14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-Earlington residents shocked by mayor's decision

Earlington residents shocked by mayor's decision

By Cory Stark - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Sarah Harlan - email

HOPKINS CO., KY (WFIE) - The mayor of Earlington bonded out a man indicted for murder.

Wednesday, residents said they are shocked at the news.    

On Friday, October 23, bond was set for John W. Hamilton in the Hopkins County Circuit Court.  

Hamilton is charged with driving the car that struck and killed 18-year-old Julia Wooten the night of September 6.

Police said he was under the influence of alcohol.

Commonwealth Attorney David Massamore, the prosecuter in the case, said he recommended setting bond at $20,000 because he did not believe Hamilton could make bail.

He said he was not anticipating someone else posting bond for him, but Mike Seiber, the mayor of Earlington, Kentucky and a friend of Hamilton's, did.

"I was waiting on the day they posted bail, when his bail was announced there was no doubt that he was coming home that day," Seiber said.

Seiber posted the $20,000 bond. Now that he's released, Hamilton cannot drive a car or consume alcohol.

14 News asked how the community has responded to him bailing out Hamilton.

"I have had nothing but positive remarks from the community," Seiber said. "I've had local people call, stop by the drug store and they have liked what I have done. I stood up on my principals."

But 14 News talked to many Earlington residents Wednesday morning, they said they are shocked and surprised that the mayor would bond someone out that is indicted for murder.

"This has nothing to do with Mike Seiber the mayor of Earlington," Seiber said. "This is Mike Seiber helping out long-time friend Johnny Hamilton."

Hamilton's next court hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 2.

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