Ironton Police Officer Under Investigation
Ironton Police Officer Under Investigation Save Email Print
Posted: 9:48 PM Oct 8, 2008
Last Updated: 9:48 PM Oct 8, 2008
Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

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IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship said a city police officer, whose name is being withheld, is under investigation.

Blankenship said the officer is on paid leave while the city and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation look into at least one citizen-fueled complaint. The city probe is looking at a possible policy violation, and the BCI will look into possible criminal action.

Blankenship said he hopes to have some conclusive findings by the end of the week.

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Posted by: ironton citizen on Nov 13, 2008 at 08:48 AM
I guess WSAZ is not going to post the rest of the comments , why have this blog if WSAZ is not going to post them, when readers and posters take the time to view and interact ??? : (

Posted by: ironton citizen on Nov 2, 2008 at 10:22 AM
TO WSAZ: Why are the posts not being posted?????

Posted by: tipster on Oct 30, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Again WSAZ lets get the posts on here I noticied some things are not being posted , this is a very serious issue and the citizens of Ironton are upset with the firing of their best officer and the shady things that are going on and a lot of citizens are wondering and this is the only info they have access to, this and the Ironton Tribune , we want to hear it all. Thank You concerned

Posted by: gizmo on Oct 28, 2008 at 01:09 PM
This whole mess is very disturbing to me!! The mayor should have never let this get to this. I didn't vote for him anyway as I don't think he has the knowledge for this job but this shows me he doesn't. PLEEEASSSSE....I have never seen such a big deal made over something so small. I'm sure these large organizations are laughing over him calling them in when he could have taken care of this himself. Another thing....I think these 'so called' women that were given a break should have to come in and be drilled. SEE THIS IS WHAT YOU GET OUT OF PEOPLE LIKE THIS when you have a kind heart as this officer does....you can't...people like this are trouble and it came back to bite her. These people crying around about how they would be able to get to the doctor, get grocies, yadda, yadda, yadda. WHEN YOU HAVE A HEART THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS. BUT I WILL TELL YOU THIS... THIS COMMUNITY IS WATCHING MAYOR.

Posted by: basset on Oct 27, 2008 at 08:55 PM
any word on what happened at the meeting today?

Posted by: ohrose on Oct 26, 2008 at 09:17 PM
October 27th, Monday at 10:00 Show your support by being there to show the city officials that we as a community have a voice...That we expect all officers to be treated fairly and that all officers are held to the "SAME" standard!, that equal rights mean just that! We as a community voted you in to your position to be a voice to the majority and we will not forget that at election time if we are not heard! Stop the favoritism and the corrupt actions of a few and let Ironton be a town we all can take pride in! Let Ironton be a town we can live in instead of just a town we were from!

Posted by: ohrose on Oct 26, 2008 at 09:04 PM
To the three people that had something negative to say about this officer... Tomorrow you will be sadly dissapointed.The truth will be told and the innocent will prevail!and you will have egg on YOUR face!As a seeker of justice my only hope is that you will have to answer for your actions... or lack there of! As for all the citizens of Ironton who rose to defend the innocent I am touched and proud, and I know she is, that there are that many good people in this town who care and are willing to stand up to make sure truth prevails and the rights of others, even if they choose a different path than our own, are protected. I believe there is a much bigger message here than just what is happening in this one injustice. Maybe this has opened all of our eyes to the small few with positions in this towm to make decisions based on personal agendas and not what is right for all who live and pay taxes in this town. Remember when you say nothing... Your just as guilty as the hangman!

Posted by: Friend of Officer on Oct 26, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Just wanted to let everyone posting on here to know that Irontons finest police officer will be having a hearing at Ironton City Center at 10:00 am on Monday 10/27. We would appreciate everyone that is in support of her to be there & lets show all of Ironton (& the Mayor)that is a very caring officer & we are all behind her & Ironton needs to keep the BEST one!! Best Of Luck to Irontons finest!

Posted by: Jerry on Oct 26, 2008 at 07:32 AM
To: yea, yea, yea, Yes, that is the whole point and it must have went right over top of your head, no one said she walks on water , she made a mistake by giving someone a break out of sympthy and that was the MISTAKE she should not have made. People bash police officers all the time and this is just WHY officers have to continually CYA . These people cry and beg and and give these phony sad sob stories and guess what "LIE" and then have the irony to came back and lodge complaints against the officers that tried to help, SORRY, you can't give or help these people. The statement being made by the citizens is : This is one of Ironton's best officers and the people like and respect her and this should not be happening if the Mayor feels she should be reprimanded so be it however , this has gone too far and should be addressed and and this officer put, back to work. THE CITIZENS HAVE MADE THEIR STATEMENTS AND THIS SHOULD BE PUT BEHIND THE DEPT. AND LET'S GET ON WITH BUSINESS.

Posted by: yak on Oct 26, 2008 at 03:31 AM
This officer was put on leave several weeks ago as i see the article was posted on october 8th. I say if they are not back to work by now, to me it looks like they might been let go and its not out yet.

Posted by: candy on Oct 26, 2008 at 12:46 AM
We just think she has been done wrong once again. All of the officers at ipd are doing a great job. When a complaint comes in on an officer just treat them the same. I think the reason this officer is treated different is very well known. But the community does not care about that. We only know that when we need her she is there. IPD is doing great and there are alot of good honest officers aside of this officer. My only question is.......why her all of the time when she only does her job and never bothers anyone at the police department. It seems this may be a personal thing between her and a certain someone....I think all of the ipd officers are great. so quit bashing them all and taking up for one..but I also feel that the officers should take up for one of their own....that is all I am saying...

Posted by: yea yea yea on Oct 25, 2008 at 09:26 PM
gosh people. you all act like this 'officer' walks on water. she is human and makes mistakes. she made one this time- sorry to all her friends on here- she's HUMAN! that means, unfortunately to you... she's NOT perfect- quit acting like it! it's obvious, she's your friend and you folks on here are just getting annoying. let it work itself out. geez. enough already- you're going to make us NOT like her!

Posted by: candy on Oct 25, 2008 at 04:12 PM
This entire thing is so stupid. Think it also might backfire....

Posted by: JERRY on Oct 23, 2008 at 10:09 PM
i heard there was a meeting today about the outcome and decision of what was going to happen. I hope the Mayor makes a wise choice if he doesn't , it will be to his disadvantaage in the future. This officer is actually one of Ironton's finest , and the citizens like her and they want her on the street and her job that she does very, very well. So Mayor do your job and quit listening to these others that are #1 jealous, or want her job , or she has arrested or ticketed, or just does not like police period , sift through these losers and use your best judgement and put this officer back on duty and let her do her job and service to all who like and respect her. This complaining person put them on the hot spot and grill them and get the real story and not the BS you got in the first place. Mayor the people are watching and waiting to see what kind of decisions you make and how you handle this situation for future reference. It could hurt you down the road , if you catch the drift!!

Posted by: Pee Wee on Oct 23, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Ironton Tribune will love to get the tapes from the watch dogs. News travels fast in a small town. More watch dogs on the way.

Posted by: citizen1 on Oct 23, 2008 at 02:35 PM
They just want to keep this lingering on and on. Instead of doing something. An why do they do it simply cause they have no heart and what to keep her suffering!!! Gee, what a town we live in!!! It's about as crooked as they come

Posted by: Pee Wee on Oct 23, 2008 at 02:01 PM
GUESS WHAT CITISEN1 ?? If the Mayor doesn't Put the officer back on duty you will be surprised how many watch dogs will be patroling Ironton.

Posted by: Citizen1 on Oct 23, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I say the mayor needs to let her get back to work... If not it seems like he's going to have a lot of people upset with him. I have seen a lot of people on here supporting her. We can only hope that this officer will be back to protecting the streets soon!!! Don't we deserve atleast 1 decent officer in this town???

Posted by: Pee Wee on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:12 PM
I bet the Mayor won't get the praise from the people in Ironton if he fires this officer. He better be thinking about the publics interest in this situation. After all he needs to keep the people in Ironton satisfied with the decision. And from all the postings this officer has done a swell job for the city.

Posted by: citizen1 on Oct 22, 2008 at 08:00 PM
What more does the mayor wan't from this officer I don't know anyone more dedicated than she is. Hasn't she went through enough already. The Mayor need to get off he's high horse and let her get back to protecting this town. I mean come on already what is he waiting for? How would he feel if he were in her shoes?

Posted by: Shocked II on Oct 22, 2008 at 04:02 PM
I really can't say it any better than Shocked did on Oct. 14th...but I would like to add that if I had my choice of any police officer to come to my rescue it would be that officer. She is very kind and very caring and she is a very dedicated officer...100% into her job... she is driven and fearless when it comes to getting criminals off of our streets...loves children, animals, has tons of friends and comes from a wonderful family...what more do you people want? I wish you the best. Thank you for everything you have done in the past and looking forward to when you are back on the streets to serve and protect us once again.

Posted by: Pee Wee on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:15 AM
With all the postings of this Officer being a good hearted honest officer the Mayor needs to put her back on duty. If the Mayor doesn't understand the people in Ironton approve of her and trust her judgement then the Mayor needs some help.

Posted by: boo hoo on Oct 22, 2008 at 01:54 AM
Actually John Q. I do not hate police officers. I have respect for most cops, for risking thre lives every day to protect there communities. I do dislike when some of them use there power to try to get people to do there dirty work. And by the way im not a jealous cop. Trust me!

Posted by: Mandi on Oct 22, 2008 at 12:41 AM
This officer is a very kind hearted person! She loves animals!! and for that Im glad shes innocent,

Posted by: Citizen1 on Oct 21, 2008 at 01:39 PM
I hope this officer get's to go back to work soon... She is the best officer ipd has and she goes above and beyond to protect the people in this town!!! I hope nothing major happens while she's off

Posted by: Pee Wee on Oct 21, 2008 at 12:55 PM
The Mayor either dilikes this Officer or has a personal attachment with the one crying to complain. Ironton will not find a more devoted officer than this one. I say put Oficer in question back on duty. back on duty

Posted by: John Q on Oct 21, 2008 at 06:48 AM
To Boo Hoo: What a jerk you are if this Officer loses her job over something this silly , just because she has a good heart and gave a jerk a break. She should sue she has nio other choice. Get your feet in her shoes. I bet you either hate cops or you are a jealous cop . : )

Posted by: John Q on Oct 20, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Honorable Mayor Blankenship, Do your job and put this officer back to work or maybe a reprimand , she has been humiliated and embarrased enough and has done nothing to deserve this kind of treatment. I'm sure there are much worse issues then this going on in the Dept. that have been totally overlooked and swept under the so called rugs don't you. It is up to you to do the right thing and that is to support this fine officer and put her back to work , you probably know by now that the citizens of Ironton like this officer as well as respect her I'm sure you have heard from quite a few citizens and received many calls , I signed a petition today in a business on her behalf, this should tell you something about howe the people feel. I am told you are a very intelligent reasonable man , then show it and take a stand for this Officer the peoople are watching and hoping she will be back out there soon protecting them as she has always done. Mayor I hope you read these comments.

Posted by: John Q on Oct 20, 2008 at 11:15 PM
dr pepper: This Officer shoud never have been off work in the first place!! People wonder why Police Officers have to CYA so much , nonsense like this is why , you cannot give a person a break or feel sorry for them because they give you a big sad sob story , it is sad but true. Yep, you guessed it I'm a fellow Officer however , I do not work for Ironton , I have worked a case with this officer that was connected and I have the utmost respect for the Officer and she is very professional, an excellent hard working officer that is a credit to the city of Ironton and they would be fools not to stand behind her and support her , the Mayor should have addressed this before it went this far with a person that waited almost a month to complain. When a person starts to give a sad story and crying thisd throws up a red flag. This was the Thanks the Officer for giving this jerk a break. And the other Officers should support and stand behind this Officer to the end!! Shame if they don't!!!

Posted by: boo hoo on Oct 20, 2008 at 10:54 PM
im sure this "officer" will sue.

Posted by: Pee Wee on Oct 20, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Laney I AGREE WITH YOU. IF THE MAYOR DOES NOT PUT THIS OFFICER BACK ON DUTY I CAN BET YOU THIS MAYOR WILL BE REMEMBERED THE NEXT ELECTION. HIS SALARY OF $62,000 MAY DIMINISHED. HOPE THIS OFFICER SUES THE CITY.

Posted by: dr pepper on Oct 20, 2008 at 04:03 AM
any word on if the officer can return to work?

Posted by: Laney on Oct 20, 2008 at 12:08 AM
It was nice That the Officers name was withheld, like everyone doesn't know who it is , they may as well put the officers picture on the post office wall, or better still made a lifesize cut out and put in front of the PD. I cannot believe this is happening , I know our Mayor is new to the operations of the city goverment however, I think this officer is being railroaded , this officer is in my opinion and the marjority of most citizens in town one of Ironton's best Officer , very professional yet approachable and will patiently talk to you about your problems in a very understanding way and will go out of their way to help if possible. It is my understanding there is no criminal charge the officer merely gave a break to a person out of sympathy and then they came back weeks later to complain because the state came back on the complaining party. There should be no issue here. MAYOR IT IS YOUR DECISION AND YOURS ALONE DO THE RIGHT THING AND PUT THIS OFFICER BACK TO WORK NOW!!! THANKS

Posted by: Derrick on Oct 19, 2008 at 10:21 PM
It is my understanding that the friends of this officer have put positive comments regarding her character. It is also my understanding that this officer had an opportunity in this investigation to tell other indescrections of other officers , although she did not from what i have heard. I think it is very sad from what I have heard that not one officer from the department has not contacted her giving her any kind of support.Not even a phone call to check on her well being. Having listened to the community no other officer that has had a compliaint filed on them in the past has went through the public display of punishment such as this. I have spoke with the officer in question and she wishes no harm to ANY of her felloow officers to go through such mental anguish and scrunity that she has in the past few weeks. Obviusly this officer lives and breathes being a police officer to protect and serve the community no matter what comes her way.

Posted by: yogi bear on Oct 19, 2008 at 12:30 AM
even with the officer foudn inncocent will they get to return to there job?

Posted by: carley on Oct 18, 2008 at 06:52 PM
as i said in my former comment we dont know the facts and it was being investigated..im glad she has been found innocent..but why get on here and trash all the other officers..i can tell you there is alot more honest officers here in ironton than this one..come on get real!!this is sad cause during all this not one officer said a negative thing about her..not one of the officers wants to see another fall..but why has all this went from one officer to trashing them all?its not their fault she was being investigated and not their fault what happened..but yet every comment on here defending her you have trashed the other officers..but yet these officers DID NOT WANT TO SEE HER FALL!!why would they want all this..more negative talk about them and the force..sad now its time for her friends to sling mud on other officers..and again we dont know whats true and not..again im glad shes been found innocent..i know one officer very well and i can tell you NOT ONE BAD THING WAS SAID AGAINST HER!

Posted by: citizen1 on Oct 17, 2008 at 01:34 AM
Not very many that's for sure...There need to be more officer's like this officer....

Posted by: Pee Wee on Oct 16, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Citizen1, I know the Officer in Question and I agree with you. I do not live in Ironton but I know the kind heart of this Officer. This Officer rescued a kitten in a storm drain. How many people would take the time to rescue a kitten from a storm drain.

Posted by: Citizen1 on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:59 PM
If anythingwe should be thanking this officer for not being like the others!!

Posted by: Citizen1 on Oct 15, 2008 at 06:02 PM
I think every cop should be investigated at IPD...I could only imagaine what some of them have covered up.... people say they are so worried about their tax money..But I didn't see anyone worrying when Aaron Rowe was killed when was that investigated? I must have missed that one, or when the chief was held at gun point because someone took another officer's gun, please tell me when they invesigated all this....How about the sex video of the cop on duty is that what were paying them for to have sexy at a gas station... talk about serve and protect looks like they are offering the publice a little more than protection don't you think??? The officer is the only dedicated officer down there...while all the other ones are out getting "girls" the officer in question is doing her job...How could people get on here and say such horrible things when this officer risk her life everyday to protect yours.

Posted by: Citizen1 on Oct 15, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Dirty Cop? This officer is far from a dirty cop you need to get your facts staright for you get on here and say something. This cop is the only decent cop in Ironton... There are cops that have sex while on duty, pick up girls at bars and all kinds of other things....but you think this cop is dirty! You must not know what dirty means... I hope to the one's that are saying all the negative and hurtful things I hope no-1 ever shows you kindess in any way shape or form.... Is it because you are so trashy that you feel you need to bring people down that are better than you, let me tell you right now its only making you look worse...Would you like it if people were on here talking about you...I don't think you would...I'm sick of seeing all these negative things do you not think that the cop has feelings too? and the officer in quesstion has not made any-1 post good comments about them. I do it because I know they are being treated wrong and someone needs to defend them!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Told you so on Oct 15, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Well, To all who thought they were going to get to see an officer fall, it is official there is no criminal charge! I know that is very dissapointing to all who had only negative things to say about her and her personal life but as I said in the beginning there was no way she could be charged with a criminal act because there WAS no criminal act!!! She has been formally investigated and found innocent. To the person who said she had her friends post on the forum of the tribune, Let me set the record straight, THAT WAS A LIE! and you should be ashamed of yourself. We know who you are and why it upset you that so many people came to her defense, "ON THEIR OWN"!!! My only hope for you is that the recourse you now will incur for your actions... and lack there of, will not bring you the pain it has brought this officer! To the citizen who has always depended on us taxpayers to support you!(welfare?) Your investigation could be next! To all that gave nothing but support of the truth, Thank u

Posted by: shocked on Oct 14, 2008 at 07:14 AM
I must say I am in awe at the way some of you people find pleasure in publicly lynching an officer before knowing the facts. I can only hope when all is said and done this officer unleashes a world of hurt on those who attempted to condemn them and those who didn't stand beside them. Ironton had at LEAST 1 officer that truly cared for the well being of others. An officer that didn't indulge in crude public behavior(sex in parking lots)and an officer that won't destroy the life of another in order to indulge in guilty pleasure. The sad part in all of this, the officer in question may very well stop caring of your hardships. They will look at your tears and feel nothing as they hand you a ticket that will take the food from your plates. They will take your handicapped mother to jail regardless of what it will do to her health . They will harden their heart and all because you have once again proven you're not worth it. Oh and can't help it..you are by far the wisest here. Kudos to you.

Posted by: carley on Oct 14, 2008 at 12:51 AM
to begin with we do not know if this officer is guilty or not..the officer will be investigated by detectives from the state..these are detectives that has no relationship or knows any of these officers..so whatever the decision is it will be done honestly and by the law..these officers are here to abide by the law..no officer is above the law..and i agree they should not be paid while off work being investigated..if found innocent then pay them what is owed them..but im sick of all this putting down all the other honest officers out on the street nightly protecting us..for ones that has no scanner you wouldnt believe what they deal with nightly..you treat them with no respect but who is first ones you call when you need help?? when someone tries breaking in dont call them..or hits your car, or abuses your child, or neighbors that harrass you dont call them..you that gripes are the 1st to call them for help!sad adults would trash all these other officers you do not know at all!!

Posted by: Me on Oct 13, 2008 at 08:17 AM
So giving themm a paid vacation leave is really going to show them...

Posted by: BlueKnightLEO on Oct 12, 2008 at 09:33 AM
NOTICE TO WSAZ COMMENTERS: The IRONTON TRIBUNE article/posts/forums are still up and running. They just took the article off the home page. It is still accessible.

Posted by: Rob on Oct 11, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Where's the story? This is not news to anyone. Just another dirty cop

Posted by: Pee Wee on Oct 11, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I do not work at the Tribune and I am not an Officer. The problem is Mayor Blankenship should have kept his mouth shut until he could give all the information. The Officer in Question is an honest and has been an Officer for several years. Mayor Blankenship was recently elected. He needs to focus on the issues of upgrading the buildings and streets.

Posted by: Ohio on Oct 10, 2008 at 09:43 PM
It is so sad that there are bad cops out there that ruin the reputation of cops who really do try and make a difference. It's so sad that the bad cop minority ruins the public opinion of those who put their lives on the line to protect us...

Posted by: Pee Wee on Oct 10, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Mayor Blankenship should have with held information until there was an investigation to report. He could be ruining the Officer in question reputation. Sgt.Carey was would not make a comment. This Officer could be innocent and I know the Officer in question and believe in their innocence.

Posted by: Jean on Oct 10, 2008 at 03:45 PM
FIRE HIM!!!

Posted by: me on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:37 PM
they need to be checking out all the officers along with people who's running for office! and not punish just one person!

Posted by: to posters on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:42 PM
watch out people! this officer in question had their friends on the Ironton Tribune posting 'wonderful' things about them... i guess it caused an uproar and it was taken down. hmmm... wonder if it will happen on here too???

Posted by: Lola on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:25 PM
"Someone did something to someone somewhere at some time." Wow, now this story is just FULL of information. Jay Leno would love this one.

Posted by: Big G on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Let's just hope they don't start looking into all of our workplaces like they look into the cops.........we'd all be unemployed.

Posted by: Laura on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:30 PM
If they put a stop to all the things that have been going on for way too long then they'll have to hire all new cops everywhere.

Posted by: Duh on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:28 AM
"I know this cop???oh yeah I don't know if the cop is male or female!!!lothlmao

Posted by: IRONTON on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:52 AM
I KNOW THIS COP,IT IS ABOUT TIME SOME ONE PUTS A STOP TOO ALL THE THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR WAY TO LONG! THE ONLY THING THIS COP IS SORRY FOR IS SHE/HE GOT CAUGHT UP ON THE ACT!IT IS OUR TAX DOLLARS THAT PAY THE COPS!! HAPPY DAY

Posted by: Could not help it on Oct 9, 2008 at 01:28 AM
All I can say is 'For Pity' ......

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