Former Christian County football coach Steve Lovelace appeared once again in Christian County Circuit Court Wednesday morning, and it appears there could be a conflict of interest in the Commonwealth Attorney’s office.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Bolen said that prior negotiations involving a previous Commonwealth’s Attorney, one Rick Boling, were for Lovelace to receive a one-year felony pre-trial diversion — following a pair of charges related to a pair of failed dispositions.
She noted, however, that her office has a conflict of interest in levying any punishment toward him.
Judge John Atkins asked if there were current, ongoing relationships between her office staff and Lovelace.
Bolen said, “no,” but she further noted it didn’t need to appear that Lovelace was getting “special treatment.” A reduction, or a dismissal, she said, would make it appear he would be getting such.
Atkins further pressed about the potential conflict of interest, as well.
Defense Attorney David Bundrick said the case ended up on Wednesday’s docket because he filed a motion for a subpoena return date, and he asked for the case return to the courtroom in the next 1-to-2 weeks.
Atkins wholeheartedly agreed, stating things “needed to be resolved,” but time was needed. Both parties are set to appear again July 19 with more clarity.
Lovelace’s trial has been moved three times, and was most recently placed to begin Monday, July 24. That date is now in jeopardy.
Lovelace is charged with theft by failure to make required disposition of property and theft by failure to make required disposition of property of more than $10,000, following the result of alleged incidents that occurred during his seven-year span as Christian County football coach from January 2014 and December 2020.
As the plaintiff, CCPS officials have claimed that Lovelace converted between $500 ad $10,000 in funds and/or checks from the CCHS Football Booster and Quarterback Club for personal use. They further claim Lovelace unlawfully converted more than $10,000 in cash/checks that belonged to CCHS for personal use.
Lovelace was indicted by a Christian County grand jury in June of 2021, and he resigned as coach in March 2021 — less than two weeks after CCPS leaders announced he’d been dismissed as athletic director.
He is currently an assistant coach and defensive guru for the Paducah Tilghman Blue Tornado football team.
