Owensboro Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Exploitation Charges

A courtroom scene symbolizing justice and legal ethics

News Summary

Darron Brawner, a lawyer from Owensboro, has pleaded guilty to exploitation of an adult and forgery charges. The case highlights the vulnerabilities of the elderly and has led to Brawner’s law license suspension. He faces a five-year probation period following a plea agreement. Four co-defendants were also involved, with some charges dismissed recently. This incident raises concerns about misconduct in the legal profession and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Owensboro Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Exploitation and Forgery Charges

In a shocking turn of events, an Owensboro attorney has found himself on the wrong side of the law. 51-year-old Darron Brawner, the founder and senior attorney of Western Kentucky Elder Law, has pleaded guilty to serious charges of exploitation of an adult and possession of forged documents. This development marks a significant fall from grace for a lawyer who was once entrusted to handle the legal affairs of vulnerable individuals.

The Charges and Plea Agreement

The allegations against Brawner stem from investigations conducted by Kentucky’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control. According to the indictment, incidents related to his exploitation of an adult occurred in Ohio County between **July 16, 2019** and **April 30, 2021**. Authorities allege that Brawner deceitfully obtained or utilized his victim’s resources, intending to deprive them of their rightful assets.

In a significant court proceeding, Brawner was indicted by the Ohio County Grand Jury in **July 2024** and subsequently pleaded guilty on **March 4, 2025**. As part of his plea agreement, Brawner faces a five-year prison sentence. However, the court placed him on **five years of probation**, commencing on **March 7, 2025** and slated to conclude on **March 3, 2030**. If Brawner fails to adhere to the terms of his supervised release, he could face incarceration.

Details of the Forgery Charges

The second charge Brawner faced involved possession of forged documents, which pertained to various legal instruments. The documents in question include a power of attorney and a limited power of attorney, both dated **August 9, 2019**, as well as a deed of conveyance dated **September 11, 2019**, and a qualifying income trust dated **November 25, 2019**. These charges underscore a calculated attempt to manipulate legal processes for personal gain.

Co-defendants and Additional Charges

Brawner’s case does not unfold in isolation. Four other individuals were initially charged alongside him. Notably, Douglas Key, who shares the same five charges as Brawner, is scheduled for a court appearance in **August 2025**, with a trial set for **September 2025**. Additionally, Brawner’s own wife, Jana Brawner, was indicted for a separate forged instrument charge concerning the qualifying income trust. Others involved, Kristy Burchfield and Kyle L. Nixon, faced similar charges related to the power of attorney documents.

However, in a twist, the charges against Jana Brawner, Kristy Burchfield, and Kyle L. Nixon were dismissed with stipulation of probable cause on **March 4, 2025**, suggesting that the prosecution may be reassessing the strength of their cases or focusing their efforts solely on Brawner and Key.

Legal and Professional Consequences

As Brawner navigates this legal quagmire, he is also facing significant professional repercussions. His law license has been suspended, as documented on the Kentucky Bar Association website, barring him from practicing law during this tumultuous period.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly and the importance of vigilance against exploitation within the legal profession. Victims of Medicaid fraud or abuse are encouraged to report incidents through the appropriate channels, with details available at ag.ky.gov/MedicaidFraud or via the tip line at 1-877-ABUSE TIP (1-877-228-7384).

Conclusion

The downfall of Darron Brawner illustrates a disturbing trend of legal professionals abusing their positions of trust. As the community watches his case unfold, one can only hope that justice will be served, safeguarding the vulnerable individuals Brawner was once sworn to protect.