PORT CLINTON, Ohio — The city’s fire chief currently is on administrative leave after he was accused by a woman of sexual harassment and assault, according to reports.
A statement from the city says Chief Kent Johnson was placed on paid leave on June 6, the Sandusky Register reports. The city statement says the accusations against Johnson include “sexual harassment and assault, civil liability for criminal acts, workers-compensation fraud, financial impropriety, firearm-related threats and related issues,” WTVG Channel 13 reports.
The city says it takes the accusations seriously and that Johnson will remain on leave until an investigation by “outside agencies” is completed.
The Register, citing records filed in Ottawa County Common Pleas Court, says the woman filed a protection order against Johnson. According to the records, Johnson is accused of groping and forcibly kissing the woman in October when she was bedridden while recovering from back surgery. She accuses him of flashing his gun at her during the incident.
The woman accuses Johnson of making multiple visits to her home when she was alone as she recovered and continued the behavior. She also accuses him of continuing the assaults and harassment after she recovered, the Register reports.
WTVG reports Johnson has been the fire chief since 2008.