The City of Circleville in Ohio is in the midst of a shakeup in its public safety leadership, following the termination of Steve Wilkinson from the position of public safety director by Mayor Michelle Blanton. The firing occurred after just a week on the job, adding to the recent departures of Police Chief Shawn Baer and Deputy Chief Doug Davis.

Allegations and Resignations

Wilkinson, who labeled himself as a whistleblower, raised concerns about what he described as wrongful actions by Baer and Davis. This led to calls for investigations into their conduct, culminating in their resignations from their positions with the city. Baer, a veteran of 28 years with the Circleville police force, and Davis, who served for a decade, both parted ways with the city amid ongoing scrutiny.

Investigation and Agreements

While Davis faced allegations of misconduct, Baer’s situation involved a range of accusations, including harassment, intimidation, and financial impropriety. As part of their separation agreements, Davis will receive a payout exceeding $80,000, while Baer’s compensation amounts to over $90,000.

In his resignation letter, Davis emphasized his departure as being in good standing, indicating no ongoing investigations or disciplinary actions against him.

Calls for Further Action

Councilman Zach Brooks has expressed intentions to involve the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to probe into potential wrongdoing by Baer and Davis. However, BCI clarified that they require a referral from a prosecutor or law enforcement to initiate such investigations, indicating that actions from city officials alone may not suffice.

Community Response and Past Incidents

Pickaway County Sheriff Matthew Hafey declined to comment on the matter, while Prosecutor Judy Wolford refrained from committing to a referral to BCI. Notably, in 2022, Wolford placed Deputy Chief Davis on a Brady List, citing issues on his record that could impact his credibility in legal proceedings.

Conclusion: Seeking Accountability and Stability

The City of Circleville’s quest for a new public safety director underscores the importance of accountability and stability in local governance. As investigations loom and community members demand transparency, the outcome of these events will shape the future of law enforcement leadership in the area. For updates on this developing story and more local news, download The Local News App today.

Source