News Summary
The Kentucky Court of Appeals has upheld the termination of former Glasgow Police Officer Guy Turcotte, who was dismissed for violating ethics policies. The court’s decision follows a hearing that reviewed multiple misconduct allegations against Turcotte, including inappropriate behavior at a local pet grooming business. Although he was acquitted of criminal harassment charges, his dismissal highlights concerns regarding police conduct and accountability. Turcotte has until June 20 to petition for rehearing. This case has garnered significant public attention as it raises questions about law enforcement standards.
Glasgow, Kentucky – The Kentucky Court of Appeals has upheld the termination of former Glasgow Police Officer Guy Turcotte, affirming a previous decision made by Barren Circuit Court. This ruling follows an administrative hearing that concluded Turcotte violated the department’s ethics policies and code of conduct due to multiple misconduct allegations, including an incident involving inappropriate behavior at a local pet grooming business.
In 2023, Turcotte was accused of improperly touching an employee while bringing his dog for grooming at PetSense. According to testimonies from three employees, Turcotte allegedly placed his arm around one of the employees and positioned his hand near her pubic region without her consent, holding her against him during the encounter. This incident, along with a previous complaint from 2021 regarding inappropriate behavior while entering a restricted area of the shop, led to his eventual dismissal from the police department.
Although criminal charges of harassment were filed against Turcotte in connection with the 2023 incident, a jury in Monroe County acquitted him of those charges last year. Following his termination, Turcotte relocated to Louisiana. His attorney, Matt Baker, has stated that they are currently evaluating the appeals court’s decision and may seek a review from the Kentucky Supreme Court.
The administrative hearing, presided over by Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse, reviewed the allegations against Turcotte, who did not attend the hearing but was represented by his attorney. Mayor Royse rejected the attorney’s request to postpone the hearing until after the criminal trial, asserting that it was in the public interest to promptly address the complaints. Following the hearing, Barren Circuit Judge John Alexander concluded that Turcotte’s due process rights had not been violated and that the evidence presented during the administrative hearing was relevant, noting that it included instances of prior visits to PetSense that had left employees feeling uncomfortable.
The appeals court unanimously supported the decisions of both the lower court and the administrative hearing, emphasizing the need for prompt resolution of such disciplinary actions to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies. Mayor Royse characterized Turcotte’s behavior as “chauvinistic and full of male bravado,” emphasizing that there was no justification for his actions.
As the judicial process continues, Turcotte has until June 20 to file a petition for a rehearing with the full appellate court regarding the recent ruling. Turcotte had served as the chief of the Glasgow Police Department from 2011 to 2014 before continuing as an officer up until his firing in 2023. The case has drawn public attention, highlighting concerns about police conduct and accountability within the community.
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Additional Resources
- BG Daily News: Turcotte Ruling
- WCLU Radio: Turcotte Appeal Nixed
- WBKO: Glasgow Detective Acquitted
- Wikipedia: Police Conduct
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
