LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Metro Council Charging Committee presented its recommendation to remove council member Anthony Piagentini, R-District 19, over alleged ethics violations to the full council Thursday, Nov. 30.

Piagentini is under investigation for six ethics violations in an alleged “quid pro quo” scheme involving $40 million in COVID-19 stimulus money.

According to the report from the ethics commission, Piagentini took a job with the Healthcare CEO Council a day after Metro Council approved the grant. His fee for consulting services with Healthcare CEO Council was $240,000 for the year.

The seven members of the ethics commission recommended Piagentini be removed from his council position. They also recommended he pay a $500 fine for each violation.

After the charges were read during the council meeting, Piagentini called the process “partisan and bankrupt.”

He said, “Once again, we see that this is a partisan process void of any consideration of legal process, and I will not stand for it. I have no problem defending myself of alleged violations of the ethics code. I will not stand for this illegal and unprecedented addition of criminal charges, and it only continues to prove how biased and legally bankrupt the charging committee is.“

In order for Piagentini to be removed from Metro Council, at least 18 of the 26 members would have to vote in favor of doing so. If he is removed, a new council member would be appointed to serve District 19.

Next up in the process is a public hearing where Metro Council will hear evidence and arguments for both sides, like a trial. No date has been set for the public hearing.

Currently, there are 16 Democrats, 9 Republicans and one Independent serving on the council.