Sentencing of Former Care Center Coordinator

Attorney General Jack Conway has announced the sentencing of a former regional coordinator for the Mountain Comprehensive Care Center in eastern Kentucky on charges involving forgery and fraud.

Kathy Jo Ryan, 49, was sentenced in Franklin Circuit Court on Friday after pleading guilty to four counts of employee aid to other to defraud an assistance program.

A joint investigation by General Conway's Public Integrity/Special Investigations Branch and the Kentucky Office of the Inspector General revealed that Ryan forged doctors' notes and information on applications for the Hart-Supported Living grant in November 2012. The Hart-Supported Living program provides Kentuckians with disabilities the help they need to live successfully in a home of their choice and to participate in their community. According to the investigation, Ryan helped secure funding for renovations to her home.

"Ms. Ryan used her position to take advantage of a state-funded program that many citizens rely on," General Conway said. "I'm pleased that she is accepting responsibility for her actions and that her sentence includes restitution."

Ryan was ordered to pay $64,993 in restitution within 90 days. She received a probated five-year prison sentence. Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney Larry Cleveland handled the prosecution of this case.