OTTAWA — A special prosecuting attorney has been assigned to investigate deputies at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant Attorney General Micah Ault was appointed by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine to investigate law enforcement and corrections officers at the Sheriff’s Office.
Ault directed all inquiry into the matter to the office’s Public Information Officer Jill Del Greco.
“Our office can’t get involved unless asked to by a local prosecutor,” Del Greco said.
Putnam County Prosecutor Gary Lammers did not return multiple phone calls and messages seeking comment.
There are a number of reasons a local prosecutor could request the Attorney General’s Office take over a case, including overwhelming work load and conflict of interest, Del Greco said adding they cannot step in otherwise.
Four Putnam County Sheriff’s Office employees have been placed on administrative leave within the last few months. Corrections Officer Zeb Duelle was placed on administrative leave in March for telecommunications harassment. Deputy Jared West and Corrections Officer Gina Meyers were placed on administrative leave in April for sexual misconduct while on duty. Deputy Tony Recker was placed on administrative leave recently for misuse of the Sheriff’s Office database and computer.
West, Meyers and Recker are under investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Putnam County Sheriff Brian Seifker responded to requests for comment by email but did not address the investigation.
