Former high-profile lawyer faces arrest for skipping court

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – A former attorney who won a $200 million settlement for diet drug clients is facing arrest for failing to appear at a Kentucky court hearing.

A warrant signed by Boone County Circuit Judge James Schrand signed on Thursday says Stan Chesley is charged with contempt of court. Chesley, a former high-profile class-action attorney, failed to appear for a hearing over his refusal to pay back funds he improperly took in the 2001 fen-phen settlement.

An attorney for Chesley did not return a message seeking comment Friday. Schrand set Chesley’s bond at $647,815.

Chesley took more than $20 million in attorney’s fees from the settlement, which exceeded the amount established by contract.

Chesley was disbarred by the Kentucky Supreme Court in 2013.