04 Sep Statement Following the Arrest of Former Gov. Matthew Bevin

“This was never about sending a former governor to jail—it was about getting support for a child who now has to see his father choose incarceration over supporting him.”

Helmers+Associates, counsel representing Jonah Bevin, issues the following statement regarding the arrest of former Kentucky Governor Matthew Bevin on an outstanding warrant issued by the Jefferson Circuit Court Family Division:

The rule of law applies to everyone. Neither power nor public office excuses disobedience of a court order. But there is no cause for celebration when enforcing a parent’s obligations requires an arrest.

This litigation was never about putting a former governor in jail. From the beginning, this proceeding was about securing basic support, educational remediation, and stability for a child who was left to navigate severe hardship and trauma on his own.

“There is profound sadness in that Jonah must watch his father choose jail over fulfilling his obligations to support his son,” said John H. Helmers, Jr., and Melina Hettiaratchi, co-counsel for Jonah Bevin. “Jonah did not seek this public conflict. He sought basic support he needed to rebuild his life. We hope this enforcement action finally marks the end of deliberate evasion and the beginning of accountability. We are proud to be able to represent Jonah, a young man who has remarkable courage despite the trauma and abuse that he has endured.”

“The sad reality is that adoption is supposed to be forever. And this makes it clear that my parents haven’t felt that kind of love for me in a long time,” said Jonah Bevin. He continues to focus on his future, pursuing educational opportunities, and advocating for the rights of vulnerable adopted youth.

About Helmers + Associates

Helmers+Associates is a Louisville-based law firm specializing in family law, child support litigation, and complex cases. Led by John H. Helmers, Jr. and Melina Hettiaratchi, the firm is committed to courageous representation. For more information, visit www.HelmersLaw.com.

Media Contact Information

Melina Hettiaratchi & John H. Helmers, Jr.
Helmers+Associates
607 West Main Street, Suite 202, Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 581-0077
Email: melina@helmerslaw.com | jhelmers@janae-martin