John Tilley Found Not Guilty in Rape Trial

Former Kentucky lawmaker John Tilley was found not guilty of first-degree rape after a jury deliberated for five hours following the trial's closing arguments. Tilley, who served as secretary of the state’s Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, faced allegations stemming from an incident in April 2022 where a woman claimed she was too intoxicated to consent to sexual activity after being given an alcoholic drink by an unknown man. Tilley maintained that the encounter was consensual, describing it as a one-night stand, while the prosecution argued that the woman was unable to consent. The case drew attention as Tilley had previously advocated for justice against sexual assault, highlighting the irony in the situation. Following the verdict, Tilley's attorney expressed relief at the outcome, allowing Tilley to move forward. Tilley is also facing a civil lawsuit related to the incident, along with the Marriott Hotel where it allegedly occurred.