Covington officer resigns after assault charge

An altercation in November in Newport has led to the resignation of a Covington Police officer.

The Covington City Commission on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Officer Jesse Wenning.

"He's a good kid, had a bad night, and it's just unfortunate," said Covington City Solicitor and Assistant City Manager Frank Warnock.

Wenning is set to go on trial in March in Campbell County District Court on misdemeanor fourth-degree assault.

Newport Police arrested Wenning on Nov. 26 after a fight with a Campbell County deputy jailer, according to court documents.

The deputy jailer stated in the summons that he tried to break up an argument between Wenning and a woman at the bar Bourbon & Broad on Monmouth Street in Newport. The deputy jailer and a friend, also a deputy jailer, told Wenning they were law enforcement officers. He stated Wenning told them he was a Covington Police Officer.

That's when Wenning and three other males proceeded to assault the deputy jailer, court documents state.

The victim told authorities he was choked and punched repeatedly after being thrown to the ground. Wenning kicked the man in the face with his cowboy boot after a running start, the deputy jailer said in the court documents.

Newport Police also cited Wenning that night for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and alcohol intoxication. The report stated the "officer had to actively fight (Wenning) and take him to the ground to gain compliance and control."

Wenning, 27, couldn't be reached for comment. A call to his attorney wasn't returned.

Wenning was hired by the Covington Police in September 2013. He is a veteran of the Kentucky Army National Guard, minutes from the Sept. 10, 2013 Covington City Commission meeting stated.

Wenning opted not to have a hearing before the Covington Commission and resigned, Warnock said.

"It's an unfortunate circumstance," Warnock said. "We wish him the best. I don't know what else to say about it."