Ross trustees call emergency session over investigation into police department

Ross Twp. trustees have decided to hold off asking voters to approve a police levy in November. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Ross Twp. trustees have decided to hold off asking voters to approve a police levy in November. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

An investigation into alleged “payroll irregularities” in the Ross Twp. Police Dept. has been referred to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

Ross Twp. Trustee Russ McGurrin told the Journal-News the trustees are aware of allegations and have referred the matter to Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser. He confirmed the allegations involve “payroll irregularities.”

“The administration is aware of the details of the investigation,” McGurrin said. “It would be a disservice to any of the parties involved to comment on any aspect of an open investigation. When details can be released without compromising any aspect of the investigation, we will comment.”

The trustee board has called an emergency executive session on Thursday, Sept. 27 to discuss an “investigation of charges or complaints against a public employee.” No action is listed after the closed meeting.

Gmoser said, “the investigation is ongoing and BCI has been asked to make an investigation,” but he could not discuss any details.

Steve Irwin with the Ohio Attorney General’s office said the investigation is “active and ongoing” and provided the following request from Gmoser:

“Please accept this letter as my formal request upon BCI as Prosecutor of Butler County, Ohio for the criminal investigation of certain alleged payroll irregularities occurring in the police department of Ross Township, Ohio. If there is any more specificity required, please do not hesitate to contact me, but I understand you have already been briefed on certain details of this matter,” the request reads.

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