KSP investigating threats against Kentucky Parole Board Members following false reports

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

GRAVES COUNTY, Ky. (KBSI) — The Kentucky State Police are investigating a series of violent threats made against members of the Kentucky Parole Board, following the spread of false information about the release of a convicted felon.

According to KSP, the threats appear to have stemmed from a doxing incident fueled by misinformation regarding the release of Ronald Exantus, who was convicted in the 2015 stabbing death of 6-year-old Logan Tipton in Woodford County.

Officials emphasized that the Kentucky Parole Board did not release Exantus but rather voted unanimously for him to remain in prison during a review on Sept. 30. However, under Kentucky law (KRS 439.3406), the Department of Corrections was required to release Exantus on Mandatory Reentry Supervision, a statutory process outside the board’s authority.

“Despite repeatedly voting for Ronald Exantus to remain in prison, Parole Board members have faced significant threats over the last several days, even having their personal addresses released publicly,” said Ladeidra N. Jones, chair of the Kentucky Parole Board. “We are encouraging individuals to take these threats seriously and to prioritize factual information — which is that the board did not release Exantus. A law passed by the General Assembly required his release.”

The Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet confirmed that Parole Board members and staff have temporarily shifted to remote work for safety reasons.

KSP investigators said all threats are being taken seriously and urged the public to verify information before sharing it online, particularly in cases involving violent crimes or victims’ families.

Exantus was convicted in 2018 of assault and found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity in the fatal stabbing. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Officials stressed that spreading false or misleading information can have serious consequences, particularly when it leads to threats or endangers public officials.