Editor's Note: The Morehead Minute is committed to reporting news in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner. This article is provided solely to inform our readers of a legal filing involving former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis, a public figure from our community. Publication of this story should not be interpreted as support for or opposition to any individual, organization, political viewpoint, or legal position. The allegations described are contained in court filings, and the lawsuit remains pending. As with all legal matters, the claims have not been proven unless and until determined by a court of law.
MOREHEAD, Ky. — Former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis is facing another legal challenge connected to the high-profile marriage license case that drew national attention to Rowan County more than a decade ago.
Attorneys representing David Ermold and David Moore, the couple who sued Davis after being denied a marriage license in 2015, have filed a motion asking a federal court to hold Davis in contempt.
The request comes as the plaintiffs continue efforts to collect a civil judgment previously entered in their favor. Court records indicate Davis owes more than $560,000, including attorney fees, and the plaintiffs allege the judgment remains unpaid.
At the center of the latest dispute are allegations that Davis did not fully disclose property transfers during post-judgment proceedings. According to the plaintiffs' motion, Davis responded to written questions under oath by stating she had not transferred any assets exceeding $2,000 during the previous five years. The plaintiffs contend that public property records show inherited real estate was transferred to family members months before those answers were provided.
Our Previous Report: Former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis Named in New Lawsuit Over Inheritance Transfers
Attorney Michael J. Gartland, who represents the plaintiffs, argues the sworn responses were inaccurate, stating that deed records document property transfers that were not disclosed in Davis' answers.
The motion also states that attorneys for both sides attempted to resolve the matter between July 14 and July 24 but were unable to reach an agreement.
Plaintiffs argue that federal civil procedure rules treat incomplete or misleading discovery responses as a failure to comply with the court's requirements. They are asking the court to order Davis to appear and explain why she should not be held in contempt.
In addition, the motion requests that Davis be required to submit complete and amended answers to the plaintiffs' post-judgment questions and produce documents related to her inheritance and the transfer of those assets. The plaintiffs are also seeking reimbursement for attorney fees and other costs associated with pursuing the motion.
The legal dispute stems from Davis' refusal, while serving as Rowan County Clerk in 2015, to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. The controversy brought widespread media attention to Morehead and Rowan County and ultimately resulted in a federal civil rights lawsuit.
The Morehead Minute will continue to follow the case as it moves through the court system.
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