Washoe County Prosecutor Dismissed Following Casino Indecent Exposure Arrest
Incident at Reno Casino Leads to Prosecutor’s Firing
Kenneth Ching, a deputy district attorney in Washoe County, was dismissed from his position after being implicated in inappropriate behavior at a public venue. The situation unfolded at Reno’s Peppermill Resort Casino, where authorities accused him of engaging in sexual conduct in a publicly accessible area.
Details Surrounding the Arrest at Peppermill Resort Casino
According to police reports, law enforcement responded to a call just after 1:30 a.m. on August 30, when casino staff and patrons observed two individuals acting in a manner deemed inappropriate near the valet entrance.
Ching, 47, reportedly met a woman earlier that evening at a nearby tavern. They later arrived at the casino together, where Ching suggested reserving a hotel room; the woman declined. She accidentally spilled a drink on herself inside the casino, prompting Ching to accompany her to the restroom. Court documents allege that during this time, Ching made unwanted physical contact with her.
Casino employees witnessed what they described as substantial indecent exposure. Witnesses stated that Ching lowered his pants and engaged in sexual activities with the woman close to the valet doors. Security surveillance footage reviewed by the police appeared to confirm these events, showing people passing by during the incident.
Both individuals were taken into custody after the woman confirmed the encounter was consensual. Breathalyzer tests indicated blood alcohol levels above 0.1 for both. Ching was arrested on charges of open and gross lewdness but was released on his own recognizance pending further proceedings.
When questioned by Reno police, Ching declined to provide a statement. Officers noted that his zipper was down upon their arrival at the scene.
Legal and Professional Repercussions for Ching
The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office announced Ching’s termination shortly after the incident. To avoid conflicts of interest, the case was transferred to the Carson City District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Ching is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on September 9. Nevada law stipulates that individuals convicted of open or gross lewdness may face up to 364 days in jail, fines reaching $2,000, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Before his dismissal, Ching was recognized both as a legal scholar and a practicing attorney, having served as a law professor. He had also been acknowledged multiple times by Nevada Business Magazine as part of the state’s “Legal Elite.”
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with prosecutors emphasizing that the court will ultimately determine Ching’s culpability in this matter.
