Louisville Metro Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin, D-2, left in the middle of her own ethics hearing at the request of her attorney.
Shanklin has been accused of violatingfive provisions of the city’s ethics code, including using her position to benefit relatives.After being called for questioning, Shanklin invoked her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. Hearing Officer Ann Sheadel tried to explain to Shanklin the consequences of remaining silent in her case, and said the Ethics Commission could make adverse assumptions on whatever questions the prosecutors asked.Shanklin’s attorney, Aubrey Williams, then pointed to the door and told her to go home.Prosecutors continued to ask all questions at the commission’s request, and under protest from Williams.Commissioners have heard testimony so far from Louisville Metro Corrections Director Mark Bolton, the city’s Chief Financial Officer, Steve Rowland and Ingram Quick, the city's internal auditor.
