Reno Prosecutor Caught Pants Down in Peppermill Casino ‘Lewdness’ Case

• Former prosecutor arrested after Peppermill Casino lewd conduct allegations
• Washoe County DA confirms Kenneth Ching terminated from position
• Case transferred to Carson City DA to avoid conflicts

The now ex-Washoe County, Nev. Deputy District Attorney, Kenneth Ching, was arrested at Reno’s Peppermill Casino in the early hours of August 30 on charges of lewd conduct, according to court filings. On Thursday, the DA’s Office confirmed Ching has been fired.

At around 1:30 a.m., law enforcement responded to reports of two individuals allegedly engaging in sexual activity in public at the Peppermill, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Officers discovered Ching with his zipper undone and his crotch exposed, drawing stunned attention from onlookers, according to the documents.

‘Indecent Things’

A woman with Ching later told authorities the pair had met at Chapel Tavern, a local cocktail bar, earlier that evening. Though Ching suggested getting a room at the Peppermill, his date declined.

While inside the casino, she said a drink accidentally spilled on her dress and Ching led her to a bathroom where he began to fondle her.

A cocktail server later reported observing “excessive indecent exposure,” noting Ching was engaged in “indecent things.” Security staff subsequently located Ching near the valet area, where witnesses told police he had pulled his pants down and was performing lewd acts in full view of guests.

Surveillance footage reportedly shows the woman pinned against a door as Ching, with his shorts and underwear pulled down, thrusts his hips in a sexual manner as casino patrons walk by. The woman later told police the act was consensual.

Ching was arrested on a single count of lewdness and subsequently released on his own recognizance.

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office initially placed Ching on administrative leave and referred the case to the Carson City District Attorney’s Office to avoid any conflict of interest. Shortly after, the agency confirmed it had terminated his employment.

“The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office can confirm that earlier this week Mr. Ching was relieved of his duties as a Deputy District Attorney and is no longer employed with this office,” the DA’s Office said in a statement. “The criminal case against him is active and being prosecuted by the Carson City District Attorney’s Office. As such, we will not be providing any additional comment at the time.”

Legal Elite

On Ching’s LinkedIn page, the former prosecutor describes himself as an ex-law professor who won awards for his teaching and scholarship, and who served in volunteer leadership roles for nonprofit organizations. He has been named among “Nevada’s Legal Elite” five times by Nevada Business Magazine.

As Ching is therefore no doubt aware, for first offenders the charge of “open or gross lewdness” is punishable under Nevada law by up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, and mandatory sex offender registration.