Bevin asks judge to intervene in contract investigation

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – A former state employee is refusing to comply with Republican Gov. Matt Bevin’s investigation into a no-bid contract awarded by his Democratic predecessor.

Bevin is investigating whether the $3 million contract former Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear awarded to SAS Institute complied with state procurement laws. Frank Lassiter is a former state worker who was a consultant for SAS at the time, and his wife Mary was the executive cabinet secretary for Beshear.

Beshear awarded the no-bid contract on his last day in office.

Thursday, Bevin asked a judge to force Lassiter to comply with a subpoena for documents and testimony. Lassiter’s attorney said they would fight the subpoena in court.