Former Hamilton County judge and current attorney charged in Clermont County Jail contraband investigation

The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office is continuing an investigation into the introduction of contraband into the Clermont County Jail, which has resulted in criminal charges being filed against a former judge, former assistant prosecutor and current attorney.

The investigation began on Saturday, Aug. 15, after Clermont County Jail Corrections staff observed multiple inmates passing contraband between each other during recreation. Corrections staff immediately secured the inmates and conducted searches of all cells within the affected housing block and two jail canines were subsequently utilized to conduct a search of the entire facility. During subsequent searches, tobacco products were located, which are prohibited in the jail.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office interviewed numerous inmates and reviewed inmate phone records as part of the investigation, which identified alleged communication between James Kenney and an inmate involved in the investigation. The communications allegedly included conversations of a sexual nature and raised additional concerns regarding Kenney’s contact visit with the inmate.

Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant for Kenney’s cellphone. Kenney was interviewed by detectives and allegedly admitted to using his professional credentials to obtain a contact visit with an inmate whom he was not representing. It was determined the inmate was instead a personal associate. Kenney allegedly confirmed during one of his contact visits at the Clermont County Jail, he and the inmate were involved in sexual activity.

 As a result of the investigation, James Kenney has been charged with:

• One count of engaging in prostitution, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

• One count of obstructing official business, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

• One count of solicitation, a misdemeanor of the third degree

Detectives from the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office took James Kenney into custody Aug. 24 without incident. 

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional subjects are expected to be charged as the investigation continues.