A Kentucky probation officer, Paul Travis Duncan, used his authority to pursue vulnerable women on his caseload—texting them at all hours, showing up at their homes, bringing gifts, and even moving one woman and her children into his house while she was under his supervision. This is a blatant abuse of power. And yet, he wasn't fired. He wasn’t even charged with a crime. Instead, he was quietly allowed to resign.

This isn’t an isolated incident. According to a recent investigation, at least seven Kentucky probation or parole officers in recent years were accused of pursuing personal or sexual relationships with people they supervised. Only two were ever criminally charged. The rest were allowed to walk away, often with nothing more than a resignation letter and, in a few cases, a fine.

This system protects the abuser, not the abused. Women on probation or parole are often single mothers, in recovery from addiction, and terrified of being sent back to jail. They rely on these officers to uphold the law—not exploit their fear and vulnerability. When that trust is shattered, and no one is held criminally accountable, the message is clear: the rules don’t apply if you wear the badge.

We are calling on Attorney General Russell Coleman and the appropriate Commonwealth’s Attorneys to re-examine the case of Paul Travis Duncan and other officers who misused their power. Resignation is not justice. There must be a full criminal review of whether state laws—especially around coercion, misconduct, or abuse of public trust—were broken.

We also urge Kentucky lawmakers to strengthen laws and close loopholes that allow public employees to avoid charges simply by stepping down.

Women in the justice system are still human beings. They deserve protection, dignity, and justice. If those sworn to uphold the law can exploit their power without consequences, what message are we sending?

Sign this petition if you believe no one is above the law—especially not the ones enforcing it.