The Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, Jason Nemes, tells WHAS11 News that Circuit Clerk Layne Abell is the subject of an on going administrative investigation. Sources tell WHAS 11 News that the investigation concerns allegations that Abell harassed and tried to intimidate his employees. In an interview, Abell denied those allegations, saying he's done nothing wrong and hasn't been told the nature of the allegations against him. One source says Abell was accused of ordering employees to tell him what they said in interviews with the investigator that's looking into the allegations. Nemes says an independent investigator has been hired by the Supreme Court to look into the accusations. He says it's the first time that's happened since 1993.

Abell believes he's the target of a disgruntled employee or employees. He says the investigation has been going on for two months and he believes he should have been informed of the allegations against him. Nemes says the investigators hopes to wrap up the investigation soon. The high court would then have three choices:
Drop the probe because the allegations were unfounded
Pursue administrative charges against Abell, which could result in his removal from office OR
Allow Chief Justice Joseph Lambert to determine punishment for Abell which could range from a verbal warning to a suspension.

Abell was elected Bullitt Circuit Court Clerk in 2006. He has worked in the local court system for more than 30 years and served as the Chairman of the Bullitt County School Board.