Former United States Attorney Retires After 46 Year Career

LEXINGTON, KY - A former U.S. Attorney, who successfully prosecuted cases involving coal mine officials, insurance executives, doctors, sheriffs, and mayors in eastern Kentucky, Texas and Idaho over a 46 year career, retired from the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Eastern District of Kentucky (USAO-EDKY).

Patrick Molloy, 74, began as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the USAO-EDKY in 1967 and served as U.S. Attorney from 1977 to 1981. During that time, the office prosecuted several sheriffs for extortion and mail fraud. Molloy was the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Fayette County from 1972 to1977 and he briefly served as interim U.S. Attorney in Idaho in 1993. Molloy was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Houston, Texas for approximately five years and also was engaged in the private practice of law for a few years.

Molloy educated authorities in several eastern European countries on ways to improve their judicial system. On these international trips, he and others encouraged authorities to develop money laundering laws and create methods for law enforcement to legally seize assets obtained by criminals through unlawful means.

“When I started out we basically had three types of cases in eastern Kentucky – moonshine, property theft, and social security fraud,” said Molloy. “The types of cases we prosecute today are much more complicated. The most rewarding part of the job was getting to learn about a variety of professions through the cases I had. I will miss the people I worked with.”

“Pat’s career stands as a shining example of everything public service should be,” said U.S. Attorney Kerry B. Harvey. “He has made enormous contributions to his community and his nation. Simply put, our communities are better places because of the skill, dedication and unwavering commitment to the cause of justice that he has brought to every case he has touched over a stellar career. Although he leaves us for a well-earned retirement, his example remains for those who continue the work.”

Some of Molloy’s prominent cases include:

• U.S. vs. Manalapan - Mine Safety Violations

In 2013, a Harlan County coal company and several officials pleaded guilty to violating mandatory mine safety standards. The Court imposed a $150,000 fine on Manalapan Mining Company, Inc., which represents the largest criminal fine for a coal company in the EDKY dating back at least two decades.

• U.S. vs. Parker – Civil Rights

In 1983, Molloy prosecuted a water boarding case that occurred on U.S. soil. The defendants, a rural Texas Sheriff and three others, were convicted of torturing suspects in a fashion similar to water boarding. Some of these suspects were arrested on false pretenses.

• U.S. vs. Madon – Vote Buying

Former Pineville, Ky., Mayor Bob Madon and his son, Brent Madon, pleaded guilty in 2009 to a conspiracy to buy votes in a mayoral election.

• U.S. vs. Kelco – Fraud

In March 2003, a viatical company in Lexington, its CEO, president and vice president were convicted of a conspiracy to sell fraudulent life insurance policies. The company executives paid terminally ill people to lie about their health on life insurance applications in order to obtain a policy. The defendants then sold the policies to unsuspecting third parties.

• U.S. vs. Singleton – Pill Mill

Earlier this year, Molloy served as a co-counsel in a case in which a pain clinic owner was convicted of operating pill mills in Georgetown and Dry Ridge. The doctors at these clinics unlawfully distributed pills to thousands of Kentucky patients.

• U.S. vs. Hollingsworth – Civil Rights

In 2010, a deputy jailer in Carter County, Ky., was convicted of sexually abusing female inmates in violation of their civil rights.