A Logan County Sheriff’s deputy got an early Christmas gift this year when he returned to duty after being off work for several months.
On December 20, 2025, John Puckett, 29, of Kenton, stepped back into his uniform after all criminal charges against him were dismissed and an arbitration ruling cleared him to return.
The situation began in early July 2025, when Puckett’s wife, a Hardin County Sheriff’s deputy, contacted Kenton Police about a domestic dispute.
Police reports alleged that Puckett smacked his wife’s arms and hands, knocked items from her hands, and blocked her from leaving the home.
Puckett was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence and unlawful restraint.
After the arrest, he was terminated from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office on August 1, 2025.
Records also show Puckett had a history of disciplinary issues, including a 10-day suspension earlier that year.
On Monday, November 24, 2025, all criminal charges against Puckett were dismissed with prejudice, meaning the case cannot be refiled.
His attorney, Aaron D. Lowe, said the charges were dismissed due to a lack of credible evidence and emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence for everyone, regardless of occupation.
Under the union’s collective bargaining agreement, Puckett had the right to appeal his termination.
Arbitration was held on December 3, 2025, and it was determined that Puckett would be allowed to return to the Sheriff’s Office after completing a psychological evaluation.
Puckett successfully passed the evaluation and was cleared to return to work.
