On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Mountain Top News reported that jury selection is scheduled to begin in the federal fraud and theft trial of suspended Pike Circuit Judge Howard Keith Hall. The trial is set to proceed following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, who denied Hall’s request to dismiss the indictment.
Hall was indicted in April on two counts of mail fraud and one count of theft of government funds, stemming from his time as county attorney. The central allegation is that Hall appointed an assistant who performed minimal work but received over $440,000 in salary and benefits. Prosecutors further claim that Hall subsequently received more than $500,000 in payments from the assistant’s law firm.
Judge Tatenhove has scheduled jury selection to commence at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 7, in Frankfort federal court. Opening arguments are slated to begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 10.
The trial is anticipated to shed light on the alleged financial improprieties during Hall’s tenure as county attorney and his relationship with the appointed assistant and their law firm. The proceedings will determine whether Hall misused his position for personal financial gain, as the prosecution contends. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Hall’s career and reputation, as well as for public trust in the integrity of legal professionals.
Source: Mountain Top News
