MURRAY, Ky. — Former HOPE Calloway executive director Nathan Carter appeared in court Thursday following his arrest Wednesday on multiple theft-related charges.
According to the Murray Sentinel, Calloway District Judge Randall Hutchens set Carter’s bond at $100,000. The 40-year-old is charged with theft by unlawful taking and 19 counts of theft by deception, allegedly committed during his tenure as executive director. Carter resigned from the organization in December.
Hours after the bond was set, Carter’s attorney, Mitch Ryan, filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, challenging both the bond and his continued detention. The filing argues that the bond violates Kentucky law and constitutional protections against excessive bail. It also notes that Carter has no prior criminal history, voluntarily surrendered to authorities, and was assessed as low risk for failing to appear by Pretrial Services.
Murray Police launched an investigation last month after being alerted to financial discrepancies discovered during a leadership transition at HOPE Calloway.
The case remains under investigation, and Carter’s next court appearance is pending.
