Basye’s return to regular duty status was effective immediately. The decision followed “a careful and thorough investigation including a review of materials provided by Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation regarding … Basye’s alleged involvement in disseminating protected information from a Piqua Police Department investigation,” Burris said.
The allegations involved the August 2018 arrest by Piqua police of Sheri Duchak, wife of Sheriff Dave Duchak and a subsequent charge of driving while under the influence. At issue was the posting on social media of information from the police investigation that at the time of posting was not public information and obtained from a police computer system. Access to that information system is limited.
The investigation was initiated by former Piqua Police Chief Bruce Jamison, who contacted the BCI. The bureau’s investigation findings were turned over to Miami County Prosecutor Tony Kendell, who said he sent the case to a special prosecutor from Shelby County to avoid any conflict of interest.
A county grand jury heard the case in January and failed to return any indictments.