Fired Ohio Fire Chief Loses Wrongful Termination Suit and Now Faces Criminal Charges

Posted by: Curt Varone July 25, 2024 0

A wrongful termination suit brought by an Ohio fire chief has been dismissed, and he is now facing criminal charges related to allegations of sexual harassment. Port Clinton Fire Chief Kent Johnson was initially placed on administrative leave in June, 2023, and then terminated following allegations that he sexually harassed and assaulted a female firefighter.

That firefighter, Rebekah Huskey filed a federal lawsuit accusing Chief Johnson of engaging in a longstanding pattern of harassment dating back years. The allegations include physical touching, kissing, hugging, groping and grinding in addition to inappropriate comments, text messages, and unwelcome visits to her home when her fiancé (also a Port Clinton firefighter) was known to be at work. Here is more on Huskey’s lawsuit.

According to WTOL Channel 11, Johnson has been indicted on the following counts:

  • Unauthorized use of computer, cable or telecommunications property, a fifth-degree felony
  • Voyeurism, a first-degree misdemeanor
  • Interfering with civil rights, a first-degree misdemeanor
  • Menacing by stalking, a first-degree misdemeanor
  • Telecommunications harassment, a first-degree misdemeanor
  • Theft in office, a fourth-degree felony
  • Gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony (two counts)
  • Intimidation of attorney, victim or witness in a criminal case, a first-degree misdemeanor
  • Theft, a first-degree misdemeanor

In addition, Ottawa County Court of Common Pleas reportedly dismissed Johnson’s wrongful termination suit earlier this month. The suit was originally filed in Ottawa County Court of Common Pleas on January 8, 2024, prior to his termination. It alleged a violation of his due process rights, a violation of Ohio Revised Code related to his suspension, and emotional distress. The suit was removed to US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on January 17, 2024, dismissed and returned to Ottawa County on February 9, 2024. A copy of the original complaint is included below.

US_DIS_OHND_3_24cv100_d46355597e525_Notice_of_Removal_from_Ottawa_County_Court_of_CommDownload

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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