Beech Tree News Network

Former Butler County Sheriff Joe Gaddie changed his plea of not guilty to one of guilty last week but will not be serving any time behind bars.  Gaddie, 66, of Quality, pleaded guilty to second degree criminal abuse (Class D felony, victim under 12-years of age) - a reduction from first degree criminal abuse in which he was previously indicted by a Butler County Grand Jury.  He was arrested April 20 following that indictment on allegations that he had abused a minor.  If that case had gone to trial and Gaddie has been found guilty, he could have been sentenced to ten years in prison.  
In a story published last week by the Bowling Green Daily News, Gaddie stated that the charges against him came after he spanked his 7-year-old granddaughter and that he had no intention of causing any harm. Citing his age, Gaddie indicated to the Daily News that he entered the guilty plea to avoid jail time and so that he could help raise his granddaughters.  
Under the five-year supervised diversion agreement, Gaddie is required to follow all recommendations of Family Court and the Department for Community-Based Services; he cannot have any access to a handgun or firearm; he must obey all rules imposed by Probation and Parole, which includes home visits; he must not commit another offense, specifically the Penal Code or Controlled Substance Act; must pay a $25 monthly supervision fee to Probation and Parole; he must remain drug and alcohol free and be subject to random testing. 
If Gaddie violates the terms of the pretrial supervised diversion agreement, he will facing a five-year prison sentence.  If completed successfully, the charge will be designated as "Dismissed-Diverted." 
Gaddie, a former Kentucky State Police trooper and detective, served as Butler County Sheriff from 2007-2010.  He was defeated in a 2010 primary challenge by current Sheriff Scottie Ward.