Kettering fire captain now subject of internal probe amid Huber review

A Kettering Fire Department captain suspended from his duties amid a criminal investigation by Huber Heights police is now the subject of a city of Kettering internal investigation, this news outlet has learned.

Mark Williamson, 39, of Huber Heights, is the subject of a Kettering internal investigation initiated Friday “regarding possible misconduct,” according to a letter obtained by this newsroom under Ohio’s public records law.

Already, Williamson is on paid leave from the Kettering department “until further notice,” according to a letter in his personnel file.

MORE: Business owner uses AK-47 in exchange of gunfire with burglars

“This individual was placed on leave because we were made aware of an incident under investigation which occurred outside of Kettering,” the city of Kettering said in a statement earlier this month. “The individual will remain on leave and the City of Kettering will continue to cooperate with Huber Heights as they conduct their investigation.”

Williamson was also fired by Huber Heights City Schools from his junior high coaching position earlier this month, according to the district.

News Center 7 and the Dayton Daily News asked Huber Heights police for information on the investigation referenced in Kettering’s response.

MORE: Devastating fire cost this Dayton neighborhood its only grocery store, and services are struggling to keep up

The police division responded by providing reporters a Sept. 26 incident report that does not list Williamson or reveal his connection to the case. Police would not specify Williamson’s involvement in the case.

Williamson is not criminally charged or identified as a suspect in the Huber Heights police investigation, which involves a 14-year-old girl and accusations of unlawful sexual conduct and disseminating matter harmful to a minor, according to a Huber Heights police report.

Another Huber police document — a call report from dispatchers — shows an anonymous caller reported suspicious activity involving a black SUV in the far back lot of the former LaMendola Elementary, 5363 Tilbury Road.

The police report shows authorities seized an iPhone 7, but does not make clear the phone’s owner. Reporters called the listed phone number, but the call went straight to a voicemail message that did not reveal other details.

Huber Heights City Schools Superintendent Susan Gunnell said the district terminated Williamson from his coaching position Sept. 28 after he admitted to letting a student into his vehicle for personal transportation purposes, which is against school policy.

MORE: Dayton residents are ready to fight for downtown’s only dog park

Williamson coached the Weisenborn Junior High cross-country team since 2015.

Reporters reviewed dozens of public records from 2008 to present that document Williamson’s rise in the Kettering fire company and sterling performance reviews.

MORE: Hungry resident dupes 2 delivery drivers on same day

“Mark, you continue to be a shining star in our department,” Chief Terry Jones wrote in a 2013 evaluation. “An outstanding rating on a performance evaluation is extremely rare, and certainly something to be proud of.”

By the end of the year, Williamson became a captain. Battalion Chief Mitch Robbins wrote, “Mark has progressed through the firefighter rank rather expediently; however, this was not without plan or purpose. Mark has prepared both formally and informally for this promotion.”

Kettering paid Williamson $133,953 for work in 2016, according to the I-Team Payroll Project.

About the Authors