Through her counsel, Stephen P. Ryan, Gentry has denied all allegations presented by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission except one, involving some inappropriate humor that Gentry claims she did not respond to.
Court documents state Gentry “engaged in a pattern of conduct that constitutes misconduct in office and violates the Code of Judicial Conduct.” Investigators note that the allegations concerning Gentry’s behavior “demonstrate a pattern of misconduct in office.”
Among the charges are the allegations that Gentry coerced colleagues to campaign for her as she sought her current position on the courts.
“This conduct included, but is not necessarily limited to, having your staff attorney place and deliver campaign signs and having your case management specialist/mediator write thank-you notes for the campaign and publicly hold a campaign sign on Election Day,” the documents state. Gentry also allegedly attempted to hide those actions, which took place during regular work hours.
Those who did not support Gentry’s judicial campaign allegedly faced retaliation. Attorneys who did not support Gentry’s campaign reportedly faced delays of scheduled hearings in Gentry’s court. Gentry is also accused of retaliating against a school liaison officer for supporting Gentry’s opponent in the race.
Allegations of sexual misconduct were also investigated by the state, including Gentry’s alleged “inappropriate and unwanted sexual advances toward” attorney Katherine Schulz. When those advances were rebuffed, Gentry allegedly sent another individual to speak to Schulz, “accusing her of gossiping about” Gentry. Documents state Schulz “reasonably interpreted” that conversation as “warning Ms. Schulz to remain quiet regarding sexual advances.”
Gentry also allegedly engaged in an inappropriate relationship with former pastor Stephen Penrose, whom Gentry later hired as a staff member.
In Gentry’s response to the charges, she claims the sexual behavior towards Schulz and Penrose did not happen.
“She denies she engaged in inappropriate or unwanted sexual advances toward Ms. Schulz,” the document states. “She denies sending anyone to talk to Ms. Schultz about gossiping about her regarding something that did not happen.”
Gentry also denied allegations of a sexual relationship with Penrose.
Other charges include the falsification of timesheets, hiring court staff members on a basis besides merit and the consumption and storage of alcohol on court premises.
Newsweek attempted to contact Judge Gentry but did not receive an answer in time for publication.
No date has been set for Gentry’s disciplinary hearing, although it is expected to occur within the next 90 days.
