Ohio’s fire chief is being investigated by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation after village employees made allegations

MINGO JUNCTION, Ohio — A Mingo Junction Fire and Emergency Services officer is under investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for alleged misconduct, news partner the Herald-Star confirmed with confirmation from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

According to the Herald-Star, Steve Irwin, press secretary for the Attorney General’s Office, confirmed that the state’s forensic law enforcement agency, BCI, is investigating allegations against Fire Chief Brandon Montgomery.

Irwing told the newspaper that Police Chief Willie McKenzie III requested the involvement of the BCI on June 13 and that the results would be forwarded to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for review. However, he says there is no time frame for when the process will be completed.

Further details were not disclosed as the investigation is still ongoing.

According to the Herald-Star, village staff presented allegations against Montgomery to Mayor Judy Ruckman. Ruckman informed McKenzie of the allegations, who then contacted the BCI.to ensure that the investigation is fully transparent and everything is handled properly.”

Ruckman told the Herald-Star that village officials were not involved in the allegations against Montgomery and would not comment on the specific allegations.

Montgomery was reportedly placed on paid leave on June 14 until the situation was resolved.

The newspaper reports that the BCI confiscated his tablet, laptop and mobile phone as part of the investigation.

When asked by the Herald-Star, Montgomery declined to comment.

Montgomery reportedly served as the village fire chief since August 30, 2020, and was appointed village firefighter and emergency medical technician on July 15, 2014.

Austin Raymond serves as Mingo Junction’s interim fire chief.