Grimy Times Exclusive: Lawrence County Attorney Sentenced for Wire Fraud

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Former Lawrence County Attorney Michael T. Hogan and his wife, Joy M. Hogan, 41, were sentenced to 42 months and 12 months and one day, respectively, on April 26, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, for wire fraud. Michael Hogan was also sentenced for federal program theft.

According to the Hogans’ plea agreements, the Hogans conspired with each other to commit wire fraud by issuing checks from a second delinquent tax account for the Lawrence County Attorney’s Office, the statements for which went to their personal residence. Michael Hogan and Joy Hogan would routinely prepare ‘bonus’ checks issued to Joy, and signed by Michael, paid with delinquent tax funds that should have been used on operating expenses for the Lawrence County Attorney’s Office. The Hogans deposited these checks in Joy’s personal account and the couple’s joint accounts and spent the funds on personal expenses.

Michael Hogan admitted he personally benefitted from these payments and knew some of these payments were not reasonable in amount, nor beneficial to the public. According to the indictment, between March 8, 2013, and April 30, 2020, Michael Hogan paid Joy Hogan more than $365,000 from the Lawrence County Delinquent Tax Account.

Michael Hogan also admitted to defrauding the Lawrence County Child Support Enforcement Office, part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. According to his plea agreement, Hogan billed the program for more hours than he actually worked.

Michael Hogan was sentenced to 42 months for wire fraud and federal program theft, while his wife, Joy Hogan, was sentenced to 12 months and one day for wire fraud. The Hogans must serve 85 percent of their prison sentence. Upon their release from prison, both Michael and Joy Hogan will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.

As part of his plea agreement, Michael Hogan agreed to resign as the Lawrence County Attorney. The Hogans pleaded guilty in March 2022.

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