CLERMONT COUNTY — A former judge, who currently works as an attorney, has been arrested after investigators say he used his professional credentials to gain access to a jail inmate for sex.
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James Kenney was taken into custody by the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office and faces charges of engaging in prostitution, obstructing official business, and solicitation.
The investigation began Aug. 15 at the Clermont County Jail after corrections staff saw multiple inmates passing contraband during recreation, according to our news partners at WCPO.
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A search of the housing block and facility using jail canines uncovered prohibited tobacco products.
Detectives subsequently reviewed inmate phone records, which revealed communication of a sexual nature between Kenney and an inmate involved in the probe.
During an interview with detectives, Kenney admitted to using his professional legal credentials to obtain a contact visit with an inmate he was not representing.
Investigators determined the inmate was a personal associate rather than a legal client.
Kenney confirmed that he and the inmate engaged in sexual activity at the Clermont County Jail during a contact visit on Aug. 4.
Kenney has a prior criminal record involving sexual misconduct while serving in public office.
In 2005, while working as an assistant Hamilton County prosecutor, Kenney pleaded guilty to sexual imposition and lying to law enforcement during an active investigation.
Following his 2005 conviction, the Cincinnati Bar Association brought a case against Kenney to the Supreme Court of Ohio. The court suspended Kenney from practicing law for two years, with 18 months of the suspension stayed. He was placed on two years of probation requiring him to enter a treatment program, abstain from alcohol, undergo random urine testing, and attend two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week.
The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Investigators expect to charge additional subjects as the probe continues.
Kenney was taken into custody on Monday and is being held at the Clermont County Jail with no bond.
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