Kentucky’s Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Tuesday he has appointed Carrie Ovey-Wiggins to temporarily serve as Special Commonwealth’s Attorney for Kentucky’s 1st Judicial Circuit, which includes Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton and Hickman counties.
The move follows the tragic death of longtime Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Stacy, who died in a car crash on April 29 in Hickman County.
Stacy served as Ballard County Attorney from 1994 to 2006 and as Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit from 2006 until his death. He was widely respected, earning the Outstanding County Attorney Award in 2000, the Outstanding Commonwealth’s Attorney Award in 2011, and, most recently, the 2024 Redford Award for Outstanding Kentucky Prosecutor.
Ovey-Wiggins currently serves as Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 56th Judicial Circuit—Caldwell, Livingston, Lyon, and Trigg counties—and is in her second term. She brings extensive experience to the role, having also served as Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney and following in the footsteps of her father, G.L. Ovey, who held the same post for 27 years.
Ovey-Wiggins will lead a team already serving in the 1st Circuit, including two Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys, a Commonwealth’s Detective, a Victim’s Advocate and an administrative assistant. The Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit will also assist.
In a written statement, Coleman said Ovey-Wiggins has “an incredible reputation, work ethic, and dedication to the people of West Kentucky,” and that his office is committed to supporting her and the office in protecting families of the River Counties.
Ovey-Wiggins will serve until the Governor appoints a permanent replacement or voters elect a new Commonwealth’s Attorney.
