Attorney General Andy Beshear has announced a former Pike County Deputy Circuit Court Clerk pleaded guilty today to abuse of public trust under $10,000. Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate placed the clerk’s office bookkeeper Bethany Smith, 36, of Pikeville, on felony pre-trial diversion, with one year probated for three years. A formal sentencing will be held November 18. Missing funds from the Pike County Circuit Court Clerk’s office after the Administrative Office of the Courts performed an audit, which was investigated by the Department of Criminal Investigation with the Attorney General’s office. Beshear thanked his investigators his Office of Special Prosecutions for their hard work on the case, saying “Kentuckians have a right to expect that public officials follow the law and uphold the public trust.” Judge Wingate ordered Smith to pay $5,872.01 in restitution, issue an apology, and admit guilt.