PIKETON, Ohio — A captain with the Piketon Police Department has been demoted and placed on unpaid leave following an internal investigation into inappropriate behavior involving him and a subordinate officer, according to department documents obtained by the Guardian.
In a Dec. 30, 2025, memorandum from Police Chief Jim Nelson, the chief detailed becoming aware on of potential inappropriate behavior by two employees: then-Capt. Harold Dye and Officer Skylar Blair.
Nelson, who was on vacation at the time, planned to address the matter upon returning to work later in December. Prior to his return, Blair contacted him and requested a meeting. Nelson met with Blair on Dec. 27, 2025, at approximately 6:50 p.m. in the department lobby.
During that conversation, Blair admitted to inappropriate behavior with Dye but stated it occurred outside the workplace and while off duty. She described it as a one-time occurrence that would not happen again and affirmed she could maintain professional conduct and work with Dye going forward.
Nelson separately spoke with Dye on Dec. 29, 2025. Dye also admitted to the behavior, confirming it did not occur at the workplace or on duty. He similarly described it as a one-time event that would not recur and stated he could maintain a professional working relationship with Blair.
Both officers signed the memorandum acknowledging the discussion.
A subsequent disciplinary letter dated Jan. 8, 2026, addressed to Dye from Mayor Billy Spencer and Chief Nelson, outlined further action. The letter stated that after being informed of the allegations by others and questioning the officers — with a copy of the Dec. 30 memorandum attached — the allegations were found to be true.
The letter emphasized that such behavior “cannot and will not be tolerated” in the department, noting the need for officers to trust one another without bias. It highlighted the “tremendous” legal ramifications, particularly given the supervisor-subordinate relationship.
As a result, Dye was demoted in rank and pay from captain to lieutenant, effective Jan. 8, 2026. He was placed on unpaid leave, with a return-to-work date of today, Feb. 2, 2026. During the leave, Dye was ordered to turn in his weapon, magazines, body camera, badge, ID, keys and all department property. He was prohibited from functioning in any capacity as an officer or being on village properties without permission from the mayor or chief.
The Piketon Police Department is a small agency serving the village in Pike County, Ohio. No additional public statements or further disciplinary details regarding Blair were included in the provided documents.
As of February 2, Blair was no longer with the department.