By Angela Hatton
Benton, KY – Graves County Commonwealth's Attorney David Hargrove has taken over a sexual misconduct case involving a former Marshall County schools part-time staff member. Marshall County Commonwealth's Attorney Mark Blankenship had been in charge of the case, but he decided to hand over the prosecution after learning the suspect has ties to a Marshall County attorney. Blankenship's office tells the Tribune-Courier they wanted to avoid any suggestion of impropriety. The Kentucky State Police continue to investigate the allegations of an inappropriate relationship between the suspect and a student. However, no criminal charges have been filed. KSP Trooper Dean Patterson says electronic evidence is still being assessed at a state crime lab. The paraprofessional employee resigned from the school system in June.