Robertson County, KY, October 15, 2025

News Summary

Sheriff Terry Gray of Robertson County has resigned following his third DUI arrest, which occurred while he was on duty. His resignation has prompted the appointment of Randy Insko as interim sheriff. Insko, a former sheriff with over 20 years of service, will lead the office during this transitional period. Community leaders are concerned about the implications of the rapid change in law enforcement leadership during a critical time for local governance.

Robertson County Sheriff Terry Gray Resigns Following DUI Arrest; Randy Insko Appointed as Interim Sheriff

Robertson County, KY – Sheriff Terry Gray has resigned from his position following his third DUI arrest in less than two years. Gray was apprehended on October 7, 2025, in Mason County for driving at speeds exceeding 110 mph while allegedly searching for a vehicle seen near the Mason-Robertson county line. His actions during the arrest raised significant concerns as he was wearing his sheriff’s uniform and had a firearm and handcuffs in his possession.

During the arrest, law enforcement found a miniature bottle of Fireball whiskey in Gray’s pocket, and his blood alcohol content was recorded at 0.226, which is nearly three times the legal limit. His resignation came two days later, on October 9, after Governor Andy Beshear requested his ousting, threatening to remove him if he did not resign voluntarily. Gray’s previous DUI charges in December 2023 and August 2024 were resolved through Alford pleas, which have highlighted a recurring issue in his law enforcement career.

Gray submitted his resignation while he was in custody at the Mason County Detention Center, leading to an immediate need for the county to appoint an interim sheriff. In light of this situation, Robertson County Judge Executive Valerie Grigson Miley appointed Randy Insko as interim sheriff. Insko previously served as sheriff for over 20 years and is coming out of retirement to fulfill the last year of Gray’s term.

Transition to New Leadership

Randy Insko has publicly stated that he does not plan to run for office in the upcoming November 2026 elections. His appointment is seen as a stabilizing measure, especially given the abrupt circumstances surrounding Gray’s resignation. Judge Miley noted that the appointment process for an interim sheriff faced unique challenges, particularly because of the county’s limited time to prepare for a transition in leadership.

These developments have put the Robertson County Fiscal Court in a “difficult situation,” where rapid changes in the law enforcement leadership structure could impact the community’s safety and governance. The county, being the smallest in Kentucky with a population exceeding just 2,000 according to the 2020 Census, is particularly sensitive to these shifts in law enforcement leadership.

Background Context

The recent incidents involving Sheriff Gray and his repeated issues with DUIs have raised concerns about accountability and the pressures faced by law enforcement officials. This scenario has been a significant point of discussion in both the community and among state officials. With the appointment of Randy Insko as interim sheriff, there is hope for stability while the Robertson County Fiscal Court manages the search for a new, permanent sheriff.

Under Kentucky law, it is within the authority of the county judge-executive to appoint an interim sheriff, which then requires approval from the Robertson County Fiscal Court. With Insko’s extensive experience, the hope is that he can navigate the challenges ahead and maintain public trust in the sheriff’s office during this period of uncertainty.

Summary of Events

• Terry Gray’s Resignation: Resigned after third DUI arrest.
• Details of Arrest: Arrested at 110 mph, 0.226 BAC, found with alcohol and firearms.
• Appointment of Interim Sheriff: Randy Insko appointed; no plans to run for the position.
• County Context: Smallest county in KY, population over 2,000.

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Additional Resources

• WKYT
• Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
• Fox 56 News
• Google Search: Robertson County Sheriff Terry Gray resignation
• LEX 18
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
• WDRB
• Google News: Robertson County Sheriff DUI arrest
• Spectrum News 1
• Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Accountability

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