CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A former chief deputy with the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office was sentenced Friday to seven to nine years in prison following his conviction on seven felony charges tied to corruption during his time in law enforcement.
Caleb Moritz, of Logan, was convicted March 25 in Ross County Common Pleas Court after a jury found him guilty of corrupting another with drugs, intimidation of an attorney, victim or witness, unlawful transaction in weapons, theft, and forgery.
The case originated from numerous complaints of corruption tied to Moritz’s employment and his interactions with confidential informants and victims. An investigation was launched by the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office. When Moritz resigned from his position in April 2023, he stole property from the sheriff’s office including a firearm.
Moritz was initially charged in Hocking County in 2023. At the request of both the defense and prosecution, the case was moved to Ross County for trial.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Special Prosecutions Section led the prosecution.
“Law enforcement must serve with integrity to maintain trust and safety in their communities — this defendant neglected that duty and dishonored the badge,” Yost said. “The residents of Hocking County deserve better.”