Former Prosecutor Sentenced in Peppermill Casino Lewdness Case

Former Nevada prosecutor Kenneth Ching, who last year was caught engaging in sexual behavior with an unnamed woman at the Peppermill Casino in Reno, Nevada, has received a suspended jail sentence.

Judge Hands Down Ching a Suspended Jail Sentence

Ching was discovered with an unidentified woman at the Peppermill Casino in the early morning hours of August 30, 2025. Police responded after receiving reports that two people were allegedly engaging in sexual activity in a public area of the casino. According to court records, officers found Ching quite literally with his pants down, doing indecent acts with the woman.

He was arrested and later charged with two misdemeanors for engaging in lewd or dissolute conduct in a public place. The state’s prosecutor described the incident as “alcohol-fueled poor decision-making.” The woman told police the sexual encounter was consensual. She was also taken into custody, though it remains unclear whether any charges were filed. She said she had met Ching earlier that evening at Chapel Tavern, a local cocktail bar, and the pair later moved to the Peppermill Casino. 

Ching, who also lost his job soon after he was arrested, later pleaded guilty to both charges in the Reno Justice Court. Judge Scott Pearson imposed a 180-day jail sentence, which was suspended on the condition that Ching remain law-abiding for one year, refrain from drugs and alcohol, and provide proof of participation in individual or group counseling. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, which he has already completed.

Judge Pearson said a person’s profession does not shield them from the damaging effects of substance use, noting that alcohol in particular can ruin lives by altering behavior and decision-making. He added that Ching’s actions illustrated those consequences. The judge also acknowledged that Ching had accepted responsibility for his conduct and praised him for remaining clean and sober, calling it a significant achievement.

Ching Speaks Out on the Incident 

In his statement in court, Ching said he had been sober for four months and 27 days since his arrest and apologized to both the community and his family for his actions. He expressed remorse and shame, saying he was appalled by his behavior and emphasized that, beyond recognizing the seriousness of the situation, his only meaningful response was a sincere and lasting commitment to change.

Judge Pearson warned that if Ching fails to maintain his sobriety, he would face a one-year sentence in the Washoe County Jail.