MEIGS COUNTY, Ohio – In a special news release issued Friday, December 20, 2024, Sheriff Scott Fitch addressed concerns regarding recent online harassment targeting the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office social media posts. Sheriff Fitch announced the temporary suspension of the comments section on the office’s Facebook page to protect residents from inappropriate and threatening remarks.
Over the past week, a wave of comments described by Sheriff Fitch as “negative, threatening, and vulgar” have appeared on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. According to Fitch, the majority of these comments originated from individuals outside Meigs County, including out-of-state users and international accounts. The sheriff emphasized the importance of safeguarding local residents from online harassment.
“I strongly believe in all citizens’ freedom of speech,” said Fitch. “I have no issues with somebody expressing criticism or concerns of the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office or myself; that is their constitutional right. What I will not tolerate is this group of people attacking, threatening, and being verbally abusive against Meigs County citizens.”
Temporary Measures to Protect Citizens
Sheriff Fitch explained that the comments section has been disabled to prevent further harassment. He encouraged residents to continue engaging with posts by reacting to them to ensure the content remains visible. The Sheriff’s Office plans to maintain its transparency by continuing to post daily logs, updates, and reports.
The sheriff reiterated his commitment to accountability and emphasized that the decision to disable comments does not stem from a reluctance to receive criticism but from a responsibility to protect the community. “The citizens of Meigs County did not sign up for this level of abuse,” he stated.
Call for Constructive Dialogue
Fitch invited Meigs County residents to voice their concerns or criticisms directly through the Sheriff’s Office. He noted that residents can reach out by phone, through the office’s website, or by visiting in person to ensure their concerns are heard.