Meigs Co. Sheriff’s Office takes over after Middleport P.D. layoffs

MIDDLEPORT, Ohio — In a significant restructuring of law enforcement duties in Middleport, the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office has taken over all policing responsibilities in the village, effective June 17, 2024. This move follows a notification to Sheriff Scott Fitch from Middleport Mayor Ben Nease about substantial changes within the Middleport Police Department.

Sheriff Fitch assured residents that the Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to providing continuous, professional law enforcement services, including 24/7 coverage. Deputies will now patrol the village, respond to service calls, investigate crimes, and offer police protection. Residents needing to file police reports can do so at the Middleport Police Department or by calling the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 740-992-6663. In emergencies, dialing 911 will dispatch the necessary emergency services.

The shift in duties comes as the Middleport Police Department faces a significant reduction in its workforce, losing two full-time and two part-time officers by June 30. The department will retain only three full-time officers, who will respond to emergency calls and handle walk-in reports, but will not patrol.

This drastic change stems from financial mismanagement within the department. Inaccurate financial figures presented in July 2023 led to an unsustainable pay raise, miscalculating the cost by approximately $52,000. Additionally, from January to June 2024, the department overspent between $70,000 and $100,000 due to excessive scheduling, threatening to deplete the village’s general fund by August.

As the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office steps in as the primary investigative agency, Middleport officials and residents are navigating this challenging transition, hoping for restored stability in their local law enforcement. Sheriff Fitch encourages anyone with questions to contact his office directly.