Judge William Kendall resigns after criminal indictment
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Judge William Kendall has resigned from his post on the Third District Court after being criminally indicted for sexual abuse and drug charges.
In a statement given to ABC4.com by Kendall's lawyer, Kendall cites his divided attention as the reason for his resignation. Saying that serving the court has been an honor.
'After thoughtful consideration, I have submitted my resignation to my seat on the Third District Court, effective immediately,' Kendall's statement reads. 'It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the people of Utah; however, at this moment I cannot provide the Third District the attention it deserves, and therefore I have reached this difficult decision.'
PREVIOUS: Utah judge facing charges for sexual abuse, drug distribution
The former judge's resignation comes after he was charged with forcible sexual abuse, and distributing a controlled substance. According to court documents, Kendall had allegedly touched a woman inappropriately during a gathering at his home back on Feb. 21, 2025.
According to the probable cause statement, Kendall had allegedly been drinking and offered the victim THC products. It goes onto say the alleged inappropriate touching occurred after both had smoked what the victim called a 'weed pen.'
Kendall was originally appointed to the bench by then Governor Gary in 2014, and had served in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah as an assistant U.S. Attorney. He also served as a district attorney for Salt Lake County.
Court records have Kendall appearing before the court for his initial appearance on May 14th, 2025.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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