A Utah judge is facing multiple criminal charges, including forcible sexual abuse and drug-related offenses, following an alleged incident earlier this year.
William Kenneth Kendall, 54, has been charged with:
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Forcible sexual abuse (second-degree felony)
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Distribution or arranging to distribute a controlled substance (third-degree felony)
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Possession of a controlled substance (class B misdemeanor)
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Possession of drug paraphernalia (class B misdemeanor)
Kendall, who was appointed to the Third District Court in 2014 by then-Governor Gary Herbert, has presided over cases in Salt Lake, Tooele, and Summit counties. However, according to court officials, he has not been hearing cases since mid-March and was officially placed on leave on April 2, the day the charges were filed.
Allegations and Investigation
The case stems from an incident that allegedly took place at Kendall’s residence on February 21, 2025. According to court documents, Kendall offered THC to a woman during a gathering at his home. The woman, who referred to the substance as a “weed pen,” said she consumed it before Kendall allegedly touched her inappropriately over her clothing, including her buttocks and breasts.
Authorities later executed a search warrant at Kendall’s home, where they reportedly discovered THC products.
Legal and Professional Background
Before his appointment as a judge, Kendall had a long legal career, serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah and working as a Deputy District Attorney in Salt Lake County.
His attorney, Greg Skordas, issued a statement emphasizing Kendall’s professional reputation and presumption of innocence:
“Judge William Kendall has dedicated over 25 years to public service, including roles as a prosecutor and judge. He has undergone extensive vetting to serve in the judiciary and has never before faced allegations of professional misconduct. Judge Kendall is presumed innocent.”
The Davis County Attorney’s Office officially filed charges on April 2, and the case is now moving forward in Third District Court.
