FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 1, 2026)—Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today the appointment of Ramsey Dallam to serve as the Executive Director of the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit.
Dallam began her career as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Christian County before serving as a prosecutor in Texas. She has been with the Office of the Attorney General since 2022, most recently as Deputy Director of the Special Prosecutions Unit.
Dallam has taken on some of the Office’s most challenging prosecutions, including securing a life sentence for a child predator, prosecuting a violent offender who shot a hotel employee in the head receiving a maximum sentence, and delivering a 30-year sentence for the rape and abuse of an infant.
She attended the University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law and earned her bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science from the University of Kentucky.
“Ramsey doesn’t shy away from a challenge. She has built a reputation as a dedicated felony prosecutor, and she will deploy her abilities and tenacity to support our Commonwealth’s prosecutors and deliver justice for victims. I’m grateful she is in this fight to protect Kentucky children and families,” said Attorney General Coleman.
Tim Cocanougher was Executive Director of the Special Prosecutions Unit for five years, overseeing a team of 12 prosecutors and support staff. He will continue to serve in the Office as Senior Advisor to the Criminal Division. Tim is a career prosecutor, including having served eight years as the elected Commonwealth’s Attorney for Washington, Green, Marion and Taylor counties. Cocanougher served in the military with the United States Marine Corps and Kentucky Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He graduated from the University of Louisville Brandeis College of Law.
“Through experience, preparation and a commitment to justice, Colonel Cocanougher has worked for decades to secure justice for Kentuckians,” said Attorney General Coleman. “Our Office will continue to be well-served by his dedication in his new role.”
Todd Williard will take on the role of Special Prosecutions Unit Deputy Director. Williard has been with the Unit since February 2024 and was previously an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in the Fayette Commonwealth Attorney’s Office since 2017. He brings many successes in prosecuting child abuse cases and working with law enforcement and medical professionals to serve victims. Willard graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in biochemistry and then earned his law degree from the University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law.
“Todd has a proven track record of getting results and delivering for Kentuckians. I look forward to tapping into his experience, integrity and genuine commitment to our Commonwealth as part of our leadership team,” said Attorney General Coleman.
Click here for a photograph of Ramsey Dallam.
Click here for a photograph of Tim Cocanougher.
Click here for a photograph of Todd Williard.
Background: The Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit worked over 250 criminal cases in 2025. In some cases, the team takes the lead. In others, they aid local prosecutors when they have a conflict or are handling complex or sensitive cases and request additional assistance. The Special Prosecutions Unit also investigates and prosecutes election law violations, environmental crimes, and ethics law violations as referred by the Executive Branch Ethics Commission.