A former state mine inspector indicted for taking bribes from a state lawmaker is now facing charges from the Executive Branch Ethics Commission.
The commission charged Kelly Shortridge with four counts of violating state ethics laws for his part in a scheme with Democratic state Rep. W. Keith Hall. A federal grand jury has indicted Hall for paying Shortridge more than $46,000 to ignore safety violations at some mines Hall owned. Shortridge is accused of trying to extort more money from Hall and for lying to federal agents.
Both Hall and Shortridge have pleaded not guilty in federal court. The ethics commission unveiled a formal complaint against Shortridge that could lead to a civil penalty after a formal hearing.
Hall represented Pike County for 14 years before being defeated in the May primary.
