KENTON COUNTY, Ky. — The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission has released its decision to remove a Kenton County Family Court Judge from office in a 5-0 vote on Monday.
The commission found Judge Dawn Gentry guilty of misconduct in 10 of the 12 charges against her.
In a 38-page document, the Commission outlined their decision on each charge against Gentry.
They found Gentry engaged in a pattern of misconduct and repeatedly exercised extremely poor judgment, on and off the bench.
The five-member commission, with several alternate judges, say this continued for over a year, including after Gentry was informed that a complaint was filed with the commission against her.
In a 38-page document, the Commission outlined their decision on each charge against Gentry.
They found Gentry engaged in a pattern of misconduct and repeatedly exercised extremely poor judgment, on and off the bench.
The five-member commission, with several alternate judges, say this continued for over a year, including after Gentry was informed that a complaint was filed with the commission against her.
In early August, Gentry testified in front of the Commission defending herself against the allegations. She has been suspended since January.
On Monday, the commission accused Gentry of violating the following codes of conduct:
- Failing to perform her duties
- Engaging in conduct that would appear to a reasonable person to be coercive
- Failing to act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, and avoiding impropriety and the appearance of impropriety
- Allowing social, political, financial or other interests or relationships to influence her judicial conduct or judgment
- Failing to make administrative appointments on the basis of merit and avoiding nepotism, favoritism, and unnecessary appointments
- Failing to require her staff to act in a manner consistent with the judge’s obligations under the code of judicial conduct
- Approving compensation of appointees beyond the fair value of services rendered
- Failing to disqualify herself in any proceeding where her impartiality might reasonably be questioned
- Failing to be patient, dignified, and courteous to those with whom the judge deals in an official capacity, and permitting similar conduct of others subject to her direction and control
- Failing to cooperate and be candid and honest with judicial disciplinary agencies
- Retaliating against a person known or suspected to have assisted or cooperated with an investigation of a judge
The commission noted it found no evidence that Gentry consumed alcohol in her chambers, but allowed staff to drink in the courthouse offices.
Also, in a 4-1vote, the commission said it found no clear evidence that the sexual advances involving another female attorney were unwelcome.
Finally, the commission said these charges did not impact her ability to be a competent judge on her cases.
The commission’s order is effective in 10 days unless appealed.
Gentry's lawyer said in the coming days they will discuss the ruling and most likely file an appeal.