The Perry County Clerk who caused some controversy after a cell phone video appeared to show him knocking on the window of a college student’s car and asking her questions after running her license plate has been indicted on several criminal charges and violations related to the incident.
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According to the seven-count indictment, the incident stemmed from road rage when King “tail-gaited” and followed victim, Kalie Bentley, who was driving in her grandfather’s car, with the intent to harass and intimidate her. The victim recorded the encounter on her cell phone and posted it to social media.
That video quickly went viral.
In the video, King identifies himself by name and tells the girl that because the car has a handicapped plate, a disabled person has to be in the car.
Bentley had borrowed her grandfather’s car to run errands. She tried to explain that to King and got this response; “I know exactly where you live. I ran your plate.” LEX 18 confirmed that only courts and police have law enforcement access to plate information.
When LEX 18 Investigates reporter Richard Essex asked him if he had the authority to look up a license plate, King responded by saying he needed to speak to the county attorney.
He fled his office without making further comment.
King is facing the following counts:
Count 1: Wanton Engangerment – 1st degree – Class D Felony
The indictment states that King intentionally operated his vehicle in such a manner he manifested an extreme indifference to human life when he tail-gaited Kalie Bentley.
Count 2: Harassment – Violation
The indictment states that King followed Bentley into the parking lot of Hazard Community College with the intent to intimidate her for no legitimate purpose.
Count 3: Reckless Driving – Violation
The indictment states that King operated his vehicle without regard to safety and convenience of pedestrians and other vehicles.
Count 4: Menacing – Class B Misdemeanor
The indictment states that King put Kalie Bentley in reasonable apprehension when he blocked her from exiting her vehicle after following her.
Count 5: Stalking – Second Degree – Class A Misdemeanor
The indictment states that King commuted stalking in the second degree when he stalked Kalie Bentley for several miles and used official equipment to run her license plate.
Count 6: Unlawful Imprisonment – Class A Misdemeanor
The indictment states that King unlawfully restrained Kalie Bentley by positioning his vehicle behind hers in the parking lot.
Count 7: Official Misconduct in the First Degree- Class A Misdemeanor.
The indictment states that King misrepresented his office, of Perry County Clerk, as having peace officer authority to follow another citizen, detain them, and running license plates.
On the advice of their attorney, Kalie Bentley and her family chose not to speak with LEX 18.
