By AP
Frankfort, Ky – A Senate Democratic leader from eastern Kentucky will likely be indicted for election fraud growing out of his bitter 2000 primary victory over a veteran incumbent.
According to his attorney, senator Johnny Ray Turner of Drift is expected to be charged with mail fraud and conspiracy to commit voter fraud.
Defense attorney Brent Caldwell said the U. S. Attorney's office for the eastern district of Kentucky notified him of the pending indictment.
Caldwell said Turner will not resign his senate seat. Turner is senate Democratic caucus chairman.
Caldwell's statement did not indicate a likely date for the indictment.
In 2000 Turner, a high school basketball coach and a political newcomer with strong local ties and a well-known name, defeated Benny Ray Bailey, a 20 year incumbent