OTTAWA — A corrections officer at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office was placed on paid administrative leave Thursday in connection with an investigation into a deputy’s alleged on-duty sexual exploits.
Corrections Officer Gina Meyers was ordered to turn in all keys, identification cards and other county-owned property pending the outcome of the investigation. She also was ordered to remain off all county property unless told she can enter.
Putnam County Sheriff Brian Siefker said Meyer’s suspension was connected to the ongoing investigation involving Deputy Jared West but directed further questions to Jeff Cook of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The matter was referred to BCI at the request of Putnam County Prosecutor Gary Lammers to avoid a conflict of interest.
Cook could not be reached for comment Friday.
Meyers is the second woman connected to West’s ongoing investigation.
West was placed on paid administrative leave April 18, after allegations surfaced that he had a sexual affair with a corrections officer while on duty in 2014.
West worked for the sheriff’s office from April 2013 to November 2014 when he resigned, following the allegation. He was employed as a full-time road deputy in 2014 after he was promoted from corrections officer.
It was during this time that West and a female corrections officer allegedly engaged in sexual contact while on duty.
West and the woman he was allegedly involved with both resigned in 2014. West resigned on Nov. 4, six days after the female corrections officer resigned.
West later rejoined the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in 2016 one day after Siefker, his uncle, won the primary election. Interim Sheriff Tim Meyer hired him back.
Deputy West is currently on paid administrative leave while the investigation against him is pending.
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