CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The recent violent clash between local police and two African American families in Chillicothe has cast a spotlight on Officer Jeremy Conley, whose personnel file reveals a troubling history of excessive force allegations. The Guardian, which first broke the story of the May 14 incident, has reviewed Conley’s use of force history and found concerning incidents.
In a previous case reported by the Guardian, Officer Conley was seen ripping the glasses off a suspect in the back of a cruiser. The incident unfolded at a local farm store, where Ronald Anderson, Sr., and Tawyna Mosley were arrested for allegedly stealing pocket knives. After being placed together in a police car, Anderson used a concealed handcuff key to escape his restraints and threatened to take Mosley hostage, leading to a tense standoff.
Following the deployment of a taser, Anderson, who seemed to be in and out of consciousness, was accosted by Conley. Conley can be seen forcibly removing Anderson’s eyeglasses and throwing them across the sally port. Conley then forcefully pushed Anderson against the police car cage, a maneuver known internally as a “waffle” meant to harm prisoners under the guise of an accident. Both Anderson and Mosley were booked on several charges, including theft, obstruction, domestic violence, and escape.
Internal emails obtained by the Guardian reveal concerns about Conley’s actions. One email from another officer warned that Conley’s behavior could lead to complaints and potential liability for the department. Despite being counseled by a sergeant, Conley received mixed feedback, with some superiors downplaying his actions.
The May 14 incident has intensified scrutiny of the Chillicothe Police Department and calls for federal investigations and reforms. The altercation began with a neighborhood dispute over a parking issue, escalating when a man poured water on a neighbor and punched a 17-year-old girl. Despite the violent nature of the man’s actions, officers told the family that no charges would be filed against him, which led to further confrontations.
Family and friends of the teen demanded the man’s arrest but were told that the teen might be arrested instead. When the teen’s father confronted the neighbor, an officer used pepper spray on him before arresting him. The family’s reaction to what they perceived as an unjust arrest led to a physical altercation with the police.
Body cam footage contradicts police reports that officers’ attempts to de-escalate were met with resistance. Instead, it shows officers escalating the situation with aggressive actions. One bystander asked an officer if he planned to shoot anyone, to which the officer responded with profanity and a provocative gesture with his firearm. Another African American male was violently taken to the ground and punched repeatedly by officers. He was later transported to Adena Regional Medical Center and then to Grant Medical Center in Columbus.
The incident is the latest in a series of allegations against the Chillicothe Police Department regarding excessive force and racial bias. Those arrested during the May 14 incident include:
- OJ Netter, 48: Resisting arrest, obstruction.
- Quinlan Netter, 19: Resisting arrest, obstruction.
- James Wingo, 49: Resisting arrest, obstruction.
- Jayce Wingo, 21: Resisting arrest, obstruction, strangulation, and assault of a police officer.
- Juvenile, 17: Resisting arrest, obstruction, and assault on a police officer.
The Guardian has also reported on other incidents involving the department, including allegations of officers assaulting an African American child during an arrest and a 16-year-old being violently taken to the ground for smoking a vape.
Observers highlight the disparity in police treatment of minority communities, noting that interactions with minorities often escalate more quickly and result in harsher enforcement. The handling of the May 14 incident has intensified calls for accountability.
Officer Conley’s use of force during the May 14 incident is under particular scrutiny. In his report, Conley claimed he struck Jayce Wingo in the shoulder blades to stop him from choking Deputy Rush. However, body cam footage shows Conley delivering strikes to what appeared to be Wingo’s head while he was on the ground with multiple officers on top of him. Wingo, who was hospitalized following the encounter, faces charges of felony strangulation and felony assault on a police officer.
Conley’s history over the past four years includes multiple instances of using force during arrests. This pattern of behavior has fueled concerns about systemic issues within the Chillicothe Police Department and the need for comprehensive reforms to address police brutality and racial disparities in enforcement actions.
Jeremy Conley first applied for a position with the police department in July 2020. He previously worked as a police officer for the city of Hillsboro, and a deputy for the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.