By Brandon Ortiz
bortiz@herald-leader.com
Gov. Steve Beshear has restored the right to vote and hold office to convicted child molester Ron Berry, the former head of the defunct Micro-City Government youth program.
The partial pardon, which was signed on Aug. 20 and filed Wednesday in Fayette Circuit Court, does not restore Berry’s right to own a gun or serve on a jury.
Berry, 64, was convicted of 12 counts of sodomy with 12- to 16-year-old boys in 2002. He completed a three-year prison sentence at Northpoint Training Center in 2005.
A Lexington lawyer who was instrumental in Berry’s downfall was flabbergasted by the news.
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- Ron Berry
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- Ray Larson
“I’m legitimately at a loss for words on this one,” said Gayle Slaughter, who represents several people who say they were sexually abused by Berry. “I guess it is good to know which side of the fence the governor is on in this battle against this scourge on society.”
Slaughter said she doesn’t mind allowing Berry the right to vote. “But I think allowing him to seek public office is a bit much,” she said.
In Kentucky, the governor must intervene for felons to have their civil rights restored.
A spokesman for Beshear said the governor, as a matter of policy, automatically approves the partial restoration of civil rights if applicants have served their sentence, paid restitution and have no outstanding warrants.
Having the right to vote automatically grants someone the right to run for office, spokesman Jay Blanton said.
Prosecutors can object to the partial pardon, and Beshear actually doubled the amount of time prosecutors have to review the cases, Blanton said. Prosecutors have objected in 56 instances, and in each case the governor refused to restore civil rights, Blanton said.
In Berry’s case, prosecutors did not object. He was prosecuted by Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Larson’s office.
Blanton said Berry’s application was forwarded to Larson in June.
Larson says he didn’t see it. If he had, he would have objected, he said.
“We object to people who kill people, and people who are sex offenders,” Larson said. “And I just obviously didn’t see it.”
He said it is too late for him to object now.
Larson did not have an explanation for why it did not reach his desk.
In March, Beshear, a Democrat, streamlined the process to make it easier for felons to have their rights restored. The move was praised by the League of Women Voters, the NAACP and some Republicans, including Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Blanton said.
The previous governor, Ernie Fletcher, did not automatically restore rights and required written essays.
Berry did not return a phone message seeking comment. Phone calls to a handful of his supporters were not returned.
Micro-City Government, which was founded by Berry in 1969, provided summer jobs and educational programs for disadvantaged youths, hosted dances and parties for the teens, and offered free lunches in impoverished neighborhoods. Berry led Micro-City until 1997, when allegations against Berry became public.
Micro-City was dissolved in 1998.
More than 160 people have sued the Urban County Government, claiming city officials ignored or concealed information that Berry was molesting under-age boys and girls for decades.
The lawsuits alleged that officials allowed the abuse to occur because Berry, once a prominent and powerful black leader, could deliver the black vote for them.
Slaughter said the partial pardon confirms what Berry’s critics have long said.
“Ron has friends in high places,” Slaughter said. “I guess Steve’s trying to get another vote.”
Replied Blanton, “I think that is a ridiculous assertion.”
“We apply the same standard for everyone,” he said. “It is irresponsible to make such a statement.”
Reach Brandon Ortiz at (859) 231-1443 or 1-800-950-6397, Ext. 1443.
Does not surprise me just confirms what we alreay know. Gov will do anything to get a vote. We all know why Ronnie was allowed to be a child molester for so long He Brought The Votes from the african americans. And we all know the city glady paid out millions to his molested kids.
Why give this man any rights? He has not earned them by his actions. In my opinion he forfitted his rights for anything when he violated the rights of others. He only served 3 years?! Justice was truly not given to this man. Now he is free to start all over again, and steal more innocence from those who we are supposed to be protecting. Instead the Governor is protecting a CHILD MOLESTER! It has been proven many times that these people don’t get rehabilitated. He says that he applies the same rules to all of those who have served there time. Why? We don’t apply the same punishment to everyone who commits a crime. So he is saying that it is o.k. to pardon a CHILD MOLESTER the same as you would pardon a burgalar? Let’s just pray that the truth comes out to the public if this man ever decides to run for office.
Geeeez Steve,
Obviously these children don’t matter to you. Is that because none of them were yours? Did you realize he was ca convicted chil dmolester? I guess this state will go from one extreme to the next in the name of “leadership”…WOW…this state is spooooooky! From now on whenever you do something stupid or immoral…we’ll just say you pulled a “Fletcher”!
Well he’s reached a new low! He has already hired a pardoned (before convicted) teamster operative who happens to be a half brother to one of the house leaders and who just happened to have been involved in alleged campaign finance violations for the benefit of a very forgiving Democratic governor. Made him a well paid labor liason.
He then fired the most ethical transportation engineer we have for many years over a non issue, as described by the administration.
Now he restores rights to a Democratic vote getter who has no respect for our most vunerable citizens most basic rights, our children. Berry was convicted of a crime that even disgusts the most hardened criminals. Must not disgust this governor though.
This is a sad day……I was very disappointed to see this. I have been away from Lexington,KY for nearly 10 years now…but this place will always be home to me. So I try to keep up with what is going on but was not expecting to see this.
May God be with everyone that has to see the face of this man again. We can’t always count on justice to be done…even when those sworn in to uphold promise us it will be. Let us not forget….even if we do not pay for our actions here on Earth as they should be…we cannot run from the ultimate judge above….
I have no problem with convicted felons who’ve served their time having their voting rights restored. The fact that he can run for office doesn’t mean he will. Would you, if you were him? He wouldn’t stand a chance.
The real issue is his status as a sex offender/pedophile. That should not be revoked and the article does not state that it has. There in lies the continuing punishment of these offenders. They will be scrutinized the rest of their lives, as they should be. As long as this is the case with Berry, go ahead and let him vote.
A LIFE TIME REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER - he will not be ‘allowed’ in any polling place where there might be CHILDREN - good job Gov - you ’shot your self in the foot’ AGAIN -
I find it so hard to believe that anyone would give a a partial pardon to anyone who would victimize any other person much less a child. This action speaks volumes of the character of the leadership in Kentucky and throughout the United States of America. Amanda has never been found, as the murderer sits on death row, in Florida and the family grieves and longs for remains of their daughter. In Florida there are so many cases of child molestation and the only way that this type of perversion will slowed or stopped is by incarceration, not by parole or probation. Governor, your ability to make decisions in a fair and rational manner needs to be examined.
W. M. Fisher
Tampa, FL
Saying that he automatically restores partial rights to those that have served their sentence is the dumbest thing I have heard him say so far, and that is saying a lot.
My concern is whether his partial pardon will keep him from being listed in the sex offender database. Voting and running for office is no real threat, but anonymity as a sexual predator is scary.
When I opened the paper this morning I was immediately angry with what I read. This man deserves no rights at all. Partial Pardon what does that mean? By the way Ron Berry will never make it in public office.
Just another page in exactly what you would expect from this useless twit of a Governor that has been elected. Gov. Beshear….You are truly disgusting!!
I’m shocked and horrified! I definitely will NOT vote for Beshear ever again, and will encourage my friends and family likewise. As a victim of child abuse myself, I am sickened to hear of this pardon. A child is helpless and will never forget the abuse he/she has suffered for as long as they live. Shame on you Steve!
At least the public knows Berry for what he is now and can keep their children away from him; and keep an eye on his activity with others.
WHAT ABOUT THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY??? IT’S HIS JOB TO BE SURE THAT IS DOESN’T GO TO THE GOV. COMPLETE FAILURE. GIVE STEVE A BREAK. HE TREATS EVERYONE THE SAME. THE PROSECUTOR WAS NOT LOOKING OUT FOR THESE BOYS. IF YOU ARE GOING TO POINT FINGERS, POINT THEM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION….
The government is a game if you have learned to play it or not? It doesn’t matter if it is Republicans or Democrats, it always has been and will be who knows what about who, how much they know or may have been involved in some non disclosed or disclosed (as they will tell you) erroneous way, who is promising who what, or who can get what for who, and things of this nature. After all these people hang out in clicks, they don’t usually do many things like this without others being aware of it or not being aware of it especially involving public functions, and the Governor can and has the right to pardon anyone that has been lawfully convicted in a constitutional court of law, if the conviction should have stood or not stood for any reason, remember this that the right to pardon is only based on constitutional court convictions not unconstitutional ones or fabricated accusations or party tactics. If the court found him guilty it amazes me that he got pardoned too, but perhaps there is some reason for that, some reason the most on here posting may never know or understand.
Ron Berry will still have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life; the partial pardon only means that he has the right to vote and run for office, although it seems highly unlikely that he would ever be elected to an office.
In most states, anyone who is convicted of a crime and and fulfills their debt to society automatically regains voting rights. Only Kentucky and a handful of other states require the governor to be involved at all. While I support strict laws to protect the public from sex offenders, I do not support permanently denying the right to vote to anyone who has served their time. Denying voting rights has NOTHING to do with public safety. No one is less safe because Ron Berry can vote, but maybe participating in the civic process will make Ron Berry feel like a part of society and keep him from reoffending.
“The partial pardon…does not restore Berry’s right to own a gun or serve on a jury.”
I wonder why that is? You see this could all be about politics of a different color? Don’t think that YOU can’t ever be set up, falsely accused, manipulated, transgressed by those that have more power then you do and may not agree with the positions you take in life or your position in life, don’t ever think that is the case at all. It is the easiest thing for anyone to do to someone, if that is what they really want to do, and it is the easiest thing to have done to YOU too, if that is what someone else wants to do, really. Especially in this day and time we live in. I don’t know if he did this or not? I can never know for sure unless he admitted to doing it and that was in the court transcripts or he tells me and I believe or don’t believe him, and I don’t think he ever really did admit to doing it, did he?
Anonymous, huh? Yeah, I wouldn’t want to leave my name on that post either. What makes his word worth more than his victims? TWELVE counts of SODOMY on little BOYS ages 12-16. Please don’t use the race card when innocent children are involved. Why was his sentence only THREE years? You could rob a gas station, hurt no one, and get less time. Beshear should be ashamed….I know I am.
Perhaps Gov. Beshear would like for Ron berry to mentor his grandchildren……I seriously doubt it!
It’s unbelievable that our new governor would even consider allowing this guy to hold public office again. He may have “no further charges against him”, but he was convicted on not 1 offense, but “12″,twelve!… counts of child molestation. Looks like the buddy system is alive and well in Frankfort with our new governor. This is terrible judgement on behalf of Governor Beshear. I would like to have him explain his decision to these children and their families. “Unbelievable…!”
PS-Maybe Ray Larson or someone on his staff dropped the ball (he has an excellent record against child molesters), but he doesn’t have the power to restore partial rights. The governor bears the responsibility. Trying to put this on Larson is a copout. Governor, if it slipped through, FIX IT!!!
Well Mr. Beshear,
You know how to piss off the people who vote for you. I am a guaranteed a no vote for you. I expect my elected politicians to have some common sense and you have proven to the people you have none. I think it was Pres. Reagan who remarked that “Politics is the 2nd oldest profession and is suspiciously like the first(prostitution)”. Mr. Berry when you pass on remember that society is getting rid of human garbage like yourself.
Let us look at the “partial pardon.”
Ron Berry, again, has a right to vote. Big deal? Not to any of us above age 18 who are not convicted felons. However, this IS a big deal to the people who “did the crime and did the time.” There are, more than likely, several thousand in the state of Kentucky in that position, yet could not have their right to voted restored under Uncle Ernie’s watch.
While I do not approve of everything Governor Beshear is doing/has done - this is one point which I go along with.
In my opinion, Ray Larsen is one of the toughest prosecutors I’ve ever known of. I’ve watched and read his work for years. He is definitely tough on crime. Somehow one slipped past him. This slip up does in no way change my opinion of his office.
Back to Ron Berry and his restored right to hold office. At first reading, I too, was infuriated. How DARE that to be true? Mr. Blanton’s explanation of the right to hold office being attached to the right to vote explained that.
There is no possible way the people of Lexington/Fayette County would ever elect Ron Berry into another official capacity.
I’m sure Governor Beshear is/was well aware of that before he lived up to his promise of restoring voting rights to those convicted felons who apply for them.
Let the anger and disgust rest. It’s old. It’s dead. It’s the past.
Remember all of the abused and neglected children in Kentucky and remained determined to fight and legislate for their protection. Remember the families of the children - and pray for the healing families.
Who can tell me why that I can not get a full pardon when I have changed my life and my felony is 24 years old. Inmates have been let out who have not proven their self . Where is the justice in this from a country that says the USA is the land of the free who can answer my question????????
Ms. Blackburn, I will offer an attempt to help you get your voting rights restored.
Give me a few days to see what all a full pardon entails. I’ll be back.
Thank you but I am turning in my app. to have my voting rights restored. What I need is this felony to go away so that it will not show on my record it is shopping me from getting jobs that I am skilled for, even when I was attending Cincinnati Christian University they could not hire me to work in the kitchen becuase of my felony. I return to Lexington and became homeless because it was causing me so many problems. So many people tried to help me in Cincinnati but every time the felony would block my patch and all the could do is advise to fix it. In Cincinnati $50 and it would be gone if I had committed my felony there. I worked with the mentaly ill in Cincy until the program closed down. If I had had more time and money could have found what, now I am stuck in Lexington and can do good to keep a roof over my had. I could not even contine the education that I was getting in Cincy, because there is know Leadership/Ministry program not Ministry but Leadership/Ministry in Lexington. I could even take the class on line because I do not make enough money to pay for the internet. I left here because Lexington was not a place to meet my needs and if I stayed here I would have died.
Sister Blackbutn
Any Help that you can give me would be a blessing
Thank You
Whoever said that our Governor had any morals he is showing what he really is. He is not fit to be a Dog catcher. I hope the people of Ky. remember him when he run next time. He is such a liar he is still trying to get casinos in Ky.
My 2 cents I have not heard from you I gues you found what I alreay know about this Jiw Crew thinking City and State.
Sister Blackburn
if a 1,000 people said that the sky was falling, that doesn’t mean that the sky is falling, in this country we have a duty to see the other side of the coin, to use an open mind approach to things, and in fact you can’t know who is telling the truth and who isn’t unless you were there and even then it would have to be you that it was done to, memories change and there are all kinds of reasons why a person might get on a bandwagon or two? no I don’t want to be publicly rediculed for not going along with the band that is why I didn’t use my name, you wouldn’t want to either if you dodn’t want to just go along with the propaganda, as I said I have no idea what the man did or didn’t do I wasn’t there
Loretta Blackburn
Getting your rights restored will not eliminate your record. Getting your rights restored only “restores you rights”. To get your record cleared you will need a “full” pardon from the Governor. Personally I see one as a “restoration of Rights” while the other I would consider a Pardon. Until that is done any background check that is run on you will bring up charges you have faced. Believe me, I had my rights restored in 1991 and I still face background issues even though I have been involved in correctional ministry for over 13 years now for the largest missionary correctional chaplaincy ministry in the world. It comes down to politics many times when going for the full pardon.
I hope things will work for you in the long run but the correctional system is what it is and being an ex-offender will often stay with you for life.
Blessings to you.
how does one go about getting a record cleared if it is an old record or a govenors pardon? that would be something to educate people about really and I thank the last poster for bringing it up, is there any way to get false allegations taken out of an old record if one can prove that there is new evidence or evidence that should have been submitted and wasn’t?