Fresh start after scandals shake the city of Shepherdsville.

Former Mayor Scott Ellis found himself in hot waters over the past few months as allegations rose about scandals and inappropriate activity occurring while he held the job of mayor.  

Ellis stepped down as mayor after he admitted he used his power and position in office to get sexual favors from a woman on parole. Evidence discovered by Bullitt County Sheriff’s showed hundreds of inappropriate Facebook messages that were sent between the two, as well as a discussion about exchanging sexual acts for favors. The messages also included a discussion about obtaining a pardon for the woman from then-Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. Ellis allegedly told a Shepherdsville police officer that while he didn’t have sex with the woman, oral sex “might be another story.” The lead investigator on the case revealed that oral sex took part in the mayor’s office while he was still the mayor of Shepherdsville. He promised the woman money, clothing, apartment, and pardon from her crime. The scandal occurred between June and December of 2014. Ellis cheated on his wife and they had two children together. His family had no idea he was having an affair.

Ellis also was caught making racist remarks in 2012, but the case was dismissed last November. After denying all of the allegations and the scandal itself, Ellis stepped down as mayor on February 9, but never officially resigned. In his resignation letter he wrote, “Effective at 4:00 p.m. this date I officially resign my duties as the Mayor of the City of Shepherdsville. I wish you and the employees of the city nothing but the best.”

Brian James was voted into office as the mayor in August, but that wasn’t the end of the drama. Not everyone was happy about James being voted in as he is the husband of a council member. After the hearing, council members Bernard Brown and Larry Hatfield filed a suit in Bullitt County Circuit Court, arguing that Ellis’ letter did not constitute notice of his resignation as mayor. Specifically, they make a distinction between the “duties” of mayor and the “office” of mayor, arguing that Ellis’ letter effectively provided notice of resignation from the former, but not the letter.

A judge agreed with Hatfield and Brown and ruled that Ellis did not officially resign as mayor so he still held the office position. Once Ellis heard the ruling, he officially parted ways with the city government.

On Tuesday, September 27, the City of Shepherdsville has another mayor. Curtis Hockenbury was elected the new mayor by a vote of four to one, with one person not voting. He will serve as mayor for the next two years of the term.