Former school chief sentenced in vote-buying case

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A former eastern Kentucky school superintendent has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for leading a vote-buying conspiracy during the 2010 primary elections.

U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell also levied a $250,000 fine on 66-year-old Arch Turner on Tuesday in federal court in Lexington. Turner was Breathitt County school superintendent from 2005 until his retirement this year after he was charged.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Taylor said Turner led the vote-buying conspiracy even though he was not on the ballot and had nothing to gain financially.

In court in July, Turner admitted distributing money to others to buy votes for candidates. His plea agreement said he also accepted money from another person to be used to purchase votes.

Eleven others were convicted or pleaded guilty in related cases.