Судью Бриттани Маккенну официально выговорили за сокрытие личных отношений с потерпевшим

Former District Court Judge Brittany McKenna was publicly reprimanded by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission for presiding on a case where she had a “close personal relationship” with the complaining witness on Aug. 18, according to a release sent to the Era late Tuesday afternoon. As previously reported, McKenna served as the Division 2 District Court Judge in the 12th Judicial Circuit that serves Oldham, Henry and Trimble County since being appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear in April 2021, but submit a resignation letter in mid-February. An Aug, 18 order from the Judicial Conduct Commission states that a “preliminary investigation” was conducted on two separate complaints that alleged McKenna “engaged in an inappropriate, undisclosed relationship with a witness to a proceeding for which she was the presiding Judge.” Specifically, the order states that McKenna conducted a hearing in September 2023 where, “Unbeknownst to the Prosecutor, Judge McKenna and the Witness were, at the time of the hearing, engaged in a close personal relationship and had been for approximately two weeks.” The order says that the witness’ name was listed on the docket sheet as well as on the subpoena in the case files, and the witness testified during the hearing. After the hearing, McKenna “came to a determination about probable cause, and referred the case to the grand jury.” McKenna then did not disclose the nature of her relationship with the witness after the hearing, according to the order. “Instead, the nature of Judge McKenna’s relationship with the Witness was only revealed when the Witness met with the Prosecutor to discuss certain discovery matters,” the order reads. “Specifically, while preparing the case for trial, the Prosecutor met with the Witness to discuss the dash cam footage from the day of the vehicle collision. During their meeting, the Witness informed the Prosecutor about his recent personal relationship with Judge McKenna.” The order then states that McKenna’s “failure to recuse herself or otherwise disclose the nature of her relationship with the witness demonstrates a lack of judicial decorum and a serious ethical breach, and undermines public confidence in the integrity, impartiality, and independence of the judiciary and created the appearance of bias or impropriety which can undermine the legitimacy of judicial decisions.” The commission concluded that McKenna’s actions violated two Kentucky Supreme Court rules for failing to disqualify herself from the case and for engaging is misconduct. It also deemed that McKenna violated three “Rules of the Code of Judicial Conduct,” that each deal with impartiality and avoiding impropriety. In March, McKenna told the Era: “After great consideration, consultation with my family, and prayer, I have decided to resign from the bench and return to the private practice of law. It was an extraordinary honor to serve the 12th Judicial District for the last five years, and I will carry this experience with me with great gratitude.” McKenna has not yet responded to the Local’s request for comment on the reprimand. The Local is currently seeking further information on the case mentioned in the order. This article may be updated as further information becomes available.