Environmental Matters in the Commonwealth of Kentucky

Deedra Benthall an attorney from Danville, Kentucky is the executive director of the Kentucky Office of Inspector General in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.  As inspector general, Benthall will oversee administrative and criminal investigations of violations of environmental law, state statutes and cabinet policies.

The OIG is established within the Office of the Secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC). The OIG is responsible for conducting EPPC administrative and criminal investigations that include violations of environmental laws and other violations of state statutes and cabinet policies.

The OIG strives to prevent, identify and eliminate fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement necessary for the effective and efficient management of the cabinet. The OIG is dedicated to providing accurate and impartial investigative support to cabinet management, intra- and inter-agency organizations, sister states, federal authorities and serves as a liaison with the law enforcement community.

The OIG is comprised of the inspector general, the deputy inspector general, administrative staff, auditor and the Executive and Criminal Investigations Branch, (ECB) which is headed by a special investigative agent manager.  ECB is divided into two sections. 

• The Criminal Investigations Section, which is responsible for conducting cabinet-related criminal investigations.  This section coordinates with external agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of environmental and other crimes.  Additionally, this section is responsible for the deployment and operation of remote surveillance cameras that are utilized in support of the open dump initiative and other related cases.
• The Executive Support Section, which conducts civil and administrative investigations and inspections necessary for effective and efficient management of the cabinet.