Commonwealth’s Attorney recommends 3 years in prison to serve
By Abigail Roberts
While conducting a search of a residence in 2025, former Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Ron Luster admitted that he removed his body camera, improperly removed a quantity of cash and put it in his pocket, then put his camera back on, according to court records.
Today, Luster pleaded guilty to charges related to that incident including abuse of public trust, tampering with physical evidence and first-degree official misconduct at a hearing before a special judge in Lincoln Circuit Court.
Commonwealth’s Attorney for Pulaski, Lincoln and Rockcastle Counties David L. Dalton provided additional details following the April 15 hearing.
“In February 2026, upon a tip from defense counsel in a trafficking investigation, the Kentucky State Police, with the full cooperation of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office began an inquiry into former deputy Luster’s conduct during the execution of a search warrant on March 29, 2025. Sheriff Hines placed Luster on administrative leave on February 4, 2026,” the press release states.
The Kentucky State Police – DESI East – presented their investigation to the Lincoln County Grand Jury on March 13, 2026. Luster was indicted on the previously stated charges. Hines fired Luster that same day.
Luster, 55, of Hustonville, pleaded guilty to all charges.
Dalton has recommended three years in prison for the offense. He stated he would be opposing any form of probation, shock probation or conditional release. Dalton made this offer after meeting and with the agreement of Sheriff Shawn Hines.
The evidence outlined in court documents reveal that Luster, while conducting a search of a residence in Lincoln County in his official capacity as a Sheriff’s Deputy, removed his body camera, rummaged through a bag containing cash, improperly removed a quantity of cash and shoved it into his pants pocket. He then placed his body camera back on.
“All of these actions were unauthorized exercises of his official functions,” Dalton said.
Sheriff Shawn Hines said he has observed the men and women of his office go through a range of emotions of the last couple of months due to the investigation.
“During this time, I have reminded them, although it seems we are all receiving a black eye from this incident the burden falls on only one person,” Hines said. “We have learned some valuable knowledge from this ordeal and have put into place safeguards to prevent similar occurrences. We are moving on from this and continuing our fight for a safer Lincoln County.”
Dalton thanked the Kentucky State Police for their amazing and swift investigation into this matter.
“KSP poured over hundreds of hours of video from that search and conducted hours of interviews and put together a compelling case against Luster,” Dalton said.
He also thanked Sheriff Hines for his transparent efforts and complete cooperation in the matter.
“The defendant put everyone in a horrible position with his behavior. Officers need to be held to a higher standard and his conduct cast a shadow on the good efforts other officers,” Dalton said.
Due to Luster’s conduct, Dalton’s office had to dismiss dozens of cases which resulted in the loss of hundreds of hours of work by all levels of law enforcement, he said.
“His conduct cannot go unpunished,” Dalton said.
Special Judge Reed set final sentencing for June 15, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Circuit Court.
