CINCINNATI -- A Hamilton County deputy has been charged with promoting prostitution after his wife and sister-in-law were charged with prostitution.
A Hamilton County grand jury indicted James Erpelding on charges of promoting prostitution and procuring a prostitute for another Friday. Erpelding has worked for the sheriff's office for 17 years, and worked most recently in the county corrections division.
Erpelding was placed on paid administrative leave after his wife was arrested. Officials said he was placed on an unpaid suspension immediately following the indictment.
He facilitated sexual activity for hire in a premises he was responsible for on two occasions -- May 6 and Aug. 17 -- according to the indictment.
Elizabeth Erpelding, 32, James' wife, and her sister, 29-year-old Krysten Powers, were both charged with prostitution and having drug abuse instruments in August. Police said the sisters did one job together for $185.
Powers pleaded guilty to two counts of prostitution and one count of possessing drug abuse instruments Sept. 1, according to court records.
Elizabeth Erpelding is still facing one prostitution charge and three drug paraphernalia charges. A pre-trial hearing in her case is scheduled for Sept. 28.
