Published: March 04, 2009 05:47 pm      

Steve Nunn resigns cabinet position after assault charge

Judge orders him to have no contact with former fiance

FRANKFORT — Steve Nunn, the deputy secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, resigned Wednesday after a Fayette County Family Court judge issued a domestic violence order against him.

Nunn, 56, is a former legislator and unsuccessful candidate for governor. He is the son of former Gov. Louie B. Nunn, now deceased.

On Feb. 18, Amanda Ross, 29, of Lexington accused Nunn of hitting her four times in the face after he became “combative” while at her house watching a basketball game. She sought an emergency protective order and the two were scheduled to appear in Fayette Family Court on Wednesday.

At that hearing, according to WTVQ-TV of Lexington, Nunn admitted he slapped Ross, his former fiancé. But he denied punching her.

Ross produced photographs for the court, however, which showed her with a bruised face. She also admitted she struck Nunn during the argument, according to a report by WTVQ.

The judge issued a domestic violence order prohibiting Nunn from having any contact with Ross for a period of one year and scheduled Nunn for arraignment on March 11 on charges of 4th Degree Assault and Criminal Mischief.

Late Wednesday, Gov. Steve Beshear’s press office issued a statement announcing Nunn has resigned his position as Deputy Cabinet Secretary.

“Steve Nunn informed the governor this afternoon that he is resigning his position, effective immediately. (Nunn) expressed a desire that his ongoing legal issues not be a distraction to the governor or to the cabinet, which he has been honored to serve,” the statement read.

Nunn last week told CNHI News Service he would be exonerated of all charges and expected to return to his position at the cabinet. He was placed on indefinite administrative leave on Feb. 19, one day after the alleged Feb. 18 altercation with Ross.

Nunn was also acting commissioner of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.

Ross works for state government as well. The two were at one time engaged.

RONNIE ELLIS writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com.