JOEL E. MAST
Examiner Correspondent
A deputy with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office has lost his job in the wake of July 8 domestic incident at his Kenton residence.
John Puckett, 29, was offered the opportunity to resign, Sheriff Randy Dodds reported Tuesday, Aug. 5. Puckett declined and was terminated from employment on Monday.
The decision came after a pre-disciplinary hearing last week, the sheriff said.
Sheriff Dodds said Puckett’s past disciplinary and anger issues along with the latest allegations led to the decision to terminate the deputy’s employment.
Under the collective bargaining agreement with the union representing deputies, Puckett has the right to appeal his termination. Sheriff Dodds said the union’s attorney intends to do so.
Puckett joined the department in 2021. He was given a 10-day suspension this year for inappropriate conduct during a Jan. 3 traffic stop. In the 14-month period prior to the stop, he had received written reprimands and was ordered to undergo counseling three times.
According to Kenton Police Department arrest records, Puckett allegedly smacked his wife’s arms and hands, knocking away items she was carrying as she prepared to leave for her job as a deputy with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. He also allegedly blocked a doorway and would not allow her to leave until she apologized.
Kylie Puckett was able to leave the home and was taken to the police station by a fellow deputy whom she contacted using her smartwatch.
John Puckett was arraigned July 10 in the Hardin County Municipal Court on charges of domestic violence and unlawful restraint. He pleaded not guilty.
He was released on a recognizance bond and ordered at the time to have no contact with his wife nor visit the home. He was given a chance to collect personal items.
On July 31, a hearing was conducted regarding the no contact order. The order was dropped as a result of the hearing.
His criminal cases are set for a trial at 2 p.m. Oct. 23 before a judge.
