!
Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington on Sep 1, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Posted by: Mom Location: KY on Sep 1, 2008 at 09:31 AM "It's too late for anybody to be saying they did or did not vote for the governor." - Oh but you are wrong. The Demmycrats whined that they didn't vote for Fletcher for four years. Get ready. We're just getting warmed up.
Posted by: Walter Location: Stearns on Sep 1, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Two Words: Recall Election. Nuff said.
Posted by: Matt Location: Lexington on Sep 1, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Democrats Government = MESS
Posted by: Mom Location: KY on Sep 1, 2008 at 12:31 PM
It's too late for anybody to be saying they did or did not vote for the governor.The sad fact is that whether or not anybody voted for him, we are stuck with him, and if his "governing" thus far is any indication of what we can expect for the rest of his term, then I am afraid for the state of KY. But, I am wondering how his approval rating is going about now.If he was actually acting "within the law", then it's about tiime to get some laws changed. Child molesters should not be let out at all-they always do it again, and from what I have read, when they get out, many times, they even kill. And if the right to vote and hold office are linked together, then that should be changed. If they are going to let these perverts out on the street, let them vote if they have to, but don't let them hold any kind of office. Tiime served shouldn't equal a pat on the back and come on in attitude.
Posted by: Chris Location: Lex on Sep 1, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Shame on those who voted for this fake.
Posted by: Zach Location: paris on Sep 1, 2008 at 07:45 AM
I have to say I really hate this gov we have now!!! You know the kids are the future and people out there hurt kids and make there lives turn upside down but yet he will let him vote and run for office. If you can hurt a kid then what do you think he could do to our state. I wish we could get Erin back.
Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington on Sep 1, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Good job, Democrats! Let's really have some fun and put Obama in office. You think this is bad?
Posted by: WHAT Location: IRVINE on Sep 1, 2008 at 12:11 AM
DON'T YOU GUYS KNOW, THEY GO WAY BACK,THERE POKER BUDDY'S LOL, AND STEVE, HE WILL BET ON ANYTHING,EVEN A CHILD MOLESTER, HECK WHEN HE HAS A DRINK OR TWO HE WILL BET YOU THAT YOUR TAIL HO.. ISN'T ROUND!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ts Location: powell on Aug 31, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Does he have any idea what that does to a child. I was molested three times as a child and I sure did not want to walk down the street and see one of those guys. How can he be given any rights when he demolished all of their rights? What would e have done if it had been one of his children or grandchildren? I think the Govenor is crazy and I sure am glad I didn't vote for him. What is he going to say to the next family he crushes?
Posted by: j Location: johnson on Aug 31, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Can you say one timer?
Posted by: Dave Location: Garden Springs on Aug 31, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Asleep at the wheel again there Mr. Larson?
Posted by: Miranda Location: Northern Kentucky on Aug 31, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Beshear should be brought in front of the senate for inpeachment hearings. He has cut road repair, funding for schools cand yet he spent alomost $21000.00 to tour western kentucky with his staff and lord only knows who else. So glad i did nopt vote for him. Maybe in the presidental election people will do their research before they vote. Where do you think Obama plans to come up with the money fo rthe tax cuts for Americans? Big business he plans to increase their taxes an who do you think will pay for it? the little man. I rather pay what I pay now because i he wins we will be paying taxes twice. DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!
Posted by: Chris Location: Lex on Aug 31, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Beshear is a mess. Get this guy outta here!
Posted by: j Location: jefferson on Aug 31, 2008 at 01:25 AM
Can you say ONE TIMER!
Posted by: my name is steve to Location: irvine on Aug 31, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Steve in Lexington you are a fool not all conservatives are church goers this is the reason now that i am making fun of you i will go get my big gas guzzling four wheel drive with my big Nascar sticker on the back bumper and my shotgun in the back glass with my big bible laying on the dash. And when i see you i will run over your little liberal greeny a double s hows that.
Posted by: Republican Location: lexington on Aug 30, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Sure Glad I didn't vote for Bashear. To all of you that did... LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE! The worst part is that we still have to put up with him for 3 more years. Bashear is by far the worst Gov. in the history of KY.
Posted by: Angie Location: Russell, KY on Aug 30, 2008 at 06:04 PM
At least Ernie Fletcher didn't release prisoners AND let CHILD MOLESTERS hold office! Beshear, Are you kidding? I will GLADLY take Fletcher and his mis-dealings back, today!!!! Maybe change isn't a good idea after all. Sad in KY
Posted by: Brian Location: Ashland on Aug 30, 2008 at 05:03 PM
WELL DONE!! Gov.IDIOT strikes AGAIN!!
Posted by: Mick Location: Nicholasville on Aug 30, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Hey now, It will all be good once we legalize casino's and raise cigarette taxes, right Steve? Another terrible decision by the worst Governor ever, including Wally the Weasle!
Posted by: frankfort cronies on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:32 AM
looks like all these liberals are making the republicans look good no wonder everyone is switching partys.
Posted by: Rachel Location: KY on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Does this qualify for an impeachment yet?
Posted by: Retired Teacher Location: E. KY on Aug 29, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Governor, What are you thinking? This man molested 12 innocent children...you better be glad that none of them were my family!! YOU would answer to me..in person for such a stupid and immoral act!!! What can these children be thinking? The system let them down again. If this man had been an "ordinary" citizen with no political baggage, he would rot in jail for this crime. By doing this, you have shown me and the rest of Ky that you are as bad a scumbag as Berry!! Please explain this to us..I can't believe that you are this rotten!!!
Posted by: brack Location: lexington on Aug 29, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Thank God I did not vote you for Governor
Posted by: Steve Location: Lexington on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:53 PM
To Joe---forgive and forget isn't the "libs" way, it's GOD'S way. So, any true-blue Republican right-winger should agree that we are supposed to forgive Mr. Berry for the sins he committed...and if you don't, then you don't follow what your God has commanded. Now, I personally don't think he should have his rights restored, and even if he runs for public office, who is ever going to vote for him unless they're stupid? You know the opponent will have ads of children chased by sick man running to make sure he doesn't get elected, so that's a non-issue. And the Gov's office says that to get the right to vote you automatically get the right to run for public office...then I say he probably didn't deserve anything. Definitely not this soon afterwards. Maybe 10 years from now if he shows that he's contributing to society again, then maybe, but not now. Bad call on the Gov's part, but not for the reasons Joe cited, because forgiving and forgetting is essential to moving on.
Posted by: Wilhelm Location: Lexington on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:52 PM
The right to hold office goes along with the right to vote. They aren't two things according to Kentucky law. Learn you own laws Americans!
Posted by: A Location: L on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Like haiving a convicted child molestor in government is any differant than the way its ran now. Most the conservatives that tryed to bash gays were caught with a man in their bed or bathroom stalls. All ofem are hypocrits and say anything to get more money and power.
Posted by: Mom Location: KY on Aug 29, 2008 at 02:45 PM
This state is getting worse every day. It is no wonder we have all these child killers and molesters, doing this stuff all the time-they know they will get to just go free after a little time served, if any time at all. I wonder if our governor would have been so nice to this man if it were his child or grandchild he molested. It has been proven that these people cannot be cured, and most of them do it again, so I say lock them up and never let them out. How are we going to get thru the rest of this administration?
Posted by: Chris Location: Avon on Aug 29, 2008 at 02:44 PM
No surprise here, it's Stevie we are talking about. Who else do you think he is in bed with? lol
Posted by: Barry Location: Lexington on Aug 29, 2008 at 02:27 PM
You get what you vote for! Liberal Governor, liberal views.
Posted by: Kendal Location: Lex on Aug 29, 2008 at 02:05 PM
WHAT? Governor, WHAT are you thinking? Sex offender. Yes, he has to register, BUT what office is he hoping to hold? I know he told the Gov. he'd vote the way he wanted him to if he just had the right back. REALLY? Why didn't we contact the victims and ask them if they thought he deserved the right to vote and hold office!!!!
Posted by: Julie Location: Winchester on Aug 29, 2008 at 02:04 PM
This makes me sick. I voted for Beshear and this man has done nothing pleasing since taking office.
Posted by: Bill Location: Georgetown, Ky on Aug 29, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Maybe the lib. gov. can put this guy in charge of watching the kids for the easter egg hunt too. I bet the gov. wouldnt let this guy baby-sit his grandchildren. This is pathetic in the worst way.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: richmond on Aug 29, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Pedifiles are the worst people on the planet and should be put to death. No excuses.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Richmond on Aug 29, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Time for a new governor! Don't get me wrong, I'm for the rights of men and women who have paid their debts to society being restored. PROVIDING those men and women have not killed, raped, or molested ANYONE, be it an adult or a child.
Posted by: amc Location: lexington on Aug 29, 2008 at 01:03 PM
he is still a LIFE TIME REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER
Posted by: Teresa Location: Mt. Sterling on Aug 29, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Well, if no one else is going to say it...Gov.!!! This man is a CHILD MOLESTER!!! He didn't hold up a gas station with a bubble-blowing pistol because his family was starving!!!!
Posted by: Lisa Hill on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Unbelieveable!!! I say lock them both up. How can he allow this?? Hold office and be in charge of what?? 3 Years is NOT Enough. What really has this world come to? I will vote and trust me neither will be a selected name by me.
Posted by: John Location: Lex on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I am confident this is just another in a long line of disapointments with this administration.
Posted by: Stevie Location: Mt Sterling on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I think this is ridiculous! First of all was Gov. Beshear even considering the boys who have suffered tremendously from this incident? Ron Berry might have served his sentence and paid restitution and have no other charges but the fact remains that the charges are there to began with. If Gov. Beshear will allow this man to run for office then who will be the next ones asking for the same rights?
Posted by: Mary Anna Location: Martin County on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Is this not a sick world?
Posted by: Josh Location: Drift on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:21 PM
At least I didn't vote for the guy...too bad he still got in!
Posted by: Bob Location: Lexington on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:15 PM
It's unbelievable that our new governor would even consider allowing this guy to hold public office again. He may have "no further charges against him", but he was convicted on not 1 offense, but "12",twelve!... counts of child molestation. Looks like the buddy system is alive and well in Frankfort with our new governor. This is terrible judgement on behalf of Governor Beshear. I would like to have him explain his decision to these children and their families. "Unbelievable...!"
Posted by: Carol Location: KY on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:08 PM
I have no problem with restoring his right to vote, but he should not have the right to run for office. We need better role models and should expect any public official to have better judgment and character than this.
Posted by: Joe Location: Lex on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Gayle Slaughter is right on. What the [edited] is the Governor thinking? Oh yeah, I forgot; forgive everyone and forget what happened. That's the liberal way.
Posted by: steve on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Buddy you better enjoy your four years because you are a goner you are one sorry governor you stupid lib.
AP Video
WKYT Special Sections
Classifieds
THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.
Rental Guide
Video tours to help you find your next apartment.
Happy Hour Deals
Save 50% from local merchants.
Desktop Alert
Download weather alerts to your computer desktop.
Print Free Offers & Coupons
From local restaurants, retail stores, & service businesses.
Experts
Got a question? Ask our Health Experts.
WKYT Archives
Looking for a video clip?
Everyday Heroes
Is someone you know a hero?
Crime
Find out how Ray Larson is stopping crime.
Crimestoppers
Help bring criminals to justice.
Sponsored Links
Stocks
QUOTES
    Symbol Lookup
Sponsored Headlines