Judge asked to make evidence public in bourbon thefts

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky judge is expected to issue a ruling on whether to make more evidence public in the case against what prosecutors say is a bourbon theft ring.

The Lexington Herald-Leader (http://bit.ly/1L7Tu3P ) reports that Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate on Wednesday said he would make a ruling on the matter on Thursday.

The evidence filed in the Franklin Circuit Court clerk’s office is not under seal but has not been made available to the media at the request of defense attorneys, who say the release of the evidence would impair their clients’ ability to get a fair trial.

Ten defendants were indicted earlier this year on charges of stealing more than $100,000 worth of bourbon from two distilleries. Four of the defendants have pleaded guilty to reduced charges.

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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com

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