Salt Lake County judge under criminal investigation

Third District Judge William Kendall presides over a court hearing on Dec. 7, 2015. A court spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday that Kendall is involved in a criminal investigation and is no longer presiding over cases.

Third District Judge William Kendall presides over a court hearing on Dec. 7, 2015. A court spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday that Kendall is involved in a criminal investigation and is no longer presiding over cases. (Al Hartmann)


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WEST JORDAN — A 3rd District Court judge who has overseen cases in the West Jordan courthouse is being investigated for criminal behavior, a court spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday.

Tania Mashburn declined to say what the investigation is about but said Judge William Kendall is not currently presiding over any cases due to the investigation.

No criminal charges have been filed against Kendall.

The public court calendar still shows a full week of hearings for Kendall next week, but he has no hearings scheduled for the rest of this week.

Kendall was appointed to the 3rd District Court in December 2014 and has presided over multiple high-profile cases in the last decade.

This investigation comes days after a 1st District Justice Court judge was arrested and charged with eight felonies accusing him of sexually exploiting children. Kevin Robert Christensen, 64, "was using the internet-based chatting application KIK to communicate with others about sexually abusing children, sexually exploiting children and enticing children," according to charging documents.

Christensen is on administrative leave without pay while that investigation continues.

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Emily Ashcraft is a reporter for KSL.com. She covers issues in state courts, health and religion. In her spare time, Emily enjoys crafting, cycling and raising chickens.
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