Ravenna, Ohio – A Portage County corrections officer was arrested Tuesday on felony extortion-related charges following an internal investigation.
According to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, information was received Tuesday, Feb. 24, regarding an incident involving three corrections officers employed by the agency. The matter allegedly involved the transmission of explicit photographs and the potential for extortion.
Following interviews with the suspect and the alleged victim, along with a review of relevant text message communications, investigators determined the suspect’s actions allegedly violated Ohio Revised Code 2905.11, extortion, a third-degree felony, and Ohio Revised Code 2917.211, dissemination of an image of another person, a fifth-degree felony.
As a result of the investigation, the suspect was arrested and booked into the Portage County Justice Center. Due to safety concerns and to prevent potential contact between the suspect and the alleged victim, authorities later transported the suspect to the Trumbull County Jail, where he is being held pending his initial arraignment.
The corrections officer has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of court proceedings. Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski stated that an internal investigation will follow upon completion of the criminal case.
Officials said no further information will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
The case may draw attention among students and young workers entering criminal justice careers in Northeast Ohio.
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