Retired Trooper Jonathan Biven has been formally charged with stealing funds while director of a Kentucky State Police youth summer camp. An investigation that began in 2024 resulted in an indictment last week.
The former director of a Kentucky State Police youth camp is charged with stealing funds from the non-profit.
Former Trooper Jonathan Biven was indicted Aug. 6 by a Clinton County grand jury on theft by unlawful taking involving more than $10,000 but less than $1 million.
According to KSP, an investigation began in 2024 after the agency found “potential misappropriation” of funds belonging to Trooper Island while Biven was head of the program.
Trooper Island is a free summer camp for disadvantaged youth that takes place on Dale Hollow Lake near the Clinton-Cumberland County line. The program is supported entirely through donations.
According to the indictment, the alleged theft occurred between 2019 and 2024.
Glasgow attorney Ken Garrett is representing Biven and says the former trooper didn’t have sole oversight of the funds.
“There was several people who has had access to the finances of Trooper Island, whether it be benefits, the credit card, or the accounts there at Trooper Island," Garrett told WKU Public Radio.
Biven retired from the KSP force in 2024 and currently works as a public safety officer at Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville.
“The Louisville Regional Airport Authority is aware of the charges filed against Mr. Biven related to his prior tenure with the Kentucky State Police and association with Trooper Island,” said Natalie Chaudoin, spokesperson for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “Effective Friday, August 7, 2026, Mr. Biven was placed on administrative leave with pay from the Louisville Regional Airport Authority pending further investigation into this matter.”
Biven is scheduled for arraignment in Clinton Circuit Court on Sept. 10. The Class C Felony carries a punishment of five to ten years in prison, if convicted.
Master Trooper Scott Ferrell was appointed director of Trooper Island on Dec. 4, 2024.
“The Kentucky State Police is committed to upholding the integrity of Trooper Island Camp and providing meaningful, quality experiences for children across the commonwealth,” said Sgt. Matt Suddath, Public Affairs Branch Commander. “Since its creation, Trooper Island has served over 40,000 youth, many of whom have gone on to serve with the Kentucky State Police and other law enforcement agencies.”
Before taking the helm of Trooper Island, Biven was a trooper assigned to KSP Post 3 in Bowling Green where he served part of that time as a public information officer.
In 2011, he was involved in a fatal traffic accident on U.S. 31-W near Park City. According to the police report, his KSP cruiser crossed the centerline and struck a car whose driver died from injuries received in the crash.
An investigation determined Biven wasn't speeding, under the influence, or on cell phone prior to the accident. No criminal charges were filed against Biven.
