Former Kentucky Governor Faces Arrest Warrant in Child Support Dispute

Matt Bevin ordered to turn over financial records or face 60 days in jail

Mar. 25, 2026 at 7:05pm

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Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin is facing an arrest warrant after a judge found him in contempt of court for failing to fully provide financial records as part of an ongoing child support dispute with his estranged son, Jonah. The judge ordered Bevin to turn over the documents or face 60 days in jail, though he will avoid jail time if he pays a $500 fine and provides the requested records.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between Bevin and his son Jonah, who has accused his parents of physical and emotional abuse. It also raises questions about transparency and accountability for public officials, even after they have left office.

The details

Jonah Bevin filed an emergency motion last week accusing his father of not fully supplying the required financial disclosures. A judge found Matt Bevin in contempt and ordered him to turn over the documents, but Bevin's submission was deemed incomplete, leading the judge to issue an arrest warrant. Bevin attempted to join the hearing remotely, citing a family funeral, but the judge denied his request and ordered law enforcement to arrest him upon his return to Kentucky.

  • On March 13, Bevin submitted financial records a day past the court-ordered deadline.
  • On March 21, the judge found Bevin in contempt of court for failing to fully provide the required financial documents.
  • On March 25, the judge issued an arrest warrant for Bevin and directed Kentucky law enforcement to arrest him upon his return to the state.

The players

Matt Bevin

The former Republican governor of Kentucky who is involved in a child support dispute with his estranged son.

Jonah Bevin

Matt Bevin's estranged son who has accused his parents of physical and emotional abuse and has restraining orders against them.

Angela Johnson

The Jefferson Family Court judge who found Matt Bevin in contempt of court and issued an arrest warrant.

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What they’re saying

“Every litigant in the commonwealth has to provide such information.”

— Angela Johnson, Jefferson Family Court Judge

What’s next

The judge has ordered Kentucky law enforcement to arrest Matt Bevin upon his return to the state. Bevin will be able to avoid jail time if he pays a $500 fine and provides the requested financial records.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between public officials and their families, as well as the importance of transparency and accountability, even for those who have left office. It serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and that all citizens must comply with court orders.