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Although an internal investigation did not support these allegations, new records filed with the court show that the city prosecutor’s office warned vice officers that sting operations in Columbus strip clubs were problematic. It also warned that a state law cited by officers that prohibits physical contact between patrons and strippers was also problematic because officers working under cover could not be considered patrons.
These records allege prosecutors warned vice officers about these issues in early January and February 2018. Daniels was arrested in July 2018.
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Interim Chief Tom Quinlan issued a video statement late July 31, saying, “I made this decision because these officers violated our rules of conduct. The range of discipline for these officers could include reprimand, suspension, and or termination.”
The Department of Public Safety may also have hearings with these officers. It is not clear what departmental charges may be brought against them.
In a statement to WBNS, Stormy Daniels’ attorney Chase Mallory said, “In reviewing the facts after Stormy’s arrest, it was clear she was targeted for a high profile arrest. We aren’t surprised CPD is seeking discipline. We are looking forward to further showing the truth of Stormy’s wrongful arrest to a jury in her pending civil lawsuit.”
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The WBNS 10 Investigates team found that the officers facing departmental charges are Commander Terry Moore, Lt. Ron Kemmerling, Sgt. Scott Soha, Detective Steve Rosser and Detective Whitney Lancaster.
Detectives Rosser and Lancaster were previously the object of a 10 Investigates special report last fall, which looked at their work in Columbus strip clubs as well as a previous alcohol case where Rosser was accused of entrapment.
Rosser and Lancaster were also named in a separate lawsuit from former dancers of the Kahoots strip club, who sued the city alleging that the officers attempted to extort a manager in exchange for hiring back a bouncer who formerly worked for the vice unit.
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Vice unit operations were put on hold in September 2018 after the arrest of Stormy Daniels and the fatal shooting of Donna Castleberry during an alleged prostitution sting. Former vice officer Andrew Mitchell was charged with Castleberry’s murder, and faces federal charges of abuse of the badge for allegedly using his authority to have sex with women he was investigating. Mitchell pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges.
The Fraternal Order of Police did not issue a comment to WBNS on the officers facing discipinary action, and past requests to speak with the officers were denied through the CPD spokesperson.
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