As Judge Executive, Teresa Barton lied to firefighters, cut their pay, and broke the law to conduct business in secret.

“Teresa Barton was advised by knowledgeable individuals that she … [was] in violation of the law when they met in closed session…. Barton’s attitude toward open meetings and the public’s right to know what elected officials are doing is most disturbing. … [Barton] should not have required an opinion of the attorney general to obey the law.” – State Journal Editorial, 5/18/99

“Barton eventually will come to realize that effectively cutting low-paid firefighters’ vacation and sick leave pay by more than one-third is hardly the way to maintain morale in the County Fire Department. Again, this is the unfortunate result of Barton’s fixation on government in secret.” – State Journal Editorial, 5/21/99

“Because of the … misleading information Mrs. Barton has chosen to take part in, we have no choice [but] to RESCIND OUR SUPPORT FOR TERESA BARTON.” – Frankfort Professional Firefighters Local 1017, 1999

In September, Teresa Barton broke the law and lied to the police to cover it up.

In September 2022, Barton was caught on camera multiple times stealing Gex Williams’ campaign signs. During the police investigation, Barton lied and denied it. Later, Barton confessed that she took one sign. She’s still lying about the others she’s on camera stealing. Now, a special prosecutor is determining how to charge her.

As a state official, Teresa Barton was investigated for corruption and pled the fifth.

“The special grand jury investigating state hiring heard from employees of the Office of Drug Control Policy and other witnesses yesterday. … Barton said in June that the grand jury had subpoenaed her office for records of personnel actions related to the office's eight merit system workers. And a Nov. 6, 2003, document filed in court with the heading ‘Requested by Teresa Barton, Franklin County Judge/Executive’ has a list of personnel actions.” – The Courier-Journal, 9/17/05

“A special Franklin County grand jury heard from nine witnesses yesterday, covering hiring in Powell County and a possible ethics commission leak. … [Teresa Barton] did not answer the jury's questions on advice of her attorney…. [Barton] invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination[.]” – Lexington Herald Leader, 9/28/05