COVINGTON — Larry Eugene Howell — charged with nine counts of sodomy, accused of having sexual contact with boys — was shot in the groin by an angry mother, reportedly tried to escape from a hospital and had his bail increased to $250,000 cash after a public outcry.

        But officials say none of that can stop Mr. Howell, 40, of Erlanger from applying for money intended for victims of violent crimes in Kentucky.

        Attorney Dave Bender of Covington has refused to comment on the case. He could not be reached for comment Thursday.

        Mr. Howell has not submitted a claim with the Crime Victim Compensation Board in Frankfort, but he is eligible to apply for up to $25,000 to pay medical bills, get counseling and cover lost wages, said Linda F. Frank, executive director of the board.

        “If Mr. Howell does indeed apply for compensation, it will be an unusual scenario,” Ms. Frank said. “I don't know if we have ever seen this kind of scenario,”

        Ms. Frank said the woman charged with assault for allegedly shooting Mr. Howell also could apply for money. The woman, whom the Enquirer is not identifying to protect the identity of her child, could ask for money for counseling for herself and for her son.

        Mr. Howell is a prime candidate for victims' fund money because he does not have medical insurance, said Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney Bill Crockett. Mr. Howell — shot in the groin and left side — was treated at University Hospital for eight days after surgery to repair damage to his spleen and intestines.

        “This is a unique situation,” said Col. Rodney Ballard of the Kenton County Detention Center, where Mr. Howell is being held. “Usually the victim of a crime isn't sitting in jail. I guess deciding whether to give (Mr. Howell) money from the victim compensation fund is a moral issue.”

        The fund — administered by five board members appointed by the governor to staggered four-year terms — gives out about $1.5 million annually. The board receives about 400 claims a year, Ms. Frank said. She said only a small percentage of claims are denied, but she wouldn't provide an exact number.

        Ms. Frank said an investigator is assigned to each claim. She said if it is determined that Mr. Howell's conduct contributed to the shooting, it would be grounds to deny or reduce his award.

        She said a claim submitted by a drug peddler shot when a drug deal went bad was denied on grounds that his actions contributed to the shooting.

        She said the five-member board makes the final decision to deny any claim.

        Kentucky's fund is financed through a $20 assessment imposed upon all criminal offenders, excluding speeders and drunken drivers. The fund also receives some money from a federal grant.

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