Governor Andy Beshear has appointed Stephanie Bolen as the new Commonwealth Attorney for Christian County, replacing Rick Boling who retired Tuesday.
According to a news release, Bolen has extensive legal experience and is licensed to practice law in Kentucky, Virginia, and two U.S. District Courts.
Her private practice concentrated in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury, wrongful death, and family law, representing clients in both state and federal courts.
Bolen expressed her excitement in the release, stating that she was “honored and grateful for the opportunity to protect the rights of victims, defendants, and the community.”
Bolen is the first African-American Commonwealth’s Attorney in both Christian County and the Western Kentucky region.
Bolen said she believes that everyone should be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, regardless of their appearance, residence, or socio-economic standing, and she ensures that everyone will receive equal treatment and justice.
In September of 2022, Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling terminated Bolen from her position as assistant commonwealth’s attorney, citing a list of reasons for her dismissal.
She ran against Christian County Circuit Court Judge John Atkins in the November General Election for the non-partisan Circuit Judge’s race but ultimately lost after Atkins garnered 69% of the reported votes compared to her 31%.