COLUMBUS, Ohio — An officer accused of having consensual sex with a Kroger employee while working special duty was fired from the Columbus Division of Police earlier this week.
Robert Spann was working special duty at Kroger at the time of the incident involving a store employee. Surveillance cameras at the store captured the two multiple times, according to Police Chief Elaine Bryant.
Though Spann was on special duty, Bryant said he still needed to follow the policies and expected behavior of a Columbus police officer.
“He wore the Columbus Division of Police uniform during these incidents,” she said.
The incident was reported to the inspector general by management at Kroger. Those at Kroger decided that they did not prosecute this case for criminal investigation, Bryant said.
Columbus Public Safety Director Kate Pishotti said, “Whether an officer is on duty being paid by the taxpayers of Columbus or a private special duty entity, they represent this division and are expected to conduct themselves accordingly. Officer Spann’s conduct violated his oath and his duty to serve, and brought dishonor to the Division of Police. His inappropriate conduct while in a uniformed capacity, although privately paid, neglected his responsibilities. The kind of behavior demonstrated here is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”