Attorney involved with convicted sheriff disbarred for his part in a kickback scheme

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A one-time defense attorney in southeastern Kentucky has been permanently disbarred for his participation in a kickback scheme with a now imprisoned former sheriff.

The Kentucky Supreme Court on Thursday revoked the law license of 55-year-old Ronnie Wayne Reynolds of Whitley County, citing his guilty plea and 27-month prison sentence. Reynolds admitted to paying $57,500 to former Sheriff Lawrence Hodge to have charges against his client reduced to misdemeanors.

As part of the scheme, Hodge would refer people to Reynolds for representation after being arrested.

Hodge pleaded guilty in 2011 to conspiracy to commit extortion, distribute drugs and launder money.

Reynolds is scheduled for release from a halfway house in Nashville in February. Hodge is scheduled for release from a federal prison in Ohio in 2024.