Ohio Police Chief Arrested on Child Sex Crimes Charges

A police chief from Ohio is facing serious charges that could lead to a life sentence. Bethel Police Chief Chad Essert, 44, has been indicted on 70 counts related to alleged sex crimes involving a child.

Essert was arrested without incident on Tuesday night in Seminole, Florida, by officials from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

A grand jury in Clermont County has charged him with 56 counts of sexual battery and 14 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, all categorized as third-degree felonies.

If found guilty on all counts, Essert could face a maximum sentence of 280 years in prison.

The allegations are said to involve offenses that occurred between 2005 and 2010, during which Essert worked as an instructor with the ‘Young Marines’ and taught at Scarlet Oaks Career Campus in Sharonville, Ohio. The alleged victim was one of his students, and the incidents reportedly took place in various locations across Clermont and Hamilton counties.

Clermont County Sheriff Chris Stratton remarked on the courage it takes for victims to come forward, especially when the accused holds a position of authority. He emphasized that the indictment illustrates that no one is above the law, and all victims deserve to be heard.

Prosecutor Mark Tekulve reinforced this message, stating that victims will be protected and served, regardless of the perpetrator’s status.

Officials confirmed that these charges are unrelated to another investigation involving Essert, which had been previously reported.

As of Friday afternoon, it remains unclear what Essert’s employment status is.

Currently, he is being held at the Pinellas County Jail, awaiting extradition to Clermont County to address the charges against him.

The Sheriff’s Office has encouraged anyone who may have been a victim of similar misconduct by Essert to contact law enforcement, as the investigation is still ongoing.