Trigg County Insurer Pays $150,000 in Sheriff Suit
Crystal Smith's federal lawsuit against Sheriff Aaron Acree is settled, with the insurer paying $150,000 under a confidential agreement.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Sex Crimes
The Kentucky Association of Counties All Lines Fund agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by Crystal Smith against Trigg County Sheriff Aaron Acree, under a settlement agreement dated September 1, 2026. Smith alleged Acree assaulted her and threatened to kill her while she was handcuffed and shackled after a 2022 arrest; Acree, Jailer James Hughes and Trigg County Fiscal Court deny wrongdoing and liability.
Why it matters
The settlement resolves one of several claims arising from allegations against the sheriff and removes Smith's claims against the defendants and their insurer. A separate lawsuit by Mike Sandbrink and Michelle Kent seeking $2.5 million in punitive damages remains pending.
The Kentucky Association of Counties All Lines Fund agreed to pay $150,000 to resolve Smith's federal suit, with an agreed order of dismissal with prejudice to follow payment. The Sandbrink and Kent lawsuit seeking $2.5 million in punitive damages against Acree is still pending.
The players
Aaron Acree
Aaron Acree is the Trigg County Sheriff, a Kentucky county law enforcement office holder named in both lawsuits.
Kentucky Association of Counties All Lines Fund
The Kentucky Association of Counties All Lines Fund is a risk-pooling insurance program serving Kentucky county governments that paid the settlement.
Mike Sandbrink
Mike Sandbrink is a Trigg County figure who defeated Acree in the May 2026 Republican primary and is a plaintiff in the pending lawsuit.
The details
Smith alleged that after her 2022 arrest for breaking into Acree's home, Acree had Jailer Hughes bring her to the sheriff's office to check for a wedding ring allegedly taken in the burglary, and that Acree assaulted her there. The settlement requires Smith to keep the amount and terms confidential.
Timeline
2022: Smith is arrested and the alleged assault occurs; Sandbrink and Kent file their lawsuit against Acree.
September 1, 2026: The settlement agreement is dated.
November 3, 2026: Sandbrink faces a write-in challenge from Roger Boyd in the general election.
Legal Context
Settlements of misconduct claims against county sheriffs are often paid by county risk-pooling insurers, which shifts the financial burden away from individual officials. This case reflects that pattern while separate litigation against the same sheriff continues.
Residents of Trigg County may see the outcome affect confidence in county law enforcement leadership, especially with a new sheriff nominee on the November ballot. The payment comes from the county insurance pool, which draws on public funds.
The takeaway
Settlements can resolve individual claims without a court finding of liability, so the outcome of the pending Sandbrink and Kent lawsuit will be a further indicator of what has been established. Readers tracking county law enforcement oversight should watch both cases.
Further reading
Explore more sex crimes coverage for related legal developments across Kentucky.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKDZ.
