HIGDON COMMENDS ATTORNEY GENERAL’S INVESTIGATION INTO DRIVER’S LICENSE FRAUD
Senate Transportation Chair applauds Coleman’s efforts, welcomes state auditors' demand for answers
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2025) —Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon today praised Attorney General Russell Coleman for his office’s ongoing investigation into allegations of fraudulent issuance of Kentucky driver’s licenses. The Attorney General confirmed in a statement to Fox News on Tuesday that his team has been “aggressively investigating this potential fraud for some time now,” in coordination with federal law enforcement.
“These reports reflect troubling and unacceptable conduct,” Coleman said, noting that additional announcements regarding criminal charges are expected.
Higdon, who on Tuesday called for a full-scope investigation following media reports, expressed confidence in the Attorney General’s leadership.
“I’m grateful to know that Attorney General Russell Coleman and his excellent team are on the case,” Higdon said. “Their aggressive mentality is just what we need, and I know my legislative colleagues feel the same way. The Kentucky General Assembly remains committed to leading where we stand, just as his office is, to ensure accountability and transparency. We trust justice will prevail in the courtroom, and lawmakers will seek it for Kentucky residents in the committee room.”
Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, also reacted to the allegations, indicating he will introduce legislation in the 2026 Legislative Session.
“I look forward to monitoring the Attorney General’s efforts and trust the legislature will keep all developments and findings in mind as we continue through the interim period and prepare for the legislative session,” he added.
State Auditor of Public Accounts Allison Ball weighed in on Wednesday, formally requesting an explanation from the administration regarding the alleged misconduct.
“I’m happy to see Auditor Ball step up to seek answers,” Higdon said. “She and her office have done an excellent job of fighting for accountability and transparency for Kentucky taxpayers. I’m eager to collaborate with both the Attorney General and the Auditor on the information they have, or may gather.”
BACKGROUND
According to reports from WDRB News and Fox News Digital, a whistleblower within the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet alleged that employees at a Louisville licensing center sold driver’s licenses—without proper documentation or testing—to individuals in the country illegally. The alleged activity reportedly occurred multiple times a day, with cash payments of $200 per license, over a two-year period.
Coleman stated his office had already begun investigating these claims before their appearance in the media and pledged continued coordination with federal partners to hold wrongdoers accountable.
In a letter released Wednesday and reported by FOX 56 News, Auditor Ball wrote:
“I’m troubled by the reports of an alleged black market within the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet that allows illegal noncitizens to pay cash to bypass not only Kentucky law, but also the law-abiding citizens waiting for long periods of time to obtain their drivers licenses the legal way,” Auditor Ball said. “Today, I am requesting a formal explanation from the Governor and the Transportation Secretary about their plan to address these reports. Kentuckians deserve to have confidence that their tax dollars are funding a government accountable to the people that serves them fairly and lawfully.”
Find the Auditor’s letter in full here.
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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, overseeing efforts to craft biennial road plans, advance Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure, and improve public safety. He also serves as Senate co-chair of the Public Pension Oversight Board, focusing on stabilizing and strengthening Kentucky’s pension systems through reform and surplus investment. Additionally, Higdon is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Licensing and Occupations. During the 2024 interim, he served as a Kentucky Housing Task Force member.
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