CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The police chief for the City of Circleville was placed on administrative leave on Monday as officials investigate allegations of potential misconduct.
In a letter obtained by 10TV, Mayor Michelle Blanton wrote to Shawn Baer that he is accused of the following:
- Harassment
- Intimidation
- Retaliation
- Threats of discipline
- Misuse of position
- Improper expenditures
- Failure to adhere to deadlines
- Timekeeping violations
The letter did not specify the situation in which the allegations originated.
In a police report written by Pickaway County Sheriff Matthew Hafey, he wrote that he was requested by Blanton on Monday to be on standby while she placed Baer on leave.
Hafey turned on his body camera while Baer and Blanton were discussing behind a closed door. The audio from the video picked up mumbles of the conversation, but specifics could not be made out.
In the video, Baer and Blanton were then seen walking out of the office and approaching Hafey. Blanton told Hafey that Baer had some belongings in the office that would need to be picked up.
Hafey and Baer walked out of the building and headed to the sheriff’s cruiser. Hafey transported Baer to the police station to retrieve his belongings from his office.
Baer was then taken to his home to grab his department-issued items.
In the video, Baer and Hafey were heard talking to one another, but matters surrounding the police chief’s administrative leave were not brought up.
While at his home, Baer handed over two firearms — a Glock 17 Gen 5 and Glock 43, his badge, office keys and police credentials, according to Hafey’s report.
Baer will remain on leave with pay until the investigation is completed and the results are presented. The mayor said until then, he is not to step on city property, speak with city employees and disclose details on the investigation.
Circleville City Law Director Kendra Kinney released a statement, saying “The City of Circleville will not comment on the placement of Police Chief Gary Shawn Baer on administrative leave with pay.”