Vine Grove man arraigned on child porn charges

A Vine Grove man pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Hardin Circuit Court to child pornography-related charges.

Garell M. Burgess, 52, was indicted last week on two counts of possession of a matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor and third-degree sexual abuse.

After accepting Burgess’ plea of not guilty, Judge Kelly Mark Easton removed himself from the case.

The judge said he did not feel comfortable hearing it because he knows Burgess’ parents. Burgess’ case will be transferred to Judge Ken Howard’s courtroom.

Burgess remains lodged at the Hardin County Detention Center in lieu of $25,000 cash.

His attorney brought up the issue of bond reduction Tuesday in Easton’s courtroom. However, Easton said the bond motion must be heard by Howard.