WILMINGTON, Ohio — A Clinton County grand jury indicted a former police chief of misusing donations intended for the purchase of a police K-9, Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost announced Thursday.
Clinton Brown, the former New Vienna police chief, convinced village officials in 2017 to let him purchase a police dog using donations for all related expenses. Between Jan. 21 and June 26 that year, donors gave more than $14,000 to the New Vienna Police Department K9 Fund, which was an account that Brown set up in his name, according a a news release from Yost's office.
Brown received the dog in March 2017.
The Public Integrity Assurance Team investigated Brown's handling of the donated funds at the request of Mayor Kathi Stone, Yost's office said. During the investigation, they said Brown admitted to spending some of the money on personal expenses, such as clothing, food and gasoline.
"It's disheartening to see a member of law enforcement exploit a supportive community for personal gain," Yost said in a written statement. "I'm confident that justice will prevail once Mr. Brown has his day in court."
Brown resigned as police chief in December 2017. After that, village officials learned of an outstanding $2,600 bill for a vehicle cage that Brown purchased for a K-9 police cruiser, according to Yost's office. The village also owed $700 for K-9 handler training, and the village's financial losses total more than $5,700.
