Todd Willard was sworn in as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney this morning by Chief Fayette Circuit Judge Pamela Goodwine. Before becoming a prosecutor, Todd practiced in civil litigation, primarily medical malpractice defense, where he has tried several cases in state and federal courts. Todd graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in biochemistry and then earned his law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law. He is originally from Oldham County, Kentucky.

On June 1, 2017, defendant Zachary Eugene Adkins was convicted by a jury of Theft by Unlawful Taking Over $10,000, two counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking under $10,000 and Receiving Stolen Property under $10,000. Between May 20th and May 27th 2016, Adkins stole and possessed four different vehicles in Fayette County. Adkins broke into each vehicle and “punched” the ignition, or damaged the ignition in a way that allowed him to start the vehicle with a screwdriver or tool instead of a key. Adkins was also convicted of Persistent Felony Offender First Degree, an enhancement based on his criminal history. The jury recommended a sentence of 11 years on the Theft by Unlawful Taking Over $10,000 and 10 years on each of the remaining charges, for a total of 11 years. Due to his criminal history, the defendant will be required to serve 10 years of his sentence before he becomes eligible for parole. Sentencing will be July 14, 2017. This case was tried in the Ninth Division before the Honorable Judge Kimberly Bunnell. The prosecutors were Francisco Villalobos II and Aaron Ann Cole.