Kentucky

From the Sentinel-Echo and Dan Manning is the following story.

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Steele Sworn in as Commonwealth Attorney for Laurel and Knox Counties (27th Judicial District)

After five years as an assistant commonwealth?s attorney, prosecuting felony cases in Laurel and Knox circuit courts, Jackie Steele was sworn in Thursday as commonwealth?s attorney.

Steele was appointed to the position by Gov. Steve Beshear after the retirement of Danny Evans, who retired May 31 after 30 years on the job.

Steele, who has prosecuted hundreds of cases, has been primarily responsible for violent crimes cases, such as murder and rape.

?He was taking on those cases early on,? Evans said. ?When Tom Handy was still the commonwealth?s at-torney, Jackie was volunteering his time as an unpaid assistant.?

In addition to the administrative duties that come with the job of commonwealth?s attorney, Steele said he will continue prosecuting cases.

?Oh yes,? Steele said. ?One of the things that I really enjoy is the trial work.?

Evans said Beshear?s choice of Steele is a good one for the people of Laurel and Knox counties.

?He will make a fine commonwealth?s attorney,? Evans said. ?He is smart and experienced.?

Steele said he does not foresee any changes in the office in terms of the assistant commonwealth?s attorneys or the staff. However, because of state budget cuts, he said there will not be another assistant hired at this time.

Steele credited Evans for being a leader who allowed his staff to do their jobs.

?Danny had a knack for not micromanaging,? Steele said. ?He trusted his staff to handle the routine matters of the job.?

Steele will serve at least until November when the position will be on the ballot. The winner will serve the remainder of the term,, which is scheduled to expire in 2012.

Steele is a 1993 graduate of South Laurel High School. He received his law degree from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in 2001. After graduating law school, Steele practiced civil law with Weatherly Law Office in London for a year and a half before moving on to the Commonwealth?s Attorney?s Office. Steele and his wife, Jennifer have three sons, Jacob, Joshua and Jordan.

See, another story in the Times Tribune by clicking here.