Ohio police chief arrested in Florida after grand jury hands down 70-count child sex indictment
One Ohio A police chief who was slapped with a 70-count indictment for alleged sex crimes involving a child faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars.
Bethel Police Chief Chad Essert, 44, was taken into custody without incident in Seminole Tuesday night. FloridaBy the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
A Clermont County grand jury indicted the Blanchester, Ohio, resident on 56 counts. sexual battery and 14 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor — all third-degree felonies.
Texas Sheriff Arrested by His Own Deputies, Now Facing New Indictment for Lying to Grand Jury
Bethel Police Chief Chad R. Essert was arrested in Florida following an indictment for child sex crimes.
(Fox News)
Essert faces a maximum sentence of 280 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
The allegations stem from crimes that authorities allege occurred between 2005 and 2010; Essert was an instructor for the “Junior Marines” and a teacher at the Scarlet Oaks Career Campus in Sharonville, Ohio.
Authorities claim that the victim was a student The crimes occurred at multiple locations in Clermont and Hamilton counties, according to Essert.
Bethel Police Chief Chad R. Essert faces a 70-count indictment for child sex crimes, according to authorities.
“It takes tremendous courage for a victim to come forward, especially when accused wears and holds a badge Clermont County Sheriff Chris Stratton said following the indictment: “Today’s indictment shows 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.”
Prosecutor Mark Tekulve echoed the sheriff’s sentiments, emphasizing that “victims are protected and served regardless of the name or title of the perpetrator.”
Authorities clarified that the accusations were unrelated to a separate investigation involving Essert that was previously reported in local media.
Texas Substitute Teacher Accused of Child Sex Crimes, ‘No Longer Employed’ by School District
FOX 19 reported Essert resigned from her position at Elmwood Place, Ohio, in 2010 to avoid being fired amid allegations of sexual harassment and intimidating a witness.
Essert’s employment status was unclear as of Friday afternoon.
He is being held in the Pinellas County Jail to face charges and is awaiting extradition to Clermont County.
Click Here to Download Fox News App
The Sheriff’s Office urged anyone who believes they may have been a victim of similar behavior by Essert to contact immediately. law enforcement as the investigation is ongoing.
Bethel Village did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment.
Original article source: Ohio police chief arrested in Florida after grand jury rejects 70-count child sex abuse allegations
