UPDATE (Feb. 13, 2026): Carter’s habeas corpus petition was withdrawn Feb. 9 after he posted the full $100,000 cash bond and was dismissed without prejudice. Read our latest update here.
MURRAY – Calloway District Judge Randall Hutchens on Thursday set a $100,000 cash bond for former HOPE Calloway Executive Director Nathan Carter, who is charged with multiple theft-related offenses. Hours later, Carter’s attorney filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, challenging the bond and his continued detention.
A writ of habeas corpus asks a judge to review whether a person is being lawfully detained or whether the conditions of their detention, including bond, are appropriate. Under Kentucky law, such petitions are heard in circuit court.
Murray-based attorney Mitch Ryan filed the petition against Ken Claud, in his official capacity as Calloway County Jailer, in Calloway Circuit Court early Thursday afternoon. In the filing, Ryan argues that the $100,000 cash bond violates Kentucky law and constitutional protections – both state and federal – against excessive bail.
The petition argues that Carter has no prior criminal history, voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement and was assessed by Pretrial Services as posing no failure-to-appear risk. The filing also contends that bond may not be used to secure restitution or serve as punishment prior to adjudication.
The Murray Police Department (MPD) began investigating Carter, 40, of Murray, last month, according to a new release, after being contacted by a local nonprofit over financial discrepancies found during a transition in leadership. MPD charged Carter with theft by unlawful taking and 19 counts of theft by deception.
Carter’s arrest was first reported Wednesday by The Murray Sentinel.
He was charged with theft by deception and theft by unlawful taking in connection with alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as executive director of HOPE Calloway, a nonprofit organization that provides transitional housing and support services in Murray.
The Sentinel is reviewing court filings related to the charges and will publish a more detailed report later today.
Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
