Jessamine County

Jessamine County judge-executive appoints new sheriff after Kevin Corman’s death

Lt. Anthony Purcell from the Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office will temporarily serve as the sheriff following the death of Sheriff Kevin Corman. Kevin Grimes, a Nicholasville police officer, will take office as the next sheriff in January.
Lt. Anthony Purcell from the Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office will temporarily serve as the sheriff following the death of Sheriff Kevin Corman. Kevin Grimes, a Nicholasville police officer, will take office as the next sheriff in January. Jessamine County Sheriff's Office

Jessamine County Judge-Executive David West has appointed a new sheriff after Kevin Corman, who held the position since 2006, died Sunday.

Lt. Anthony Purcell will serve as Jessamine County sheriff until Sgt. Kevin Grimes takes over the position in January. Grimes defeated Corman in a primary election last week. West said Purcell has exemplified competency and the highest level of professionalism in his duties as a lieutenant.

“I am confident that the excellent officers and staff of the Jessamine County Sheriff’s office, as well as the citizens of Jessamine County, will be well served with Lt. Purcell’s leadership,” West said in a press release.

Corman was found dead inside his home Sunday by a family member, according to Kentucky State Police. Trooper Adam Hall said Corman died from natural causes.

Jessamine County Sheriff Kevin Corman
Jessamine County Sheriff Kevin Corman

No foul play was suspected, according to state police.

Jessamine County Coroner Michael Hughes said Monday that an autopsy had been completed but official findings weren’t available yet. Hughes said he didn’t think the results of the autopsy would reveal anything unexpected and the death appeared to be natural.

Several took to social media following Corman’s death to pay tribute to the longtime Jessamine County sheriff.

Reporter Taylor Six contributed to this story.

This story was originally published May 23, 2022 at 3:12 PM.

Christopher Leach
Lexington Herald-Leader
Chris Leach is a breaking news reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader. He joined the newspaper in September 2021 after previously working with the Anderson News and the Cats Pause. Chris graduated from UK in December 2018. Support my work with a digital subscription
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW