CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The City of Circleville has dismissed two police officers following investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and other policy violations.
Officer Jacob Ferguson and Acting Deputy Chief Jon Farrelly, both previously on paid administrative leave, were terminated this week following internal reviews into their conduct, city officials said.
Ferguson, a probationary officer employed by the city since September 18, 2023, was placed on leave August 1 after a citizen accused him of inappropriate behavior while on duty. The complainant, who was under investigation by Ferguson, alleged misconduct. An internal probe found Ferguson had violated department orders, including communicating with the complainant off-duty and offering unauthorized rides in his police cruiser. While the review did not substantiate claims of sexual activity, Ferguson’s violations of orders and city policies led to his termination on November 5, 2024. Ferguson denied any sexual misconduct, a claim supported by a polygraph test.
As a probationary employee, Ferguson was “at-will” and not entitled to the grievance process available to unionized officers, the city said. His termination was executed without a procedural hearing.
Farrelly, who had been serving as Acting Deputy Chief, was also placed on leave following his involvement in the investigation into Ferguson’s conduct. During the review, allegations of sexual misconduct involving Farrelly and the same complainant emerged, prompting an independent investigation by the Lancaster Police Department starting August 26, 2024.
The inquiry, which included interviews with 17 people, did not substantiate sexual misconduct claims against Farrelly but uncovered other inappropriate behavior. Investigators found he had exchanged sexually suggestive messages and images with the complainant and discussed the investigation with other law enforcement officers, violating his administrative leave terms. Additionally, Farrelly admitted to misconduct on duty, including allowing a different individual to ride in a city vehicle while off-duty and engaging in sexual activity in the vehicle.
The city scheduled a pre-disciplinary hearing for Farrelly on November 8, 2024, in accordance with the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (OPBA) collective bargaining agreement. However, Farrelly, through his union attorney, waived the hearing. His termination took effect on November 6, 2024.
Unlike probationary employees, unionized officers like Farrelly can file grievances over disciplinary actions. Farrelly has initiated a labor grievance, which will be reviewed through the city’s process and may ultimately be decided by an independent arbitrator.
In a statement, Circleville officials said that the actions of Ferguson and Farrelly do not reflect the department’s values. “These actions are a direct reflection of the individuals involved and not the dedicated and hardworking officers who serve this community with the highest standards,” the statement read.
The city has been embattled with controversy as a black cloud hangs over its law enforcement division.
In the last year, the department has seen three police chiefs, three city service directors, the termination of two chiefs, and two deputy chiefs; as well as a mass exodus of approximately six officers.
In addition, the department skyrocketed to worldwide headlines after the termination and then, reinstatement of Officer Ryan Speakman. Speakman, who was a K-9 handler allowed his department issued dog to bite a black man who was surrendering after a pursuit. The debacle led to a six figure settlement and the termination of Speakman, as well as the dismissal or charges against the arrested man.