Published: July 10, 2008 08:55 pm      

Ex-deputy charged with sexual abuse

Somerset — A former Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputy was served with a summons to court Thursday after being accused of sexually abusing his young daughter.

Russell Burton, 44, of Somerset, was charged with one count of first-degree rape, one count of first-degree sodomy, two counts of incest and 10 counts of sexual abuse.

The charges stem from an accusation that Burton sexually abused his daughter sometime in 2003 and after that.

The complaint also alleges that the victim was under 12 years old when the incidents took place.

Instead of being arrested and processed at the Pulaski County Detention Center, Burton was served with a summons, which is given in lieu of an arrest warrant when there are “reasonable grounds to believe the defendant will appear in response,” according to state law.

Scott Foster, the attorney for Burton, said Burton “vehemently denies” the charges.

“I’m happy to tell you that my client has passed a polygraph exam,” he said.

Burton, a volunteer firefighter with the Parker’s Mill Fire Department, retired from the sheriff’s department about three years ago after serving many years there.

Burton also ran for 5th District Magistrate in 2006, and he served as a part-time bailiff at the Pulaski County courthouse.

Burton was suspended without pay from his bailiff position when the charges came to light.

He is also a former chairman of the Pulaski County Fire Commission, and he took a leave of absence from his position as a member of the board at the beginning of July.

Pulaski County Sheriff Todd Wood said he could not comment on the ongoing investigation or the details of the case.

“I don’t want to comment on a case I’m not familiar with,” he said.

“In this case as in all cases with sensitive matters, our thoughts and prayers are with all the people involved,” he continued.

The case is being investigated by the Kentucky State Police London Post. The KSP investigating detective could not be reached by press time Thursday.

A defendant found guilty of first degree sexual abuse when involving a victim under 12 years old, a Class C felony, would be facing between five and 10 years in prison for each count.

A first-degree rape conviction with a victim under 12 years old, a Class A felony, calls for 20 years to life in prison. A first-degree sodomy conviction with a victim under 12 years old and an incest conviction with a juvenile under 12 years old also call for sentences of 20 years to life each.

Under the applicable statutory caps, Burton could effectively be sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility until he served 20 years. Upon being released, he would have to undergo a three-year conditional discharge, undergo therapy and register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Foster said he couldn’t comment on details of the case, but he said he’s eager to present his client’s case in court.

“Right now, this case is in the early stages,” Foster said. “Obviously, my client denies these allegations and believes he will be vindicated at a fair and public trial.”