Ohio Police Chief Accused of 70 Felony Counts of Child Sexual Abuse During His Time as a ‘Young Marines’ Instructor

Ohio Police Chief Indicted on Multiple Child Sex Crime Charges

A grand jury has delivered a surprising 70-count indictment against a police chief in Ohio. The allegations involve sex crimes against minors during his time as an instructor for the Young Marines, with some charges potentially resulting in a life sentence.

Chad Essert, 44, served as the police chief in Bethel, Ohio, a small village about 40 miles southeast of Cincinnati. He was arrested this week.

The Clermont County grand jury charged Essert with 56 counts of sexual assault along with 14 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, all categorized as third-degree felonies.

Investigations revealed that the alleged incidents took place between 2005 and 2010, coinciding with Essert’s role as an instructor with the Young Marines and as a teacher in Sharonville. Prosecutors noted that the victims were among his students, and the crimes reportedly occurred in Clermont and Hamilton counties.

Essert had previously worked with multiple local police departments during the period these crimes are alleged to have occurred.

The Young Marines organization is a nonprofit dedicated to youth education and service, aimed at young people aged 8 to high school graduation.

Details surrounding whether Essert had actual sexual contact with the victims remain unclear.

He was arrested while in Seminole, Florida, although his reasons for being there and his current job status are still not known.

Essert will need to be extradited or choose to waive extradition back to Ohio for arraignment and trial in Clermont County.

After an investigation into alleged misconduct, he was placed on paid leave in early May under the Ohio Family and Medical Leave Act. Officials clarified that the new charges are separate from the prior misconduct investigation.

“It takes a lot of courage for a victim to come forward, especially when the defendant holds a position of authority,” remarked Clermont County Sheriff Chris Stratton following the indictment.

He added, “Today’s indictment reinforces that no one is above the law. All victims deserve their day in court, and all allegations will be thoroughly examined and pursued.”

According to reports, Essert had previously resigned from the Elmwood Place Police Department in 2010 to avoid termination due to claims of sexual harassment and witness intimidation.