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Prosecutor: Former Talbert House employee indicted on sex charges

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Posted at 11:45 AM, Dec 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-16 12:35:56-05

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ohio — A former Talbert House employee is accused of having sexual conduct with a child under the age of 13, according to Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters and court documents.

A Hamilton County grand jury indicted 55-year-old Kenneth Hackett on two counts of gross sexual imposition on Wednesday, Deters said.

Hackett worked as a Life Skills Coach at Talbert House for the past four years and became acquainted with the victim during his employment, according to Deters.

Hackett is accused of having sexual contact with the victim, who is less than 13 years old, on Sept. 13 while they were alone in his car, according to court documents.

Deters said investigators are concerned there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.

“This case is disturbing because of what happened to this victim but also because Hackett has always worked with vulnerable children and adults,” Deters said in a statement.

Police arrested Hackett on Dec. 7, according to court documents. Hackett posted bond on Dec. 8.

Teri Nau, Vice President of Community and Donor Relations at Talbert House, said Hackett was placed on unpaid leave as soon as they became aware of an investigation. Hackett has since resigned, and Talbert House is fully cooperating with authorities, Nau said.

"The safety and security of those in our care is our number one priority and we are shocked and sickened by these charges. While we continue to assist authorities, our immediate concern is with the child and family impacted by this criminal behavior. We are making every effort to assist them to receive all the care and attention they need to heal," Nau said.

Hackett previously worked at Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, Brown County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Envision.

Anyone who may have been a victim should contact Hamilton County Sheriff’s Detective Andrew Stoll at 513-595-8548.