Ohio Police Chief charged with 70 sex abuse counts from alleged teacher misconduct
Essert was arrested in Florida and extradited to Ohio following a June 11 indictment
Chad Essert, the police chief of Bethel, Ohio, has been indicted on 70 sexual abuse-related charges tied to allegations dating back to his time as a school teacher.
People reported Essert faces 56 counts of sexual battery and 14 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor following a June 11 indictment in Clermont County, according to the Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors allege the offences occurred between 2005 and 2010, when Essert was working as a teacher and also serving as an instructor for the Young Marines programme. Authorities said the victim was a student of Essert’s, and that the alleged conduct took place in both Hamilton and Clermont counties.
“It takes tremendous courage for a victim to come forward, especially when the accused wears a badge and holds a position of authority,” Clermont County Sheriff Christopher Stratton said in a statement. “Today's indictment demonstrates that no one is above the law. Every victim deserves to be heard, and every allegation will be thoroughly investigated and pursued in accordance with the law.”
Essert had previously been placed on administrative leave in May while an internal investigation was underway. According to local outlet WCPO, the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office had been looking into separate allegations of misconduct while Essert was serving in uniform, though officials said no criminal activity was identified at that stage.
Authorities later clarified that the new indictment is unrelated to the earlier internal review.
Following the indictment, Essert was arrested in Pinellas County, Florida, before being extradited to Ohio. It has not yet been confirmed whether he has entered a plea.
Bethel Mayor Jay Dee Noble II said the village would begin the process of removing Essert from his role as police chief, calling the situation deeply distressing for the community and local police department.
“This has been a very difficult time for our village,” Noble said, according to local reports. “It has caused a great deal of distress for our village employees, especially the other members of our police department.”
The case remains ongoing as authorities continue their proceedings.