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Joe P. Asher

Staff Writer

For the first time in many years, a new commonwealth’s attorney has taken the reigns in Harlan.

Special Judge James Bowling swore in Steven Parker Boggs as commonwealth’s attorney at the Harlan Circuit Court courtroom at 9 a.m. Monday.

Boggs said he and his staff will be getting to work immediately.

“It’s a job that’s well defined,” said Boggs. “There are things on the calendar and we’ll look at them as they come up.”

Along with Boggs, the Harlan Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will see a couple of other new faces.

“I’m happy that Jonathan Lee and Karen Davenport will both be part-time assistant commonwealth’s attorneys,” said Boggs. “I’m glad to have them working with me. They’re both well respected and good attorneys. They bring a variety of experience to the office and I look forward to working with them.”

According to Boggs, there are no big changes in store.

“We don’t have to reinvent the wheel, we just have to keep the wheel rolling,” said Boggs.

Davenport said she looks forward to her new position.

“Really it wasn’t until recently that we determined ‘yes I’ll do it.’ That meant me giving up my criminal defense practice, but I think being a prosecutor — something I haven’t done before — that’s a new challenge,” said Davenport.

Davenport said her experience as a defense attorney will benefit her as a member of the commonwealth’s attorney’s staff.

“I would not see myself now as the enemy of people I may have defended before,” said Davenport. “There are unusual and unique circumstances to every single case and that’s something that’s important to look at. Not just an across the board ‘this is what we do in this type of case.’ There are people involved.”

Former Commonwealth’s Attorney Henry Johnson was in attendance for the ceremony.

“I came over to see Mr. Boggs’ swearing in,” said Johnson. “I know it’s as momentous an occasion for him as it was for me. I wish him well in the office and I hope he finds it as rewarding as I did. I think that he will. It’s a wonderful position to have.”

Although his tenure as prosecuting attorney may be over, Johnson still plans to remain on the legal scene in Harlan.

“I’m going to start private practice,” said Johnson. “I’ll be in criminal defense and general civil practice. I’ll have an office probably by the end of the week.”

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@heartlandpublications.com