The Frankfort Police Department has initiated an internal investigation into the conduct of Sergeant Ethan Cunningham, which has been temporarily paused pending the results of a separate probe by Boone County authorities, according to a statement from the department. The move comes amid growing public scrutiny following allegations against the officer, though no formal charges have been filed as of yet.
The internal review, first reported by local media, was suspended on Thursday to allow Boone County investigators to complete their examination of the case. A spokesperson for the Frankfort Police Department confirmed the pause, stating, “We are cooperating fully with the Boone County investigation and will resume our internal review once that process is complete.” The department did not disclose the nature of the allegations but emphasized that the pause does not imply any conclusion about Cunningham’s involvement.
The Boone County investigation, which began earlier this month, is focused on an incident involving Cunningham that occurred in late April, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the matter. The source declined to comment further, citing the ongoing nature of the probe. Meanwhile, the Frankfort Police Department has not released a timeline for when the internal review might resume.
Public reaction to the developments has been mixed. Local residents have called for transparency, with some demanding that the department provide more details about the allegations. “We deserve to know what’s happening,” said Sarah Lin, a Frankfort resident. “This isn’t just about one officer—it’s about accountability.” On the other hand, some community members have urged patience, acknowledging the complexity of the cases. “It’s important that both investigations are allowed to proceed without interference,” said Mark Reynolds, a local business owner.
The situation has also drawn attention from state officials. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s office has not commented directly but has stated in a press release that “all law enforcement agencies in the state are expected to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.” The release did not mention Cunningham specifically but reiterated the office’s commitment to supporting local investigations.
Historically, similar cases have taken several months to resolve, according to data from the Kentucky Office of Justice Programs. In 2022, a statewide review of police conduct found that internal investigations averaged 8.2 months from initiation to conclusion, with external probes often extending the process further. However, the exact duration of this case remains uncertain.
What’s next for the investigation? The Boone County authorities have not provided a projected timeline for their review, but officials have indicated that they are prioritizing the case. A spokesperson for the Boone County Sheriff’s Office said, “We are committed to a thorough and impartial examination of all evidence.” Once their investigation concludes, the Frankfort Police Department’s internal review is expected to resume, though the department has not specified when.
For now, Cunningham remains on administrative leave, according to a departmental directive. The police department has not commented on whether other officers are involved or if there are additional allegations under scrutiny. Meanwhile, the community awaits further updates, with many hoping for clarity and transparency.
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