FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Executive Branch Ethics Commission has charged a former government official with violating the state's ethics code by allegedly using his position to solicit campaign contributions for Gov. Steve Beshear's re-election campaign last year.The Ethics Commission took the action against former Deputy Justice Secretary Charles Geveden in a meeting Monday. The charges stem from accusations that Geveden solicited subordinates to contribute to the Beshear campaign.Ethics Commission Executive John Steffen said his agency's investigation found nothing to suggest Beshear knew what Geveden was allegedly doing.Geveden could face fines of up to $5,000 for each of three counts and a public reprimand in the case that could take months to resolve.The Ethics Commission began investigating the case in September 2011.A hearing date hasn't yet been set.
