Matt Bevin Held in Contempt in Adoptive Son’s Child Support Case
Updated March 20, 2026, 5:22 p.m. ET
Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin was found in contempt of court for missing deadlines to provide financial documents related to a case where his adopted son, Jonah Bevin, is seeking retroactive child support. A judge ruled Bevin did not act in “excellent faith” after initially submitting heavily redacted financial statements.
Contempt Ruling and Financial Disclosure Dispute
Jefferson Family Court Judge Angela Johnson ruled that Matt Bevin had not acted “in good faith” when he initially turned over financial disclosure statements that were significantly redacted, though he has since provided the documents again with only his home address blacked out. Attorneys for Jonah Bevin argued the former governor had failed to provide additional documents relevant to the upcoming trial to determine potential relief for the young man. Courier Journal reported on the details of the hearing.
Sentencing in the contempt ruling is set for noon on March 24th. Bevin could face a fine or jail time, though the judge indicated she could waive penalties if the needed documents are submitted before the hearing. The case’s trial is scheduled for March 27th if no settlement is reached.
Details of the Case
Jonah Bevin intervened in his adoptive father’s divorce case, seeking retroactive child support for years spent at boarding schools during his teenage years. These included Atlantis Leadership Academy in Jamaica, which was Lex18 reported was raided by local law enforcement in 2024 amid allegations of abuse.
At issue is the legitimacy of a diploma Jonah Bevin received from a Florida boarding school. Jonah Bevin is one of four Ethiopian natives the Bevins adopted in 2012. He has stated he believes he was adopted to improve his adoptive father’s public image.
Prior Legal Actions and Testimony
Matt Bevin had a protective order against him for several months last year, sought by Jonah Bevin, who expressed fear for his safety after going public with his story. During a March 2025 hearing regarding the order, Matt Bevin represented himself and questioned his son.
During the March 20th hearing, Bevin testified via Zoom while driving, and stated, “I love my son Jonah. I love all my children. I want what is in their best interest.”
Judge Johnson stated she would have been lenient if Bevin had presented proof he was working to rectify the situation, but noted, “But he didn’t do that. So I have no choice but to find that you are in contempt of court for violating this court’s order. You didn’t do what you were supposed to do when you were supposed to do it, and you were aware of what it was that you were supposed to do.”
Legal Representation and Next Steps
John Helmers and Melina Hettiaratchi of Helmers+Associates represent Jonah Bevin. They are seeking financial documents including Matt Bevin’s most recent state and income tax returns, and bank account statements. NK Tribune reported that Jonah Bevin’s lawyers are seeking a fine of $21,000.
Glenna Bevin, the former governor’s ex-wife, is a party to the case, but her attorneys did not seek to hold her in contempt, as she had not directly impacted the case’s progress.