CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Jon Farrelly, the acting deputy chief of police in Circleville, has been placed on administrative leave following serious allegations of misconduct.
Farrelly is under investigation for allegedly soliciting sex while in uniform. A source close to the situation said Farrelly visited a woman in uniform and attempted to pay a woman for sex; the nature of the investigation is “soliciting prostitution.” The source also claimed that Farrelly has engaged in questionable behavior, including boasting about interactions with adult entertainers and attempting to involve other officers in an “orgy.”
”The City of Circleville has placed Acting Deputy Chief Jon Farrelly on Administrative Leave as part of an ongoing investigation,” Mayor Michelle Blanton released in a statement. “The decision was made to ensure a fair and impartial process and is a routine procedure in such situations. This does not imply any prejudgment or conclusions. The investigation is being conducted thoroughly, and we are working diligently to ensure that al relevant facts are carefully reviewed. For the integrity of the investigation, no further details wil be released at this time and the top priority is the well-being and safety of the community.”
A peculiar fact may hang Farrelly up on the case: according to the woman, he showed his penis and that it was pierced; a fact that — if true, would be hard to dispute.
This development adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Circleville Police Department, which has been plagued by a series of issues. The investigation into Farrelly’s actions is ongoing, with more details anticipated as the case progresses.
Farrelly’s appointment as acting deputy chief came after his predecessor, Doug Davis, was placed on administrative leave over allegations of misconduct. Davis had taken over as acting chief following the firing of Shaun Baer.
The situation is the latest chapter in a troubled year for the department, which first drew significant attention when The Guardian reported on a truck driver who was viciously attacked by a Circleville police canine. That incident sparked a series of misconduct allegations within the department and garnered international scrutiny.
Kenny Fisher remains the acting-chief as the city conducts an outside search for the department head.
A previous version of this story mistakenly identified Farrelly’s title.