Anthony Jenkins’ attorney Willis Coffey was first to conduct a cross examination of Kevin Pennington, the alleged victim.

Under cross examination, Pennington stated he was completely sober that night, and did not have a daily drug habit at that time. Pennington did admit there were several calls made in the proceeding month to one of his drug connections.

Coffey suggested Pennington is using this incident for personal gain.

“You’re trying to make yourself a name in the gay community,” said Coffey.

Coffey noted Pennington had gone to the editor of the local paper asking a story be written about the incident. Pennington denied this, saying he only wanted to have the previous story corrected.

Coffey also asked Pennington about the Kentucky Equality Federation, a gay rights activist group. Pennington testified they sought him out, and he did not go to them seeking assistance.

Coffey noted that Pennington did not mention any drug use at all until the FBI investigation revealed it.

Pennington stated he regretted not telling the entire truth from the beginning. In later testimony, Pennington said he had written his first statement an hour after police had arrived.

Jason Jenkins’ attorney, Andrew Stephens, continued the cross examination of Pennington on behalf of his client, inquiring about the origins of Pennington’s drug addiction.

Pennington testified he was originally prescribed Suboxone as part of his treatment for a morphine addiction, but his prescription ran out after 15 days. Pennington later began purchasing Suboxone illegally when he feared a relapse of his morphine addiction, he said.

Prosecutors called Alexis Jenkins to the stand. Shes has entered a plea of guilty on charges related to the incident.

According to her testimony, Alexis Jenkins married Anthony Jenkins two weeks after they met. A short time later, she was involved in the actions that led to her arrest.

Alexis Jenkins stated she aided in the kidnapping and assaulting of Pennington because he is gay.

According to Alexis Jenkins, there were detailed plans made before the group went to Pennington’s residence.

Alexis Jenkins testified that she was cooking in the kitchen when Jason Jenkins and Anthony Jenkins came to her and told her of the plan to kidnap and beat Pennington. Both men used homosexual slurs while discussing the plan with Alexis Jenkins. Anthony and Jason Jenkins told her that she and Ashley Jenkins would have to get Pennington to get into the truck because he wouldn’t go if he knew the men were in the truck. The group continued discussing the plan during the trip to pick up Pennington.

Alexis Jenkins further testified that after the beating occurred and Pennington had run into the woods, the group searched for him for some time but failed to find him. It was at this time that the Jenkinses planned a cover story of a drug deal gone bad in order to cover up the real reason for the assault.

U.S. Attorney AeJean Cha inquired why Anthony Jenkins did not like Pennington. Alexis Jenkins stated it was because Pennington had at one time been in a sexual relationship with Anthony Jenkins’ brother. According to Alexis Jenkins, Anthony Jenkins said this relationship was “sick” and “nasty.”

Cha asked, “Why doesn’t Anthony want you to tell the truth?”

“Because we will get in trouble,” answered Alexis Jenkins.

During his cross examination, Coffey brought up that Alexis Jenkins had entered a guilty plea 28 days after being charged, noting that Alexis Jenkins was hoping for a lighter sentence in exchange for cooperating with the prosecution.

“You understand if you don’t satisfy the government, they won’t ask the judge for a lighter sentence?” asked Coffey.

“Yes,” answered Alexis Jenkins.

Coffey stated that in her testimony to the grand jury Alexis Jenkins had said that Jason Jenkins was gay, and given the acknowledgment in court by Ashley Jenkins that she was bi-sexual and Alexis Jenkins’ own admission in court that she too was bisexual, that left Anthony Jenkins as the only straight person in the group.

“Overall, you guys are the most sexually tolerant group of people I’ve ever heard of,” said Coffey.

Alexis Jenkins held her position, denying she was pleading guilty only to get a lighter sentence.

“The truth is I am guilty of these charges,” stated Alexis Jenkins.

Testimony is set to continue Monday.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@heartlandpublications.com