By Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer

James P. Kenney

A special prosecutor was appointed Friday to investigate an accusation that former Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge James P. Kenney inappropriately touched a 21-year-old man at his Delhi Township home on Feb. 15.

Kenney, 53, resigned Friday morning from his job as a Hamilton County assistant prosecuting attorney, according to Prosecutor Mike Allen. No reason was given for the resignation, according to the prosecutor's office.

Kenney did not return phone calls Friday.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department is conducting an investigation into the allegation. Steve Barnett, a spokesman for the sheriff's department, said Kenney has not been charged with a crime.

In a written statement, Allen said he took steps to bring the sheriff's department into the probe when he learned of the complaint. Allen, who has recused himself from the case, said he was "saddened, but duty-bound" to take quick action.

"It is so very important in situations such as this to take swift action to protect the integrity of the office as well as the public trust," Allen said. "We will and must remain above even the appearance of impropriety."

Adams County Prosecutor David Kelley has been appointed special prosecutor in the case. Kelley said he would likely meet with the sheriff's department to review the case late next week.

Kenney, who is married and has children, had served as a Hamilton County assistant prosecuting attorney in the grand jury division since Jan. 14, 2002, according to the prosecutor's office.

Before that, he served six years as a Hamilton County municipal judge in a district that included the city's west side neighborhoods, as well as Delhi Township, Cleves and Harrison. Kenney, a Democrat, lost his re-election bid in 2001 to Republican newcomer Richard C. Winkler.

Tim Burke, a friend and chairman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, said he was shocked by the allegation.

"I find it very hard to believe," Burke said. "I've known him to be a good family man who is very active in youth activities in his community. This just doesn't sound like him at all."

Email kaldridge@enquirer.com