safety
‘Deeply disturbed’: Mayor seeks to remove police chief indicted on 70 sex abuse charges tied to his time as teacher
By Matt Schaffer, Jennifer Edwards Baker, Brooklyn Andres, Akim Powell at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio. (WXIX/Gray News) - An Ohio police chief was indicted on 70 sexual abuse counts stemming from alleged child sex abuse that happened between 2005 and 2010, according to authorities. Chad Essert is facing 56 counts of sexual battery and 14 counts of unlawful sexual conduct wit...
Key takeaway (WXIX/Gray News) - An Ohio police chief was indicted on 70 sexual abuse counts stemming from alleged child sex abuse that happened between 2005 and 2010, according to authorities.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The situation in Bethel, Ohio, raises questions about the vetting process for police chiefs in small towns like those surrounding Atlanta . As the mayor of Bethel moves to remove their police chief, it's worth considering how similar situations could be prevented in local jurisdictions. The fact that Essert was able to become a police chief despite a history of disciplinary issues and allegations of misconduct is troubling. In Atlanta, where community trust in law enforcement is crucial, it's essential to ensure that those in positions of power are thoroughly screened and held to high standards. The Atlanta area has its own share of small towns and villages, and it's crucial for local leaders to prioritize transparency and accountability in their hiring processes to maintain public trust and safety. As the village of Bethel navigates this difficult time, it serves as a reminder for local governments in the Atlanta area to review their own procedures for hiring and overseeing law enforcement officials.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio. (WXIX/Gray News) - An Ohio police chief was indicted on 70 sexual abuse counts stemming from alleged child sex abuse that happened between 2005 and 2010, according to authorities. Chad Essert is facing 56 counts of sexual battery and 14 counts of unlawful sexual conduct wit...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matt Schaffer, Jennifer Edwards Baker, Brooklyn Andres, Akim Powell at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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