Williams awaits court decision

Attorney Gail Williams ran unopposed Tuesday for commonwealth’s attorney but his fate lies in the hands of a circuit judge.

A lawsuit was filed last month questioning if Williams is qualified to hold office, arguing that he is not an Adair County resident.

The case went before special Judge Mark Rosen last Thursday and Rosen said he would not be able to make a ruling on the case prior to Tuesday’s election.

Williams, who was nominated by the Republican Party to run for commonwealth’s attorney after Brian Wright withdrew to run for circuit judge, was in court last week for the hearing and was represented by attorney Mike Harris.

The lawsuit was filed in Adair Circuit Court on behalf of Casey County resident Ronnie Hatter. Hatter’s attorney argues that Williams had sold his residence in Adair County and had moved to Boyd County, where he had also purchased a piece of property with plans to build a house.

Harris told Judge Rosen that Williams and his wife were helping their daughter build a house and they could get a better interest rate so they moved the property into their name. Harris filed documents with the court that included a purchase agreement signed by the daughter.

Rosen said he would file an opinion in the case in “a week or so.” Williams will not be certified for office until after the court ruling and only if the judge determines that he is a legal resident of Adair County.