Sherifff, chief deputy indicted for official misconduct, abuse of public trust
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 — Nelson County Sheriff Ramon Pineiroa was indicted Wednesday on charges of official misconduct, abuse of public trust, two counts of theft by deception, and violation state law regarding retaliation against whistleblowers connected with a whistleblower lawsuit filed last month by two deputy sheriffs.
Pineiroa and Chief Deputy Brandon Bryan were both indicted by a Nelson County Grand Jury Wednesday on charges stemming from a whistleblower lawsuit that alleged the sheriff retaliated against deputies who reported a supervisor for breaking the law.
According to a WDRB story posted Feb. 7, 2025, the lawsuit claims that Chief Deputy Brandon Bryan illegally sold three vehicles from a Nelson County evidence warehouse. The three vehicles were sold privately at less than market value, rather than public auction as required by law.
The lawsuit states that Pineiroa retaliated against two deputies, Ian Justice and Will Purdom, by removing both men from the Hardin County Regional Drug Task Force and forbidding them from working overtime.
PINEIROA INDICTMENT. The charges against the sheriff include:
COUNT 1: On July 16, 2024, Pineiroa allegedly committed Abuse of Public Trust over $10,000 but less than $100,000 for obtaining property subject to a known legal obligation and dealt with it as his own by failing to make the required disposition of the property.
Abuse of Public Trust is a Class C felony punishable by 5 to 10 in prison.
COUNT 2 & 3: On March 28, 2024 and April 29, 2024, Pineiroa allegedly committed Theft by Deception over $10,000 by falsely obtaining property with a value over $10,000 from two separate individuals.
Theft by Deception Over $10,000 is a Class C felony punishable ty 5 to 10 years in prison.
COUNT 4: On July 17, 2024, Pineiroa committed First-Degree Official Misconduct when he allegedly violated state law when he authorized the sale of forfeited property in a private sale.
Official Misconduct is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
COUNTS 5 & 6: On Feb. 7, 2025, Pineiroa is alleged to have retaliated against Deputy Ian Justice and Deputy Will Purdom for reporting actual or suspected wrongdoing, mismanagement, waste, fraud, or abuse of authority a violation of KRS 61.102.
Violation of KRS 61.102 is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
Pineiroa’s arraignment is set for 2 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025 in Nelson Circuit Court. His bond will be set at his arraignment.
If there is a vacancy as county sheriff, the Nelson County Judge-Executive will appoint a sheriff until an election to fill the office can be held.
Editor’s Note: The indictment of a person by a grand jury or otherwise is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
CHIEF DEPUTY’S INDICTMENT. Chief Deputy Brandon Bryan was indicted for the same charges as Pineroa — Abuse of Public Trust, two counts of Theft By Deception, Official Misconduct and violating KRS 61.102 regarding retaliation against whisteblowers.
Bryan faces two additional charges alleging he commited Second-Degree Forgery.
According to the indictment, between January 2003 and August 2024, he is alleged to have falsely completed or altered a written instrument with the intent to defraud or deceive another person in regard to ownership of property.
Second-degree Forgery is a Class D felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison.
Bryan’s arraignment is set for 2 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025 in Nelson Circuit Court. His bond will be set at his arraignment.
Editor’s Note: The indictment of a person by a grand jury or otherwise is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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