An evidentiary hearing is being held for Lincoln County Circuit Clerk Dwight Hopkins, who was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into multiple workplace harassment complaints. Hopkins was elected to office on Nov. 8, 2022. On May 22, 2023, the AOC received seven separate complaints alleging that Hopkins had engaged in unlawful workplace harassment and that his behavior created a hostile work environment for the complainants. Hopkins was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. The AOC conducted an investigation and concluded that Hopkins’ conduct ‘constituted discrimination and unlawful workplace harassment, creating a hostile work environment'. Hopkins then requested 'the appointment of a Special Advocate prior to any action being taken against him by the Supreme Court'. The hearing will make findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations concerning whether good cause exists for the Kentucky Supreme Court to remove Hopkins based on the evidence presented at the hearing.