A Clermont Countycorrections officer was indicted Sept. 15 on allegations he beat an inmate, the county prosecutor reported.
Matthew E. Mullenix is facing two counts of felonious assault, according to a news release from the county's prosecutor's office. If he is convicted, Mullenix could face two to eight years in prison on each count.
The prosecutor's office said Mullenix entered the cell of an inmate who had a shirt wrapped around his neck July 7. Once the shirt was removed, the corrections officer repeatedly struck the inmate, causing significant injuries before the inmate was secured.
"We expect every employee to conduct themselves professionally, lawfully, and in accordance with our policies and training," Sheriff Chris Stratton said. "When
an employee is alleged to have crossed that line, we will investigate the matter and take appropriate action, regardless of the individual's position or rank.”
The Clermont County Sheriff's Office placed Mullenix on administrative leave on July 9 pending the outcome of an administrative review and criminal case investigation. The sheriff's investigative unit reviewed Mullenix's body-word camera footage, witness interviews, incident reports, training records, and medical records, the release said.
This evidence was turned over to the Clermont County Prosecutor's Office, which retained an outside consultant specializing in response to excessive use of force determinations. The consultant determined that the force Mullenix used was unnecessary, unreasonable, and inconsistent with department policy and applicable law.
"The Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to hold everyone, including law enforcement to the highest standards while ensuring that every investigation is handled fairly and thoroughly,” Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve said in a statement.
Mullenix's arraignment is set for Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. in the Clermont County Common Pleas Courthouse.
This story may be updated,
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Clermont County corrections officer indicted after 'unnecessary' force
