The mayor of Bethel, Ohio is starting the process to remove the village’s police chief, Chad Essert, who is facing dozens of charges related to sex crimes. Essert, 44, was taken into custody by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Investigations Section in Seminole, Florida.

Charges and Allegations

According to the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office, Essert has been indicted on 70 counts, including 56 counts of sexual battery and 14 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The alleged incidents occurred between 2005 and 2010, when Essert was an instructor at the Young Marines and a teacher in Sharonville.

Prosecutors said the victim was a student of Essert’s, and the alleged crimes took place in Clermont and Hamilton counties. Essert worked with the Elmwood Place Police Department, Maineville Police Department, and Lincoln Heights Police Department during the time the prosecutor alleged the crimes occurred.

Reaction and Investigation

Bethel Mayor Jay Noble said he was ‘deeply disturbed’ to learn of the indictment and arrest. Noble plans to file charges with the village council to begin the process of removing Essert from office.

A CEO of a victim advocacy group noted that cases like these can be difficult for victims to come forward, especially when the accused is in a position of power. The organization where Essert was an instructor confirmed his employment between 2007 and 2009, and a spokesperson said a background check found no concerning information on him.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.