CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A local nurse practitioner facing a criminal investigation for alleged sexual misconduct with patients has publicly endorsed Chillicothe City Council candidate Kevin Shoemaker, sparking controversy within the community.
Kelly D. Hill, a nurse practitioner employed by Adena Health System in Chillicothe, has been under investigation for the past year following multiple complaints accusing him of conducting inappropriate and sexually charged exams on male patients, spanning from teenagers to retirees.
Shoemaker, who is running on the ticket with liberal Luke Feeney also sits on the Board of Directors for the hospital.
The allegations include incidents involving students at Union-Scioto Local School District, where Hill conducted athletic medical exams. The State Medical and Nursing Board has taken over the investigation, issuing subpoenas to both Adena Health System and Hill’s office. However, a source close to the investigation revealed to the Guardian that the state authorities are dissatisfied with the evidence provided, indicating potential hindrance and non-compliance with subpoena requests. There are indications that a search warrant may be imminent.
In a surprising move, Hill expressed his support for Kevin Shoemaker, a local lawyer and Democrat running for the position of Council President in Chillicothe, in a letter to the editor published in the Chillicothe Gazette; the election is held next week with early voting underway. Hill, still under criminal investigation for the alleged sexual assaults, stated, “I am writing to show my support for Kevin Shoemaker as President of Chillicothe City Council. I believe he has the qualifications and experience to make a difference in the City of Chillicothe.”
Hill urged eligible voters to cast their ballots for Shoemaker, emphasizing that the election is about the individual rather than party affiliations. The endorsement has left many community members shocked and raised questions about the candidate’s judgment.
A female associated with the Ross County Republican party expressed strong disapproval, stating, “If people want to hitch their wagon to a candidate who is friends with a sexual deviant predator who continues to prey on innocent children, then those people might want to rethink their outlook on life. People in power with friends wield their influence to continue their predatory behavior. Look no further than Dr. Strauss at Ohio State or Jeffrey Epstein.”
Despite attempts to seek comments from Kevin Shoemaker, he did not respond at the time of reporting.
The endorsement has added a new layer of controversy to an already sensitive investigation, leaving the community divided over the intersection of politics and the serious allegations against Hill.
