Operation Boptrot facts for kids

Operation Boptrot was a major investigation by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It looked into problems with how politicians in Kentucky were doing their jobs. Specifically, it focused on members of the Kentucky General Assembly, which is Kentucky's law-making group. The investigation was very successful. It led to many politicians being found guilty between 1992 and 1995. This investigation also helped new laws be created in 1993 to make things fairer.

How the Investigation Worked

The FBI called this special investigation "Operation Boptrot." It was about politicians who took money or gifts to support certain laws about horse racing in Kentucky. The FBI first looked at committees in the Kentucky House of Representatives and the Kentucky Senate. These committees were in charge of laws about businesses, organizations, and professions (that's the "BOP" part of Boptrot). They also oversaw horse racing (that's the "trot" part). This investigation showed how some politicians were willing to make decisions based on small amounts of money.

What Happened to the Politicians

Many politicians were found guilty because of Operation Boptrot. Here are some of the people involved and what happened:

• Don Blandford, who was the Speaker of the House, was found guilty after a trial. He was sentenced to prison and had to pay a fine.
• Buel Guy, an aide to Don Blandford and a former politician, admitted he was not honest with the FBI.
• Bruce Wilkinson, who worked for the Governor at the time, was found guilty of trying to get money illegally. He was sentenced to prison and had to pay a fine.
• Representative Jerry Bronger admitted he took money to stop a law that would hurt harness racing. He was sentenced to prison.
• Senator Helen Garrett admitted she took money from a horse track to help pass a law. She received a period of probation.
• Senator John Hall admitted to working with others to do something wrong.
• Representative Ronny Layman admitted he tried to get money illegally and was not honest with the FBI. He had to stay at home for a few months and do community service.
• Senator David LeMaster was found guilty of not being honest. He was sentenced to prison and had to pay a fine, but he only served one day after leaving his job.
• Representative Bill McBee was sentenced to prison for taking money and not following the rules.
• Senator Virgil Pearman admitted he took an illegal donation for his election campaign. He spent time in a special house, had probation, and paid a fine.
• Senator John Rogers, who was a leader in the Kentucky Senate, was sentenced to prison. He was found guilty of trying to get money illegally and not being honest with the FBI.
• Senator Landon Sexton admitted he took an illegal cash donation for his election campaign. He spent weekends in jail, time at home, and had probation. He also paid a fine.
• Representative Bill Strong admitted he took an illegal election campaign donation and did not put it in the right place. He spent time in a special house, had probation, and paid a fine.
• Representative Richard Turner admitted he filed a false report about his election campaign money.
• Senator Patti Weaver admitted she was promised help finding a job if she supported a certain law. She spent weekends in jail, had probation, did community service, and paid a fine.
• Richard Turner, a State Representative, admitted he filed a false report about his election campaign money in 1993.
• Art Schmidt, a State Senator, admitted he did not tell the truth about taking cash from another senator linked to Operation Boptrot. He had probation and paid a fine.
• Clay Crupper, a State Representative, admitted to traveling to help with illegal activities and then left his job. He paid a fine in 1992.
• John W. "Jay" Spurrier, who was a very well-known lobbyist (someone who tries to influence politicians), was also involved.