Tuesday, August 2, 2011

DPA Social Worker Sarah Johnson Appointed to Parole Board

Social worker appointed to Parole Board   The Morehead News

Last week Sarah Johnson was helping criminal offenders in Rowan, Bath, Menifee and Montgomery counties.

This week she has that role for the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Gov. Steve Beshear recently appointed the social worker to the Kentucky Parole Board after her five years of service to the Rowan County-based office of the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy.

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“She’s done a phenomenal job for us and our clients,” said attorney Jay Barrett, Johnson’s supervisor in the local DPA office.

“This is great of for Kentucky but it’s a horrible loss for our lawyers, our clients and the DPA,” he added.

Chief Circuit Judge Beth Lewis Maze said Johnson grew into her heart of service after working with her father, Bill Grimes, at the New Hope Clinic in Owingsville. The clinic offers free health services to low-income populations.

Maze said Johnson is well suited for the Parole Board because of the work she’s done at the DPA.

“Sarah’s got a lot of experience being in the trenches that will be beneficial to the parole board,” Maze said.

“She’s had enough experience to cut through the get-out-of jail-free cards. She’s had the opportunity to look at people’s criminal history, and she’s got a background in helping people. I’m excited that we have someone from this circuit on the board,” Maze added.

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