Ex-officer’s attorney denies wrongdoing following indictment on drug charges

STAFF REPORT

TONY SATTERLY

Thursday, March 20, 2014, 2:30 p.m. — Former Bardstown Police Officer Joseph A. “Tony” Satterly was indicted Wednesday, March 19, 2014, on 10 counts of fraudulently obtaining prescriptions for  oxycodone and hydrocodone.

According to the indictment issued by the Nelson County grand jury, on July 29, Aug. 1, Aug. 7, Nov. 2, Nov. 15, Nov. 20, Nov. 25, Nov. 27 and Dec. 2, 2013 and on Jan. 14, 2014, Satterly allegedly obtained prescriptions by misrepresenting or knowingly withheld information from a medical practitioner — accusations that Satterly, through his attorney, denied.

Satterly’s attorney, Keith Sparks, issued a statement Wednesday following the indictment.

“We knew from speaking with the state troopers that they were going to present the case today. Everyone needs to understand that grand juries don’t determine guilt or innocence. They only hear one side of the case and then decide whether there is enough evidence to charge a person with an offense. They don’t have the benefit of the accused’s explanation, or of facts which may prove that no crime was committed. Many people are indicted who are subsequently found not guilty by a jury that hears the whole story,” Sparks’ statement stated.

“In Tony’s case, he was legally prescribed pain pills for two injuries he received on the job. Tony became dependent on the medication to help control his pain. These prescriptions are highly addictive. His addiction is no different than what Brett Favre, Rush Limbaugh and countless others have experienced.

“Tony admitted his problem and voluntarily sought help earlier this year. He doesn’t believe that he ever misrepresented anything to his doctors. He certainly denies that he obtained medication by fraud, as has been alleged.
Right now, we are looking forward to seeing the evidence, and discussing the case with the Commonwealth. Hopefully, everyone will look at the totality of circumstances involved, and we can reach a quick and fair resolution.”

The investigation was led by the Kentucky State Police drug special investigations unit.

Bail will be set at his arraignment on Thursday, April 3, 2014.

Editor’s note: An indictment is a formal accusation only, and is not a determination of guilt.

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