Following an investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), West Chester Police Officer Michelle Berling has been indicted on multiple felony charges. As reported by WLWT, the charges include two counts of tampering with evidence, one count of tampering with records, which are considered third-degree felonies, and unauthorized use of property, a fifth-degree felony. These allegations stem from actions taken between Aug. 8 and Aug.13.
Offering details, Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser indicated the charges of tampering were related to Berling allegedly altering Flock camera data and images during a death investigation. According to an article by WCPO, Berling is similarly accused of misusing the department's Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG) system to gather information for personal use.
West Chester Township, adhering to a commitment to integrity and professionalism, swiftly placed Officer Berling on administrative leave, as revealed in a statement by township spokeswoman Barb Wilson. Found by the officers and staff of the West Chester Police Department, the alleged policy violations during the second week of August led to a brief internal review and eventually the involvement of BCI to ensure an independent investigation, reported FOX19.
An arraignment date has not yet been set for Berling, who most recently worked in intelligence analysis and as a public information officer. "West Chester Twp. expects the highest degree of integrity and professionalism from its employees," the statement from Wilson read via WCPO, mirroring the township's values of service with integrity, commitment, professionalism, and courage. But, as much as we know about the case, the exact details of what led to Officer Berling's indictment remain ambiguous.
