PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Pike Circuit Judge Howard Keith Hall has denied a request by Commonwealth's Attorney Bill Slone to remove himself from a sexual abuse case amid allegations that the judge is considering a lawsuit against Slone.

In a sworn affidavit filed Thursday, Slone alleged Hall's attorney communicated plans for potential legal action over the prosecutor's perceived involvement in a previous federal case against the judge.

Slone also alleged Hall privately sought information from an assistant prosecutor and made disparaging remarks about others in the office.

Hall was acquitted of all federal charges in November 2025.

In an order Friday, Hall denied the request without a hearing, saying prosecutors had identified no rulings demonstrating bias. Hall maintained that the possibility of a lawsuit would not prevent him from remaining impartial.

Slone subsequently requested reconsideration, disputing Hall's statement that the recusal motion involved only one case. Slone said identical motions had been filed in every case on the judge's November 12 docket.

Hall ordered sentencing in the sexual abuse case to proceed November 12. The reviewed filings do not show a ruling on the reconsideration request.