(WKYT) – A Lincoln County sheriff’s deputy was terminated from employment after Kentucky State Police say they found evidence of misconduct.
Ron Luster, 55, was a sheriff’s deputy until a tip from a defense counsel in a trafficking investigation came to life in February. The tip was about the execution of a search warrant on March 29, 2025.
After receiving the tip, Sheriff Hines placed Luster on administrative leave and the Kentucky State Police began an investigation. They presented their information to the Lincoln County Grand Jury March 13, 2026. Luster was indicted and fired from the sheriff’s office later that day.
Luster pled guilty to all charges of abuse of public trust, tampering with physical evidence, and first degree official misconduct today at a hearing in Lincoln Circuit Court. He admitted to the following:
- Removing his body camera
- Rummaging through a bag containing cash
- Removing a number of the cash and shoved it into his pants pocket
- Placing the body camera back on
Sheriff Hines says, “I have observed the men and women of my office go through a range of emotions over the last couple of months. During this time I have reminded them, although it seems we are all receiving a black eye from this incident the burden falls on only one person.”
Luster’s final sentencing is set for June 15.