Wes Henderson, CEO of TKC Distilling, has been fired after relatives accused him in a lawsuit of planting hidden cameras to record family members and guests—including minors—nude at his homes and at The Kentucky Castle resort in Versailles, Kentucky.
TKC Distilling, parent company of The Kentucky Castle and True Story Whiskey, terminated Henderson as CEO on Oct. 3. The lawsuit against him was filed by family members in Oldham County, Kentucky, in June, according to The Courier Journal, which obtained the complaint before it was sealed.
The Department of Homeland Security is now examining the alleged hidden recordings, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.
Henderson’s attorney denied the allegations in a statement to the Herald-Leader: “Wes unequivocally denies the allegations in the lawsuit. It is our understanding that the complaint will be voluntarily dismissed. If that does not happen, he is prepared to vigorously defend himself.”
What relatives say they found
Family members say they discovered concealed cameras during a June 2025 stay at Henderson’s vacation home near Melbourne, Florida, in Brevard County. They say they removed roughly 15 devices disguised as fire alarms, fans, a clock, a speaker, charging blocks and outlet extenders. A camera was also allegedly found hidden in a bathroom air vent, along with footage showing Henderson positioning a camera in front of a bed.
The complaint describes footage of guests changing clothes and using bathrooms without their knowledge, as well as recordings of people engaged in sexual acts. Some recordings allegedly show Henderson, who is married, having sex with other women. The complaint further alleges that cameras recorded minors while nude.
After reviewing some of the footage, family members say they turned it over to authorities. According to the lawsuit, Henderson’s wife later authorized relatives to search the couple’s Oldham County home, where additional hidden cameras were allegedly found. Other memory cards reportedly contained footage recorded at The Kentucky Castle in Versailles, which Henderson owns.
The lawsuit reportedly identifies 40 people who appear in the recordings without their knowledge or consent, including an alleged homeless person carrying what appeared to be a medical device into a restroom. Plaintiffs are seeking damages for pain and suffering and medical expenses, and have requested a jury trial.
Company response and leadership change
Charity Bird, an attorney for TKC Distilling, told Fox News Digital the company itself is not a party to the lawsuit and that Henderson’s son, Kyle Henderson, will take over as CEO of The Kentucky Castle and True Story Whiskey.
“The Board and leadership of TKC Distilling, the parent company of The Kentucky Castle and True Story Whiskey, have terminated the employment of CEO Wes Henderson, effective immediately, in light of allegations outlined in a recently filed lawsuit,” Bird said in an emailed statement.
Bird said the board plans to “conduct a full and independent investigation into the allegations,” adding that “the company remains committed to addressing the matter responsibly and to ensuring that the investigation is conducted thoroughly and fairly.”
TKC Distilling and related businesses have separately faced lawsuits over allegedly unpaid architectural and consulting bills.
Open questions on jurisdiction
Henderson, a former firefighter, has recently taken a leave of absence as Oldham County deputy coroner, according to Oldham County Coroner David Pendleton. The exact location of the recordings and devices remains unclear, and it is not known which law enforcement agency has taken possession of the evidence.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in Florida and the Oldham County Police Department in Kentucky did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether they have taken possession of the evidence. Versailles Police Chief Rob Young told Fox News Digital that his department is “not involved in the investigation.” “We don’t know anything about it,” Young said.
Henderson could not immediately be reached for comment.
