Highland Heights city leaders are urging a councilman to resign after he pleaded to a sexual abuse charge connected to allegations involving a former legal client.
During an Aug. 4 meeting, Highland Heights City Council members agreed to move forward with a public hearing to remove Jesse Hockenbury from his seat if he does not resign in light of the plea.
Hockenbury, 32, an attorney and member of Highland Heights City Council since 2025, was charged in February with third-degree misdemeanor sexual abuse after a woman accused him of grabbing her crotch and soliciting sex.
Court records show Hockenbury entered an Alford plea on July 28, meaning he did not admit guilt but acknowledged prosecutors had enough evidence for a conviction.
Councilwoman Rene Heinrich said Highland Heights Police Chief Bill Birkenhauer briefed council on details of the case. Heinrich shared those details at the Aug. 4 meeting.
According to Heinrich, Hockenbury had provided free legal representation to a woman during her divorce proceedings. After the final hearing, the woman agreed to drive him home because he does not drive.
During the trip, Hockenbury suggested they celebrate at a bar, Heinrich said. The woman declined, telling him she wanted to go home. After arriving at Hockenbury's residence in Highland Heights, Heinrich said, Hockenbury grabbed the woman in the crotch area and propositioned her for sex.
Heinrich added that Hockenbury should step down from council and withdraw his bid for reelection in November.
"I think its a black eye on our city," she said.
Council members John Braun, Deborah Ball and Gary Chinn voiced similar views.
"I am totally against him being on council, simple as that," Braun said.
City Administrator Michael Giffen told The Enquirer that if Hockenbury does not resign before the next council meeting, council will likely begin formal removal proceedings.
Under Kentucky law, elected officials accused of misconduct, incapacity or willful neglect of duty are entitled to a public hearing before they can be removed from office.
During that hearing, council members would consider evidence and Hockenbury would have the opportunity to respond. A unanimous vote of council would be required to remove him.
Hockenbury was not at the last three council meetings. At a June 2 meeting, several council members asked him to refrain from participating in council business until the criminal case was resolved, citing potential conflicts involving matters related to the Highland Heights Police Department.
Hockenbury's attorney, David Steele, said he didn't have information regarding whether Hockenbury will resign or cancel his plans to run for reelection.
The Highland Heights City Council will have its next meeting Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. in council chambers on 176 Johns Hill Road.
Hockenbury was sentenced to 90 days in jail but will not have to serve time unless he violates the court's conditions withing the next two years, including not having any contact with the woman and staying 500 feet away from her house and job at all times.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: NKY city councilman being pushed to resign after sex abuse conviction