By Abigail Roberts
Former Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Ron Luster has been terminated from his position following the conclusion of an administrative investigation.
Lincoln County Sheriff Shawn Hines said effective Friday, March 13, Luster’s employment has been terminated due to an administrative investigation concluded by himself in conjunction with a criminal investigation being conducted by the Kentucky State Police.
Luster was placed on administrative leave Feb. 4 pending an investigation. While Hines handled the administrative investigation, a KSP Detective from the KSP Drug Enforcement Special Investigations Unit — East is handling the criminal investigation.
Hines said the administrative investigation found four LCSO policy and procedure violations that warranted the dismissal.
Those four policies/procedures include the following:
LCSO 2023-9A: code of conduct
LCSO 2023-23: ethical conduct; abuse of power
and
LCSO 2023-77: body worn video recording.
Kentucky State Police issued a press release just before 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13.
Luster arrested on criminal charges
After receiving a misconduct tip, the Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement Special Investigations Branch launched an investigation into Luster in January.
“On Feb. 3, 2026 KSP detectives notified Lincoln County Sheriff Shawn Hines of the allegations,” the release states. “The sheriff fully cooperated and assisted with the investigation, immediately suspending Luster.”
Luster has been indicted by a Lincoln County grand jury on charges of tampering with physical evidence, abuse of public trust and official misconduct (first-degree).
Luster has been arrested and lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center.
“The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Until the judicial process is complete, premature disclosure of additional information could reveal investigatory leads and potentially hinder future investigative steps,” the release states. “Additionally, releasing further details could pose a significant risk of influencing potential jurors by shaping opinions before all relevant evidence is presented in court.”
