ARCANUM — The Darke County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an area police chief after an allegation of “impropriety” involving a female was reported.
Arcanum Chief Andrew Ashbaugh was placed on paid administrative leave by the village on March 4.
The nature of the allegation is not clear at this time.
“There are some improprieties that have been brought up and we just want wanted to confirm if those were true or false,” said Sheriff Toby Spencer.
The sheriff said an incident was reported by the alleged victim’s parent, but didn’t know if it involved a juvenile or adult.
“All I know is there is a concerned parent, or maybe more, that have some issues and want them addressed,” Spencer said.
He added that the prosecutor’s office has been briefed.
Spencer expects the investigation to wrap up in a few weeks, but said the department needs to talk to a few more witnesses.
He also asked that anyone who thinks they may have information or be a victim to call the sheriff’s office at 937-548-2020.
“We take any allegation that we have very seriously,” he said. “...Rest assured we will do what we can to bring this to justice.”
Bill Kessler, Arcanum village administrator, said he was shocked by the investigation, but believes the mayor and solicitor are on top of things.
“What the outcome becomes will be as good as we can make it,” he said. “When things like this happen, you get the opportunity to put things back together the way they should be.”
