CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The Circleville Police Chief, Shawn Baer, was placed on administrative leave with pay as of March 11, 2024. 

In a letter sent to Baer by Circleville Mayor Michelle Blanton, she notes that the city is investigating “allegations of potential misconduct,” by the chief that include “harassment, intimidation, retaliation, threats of discipline, misuse of position, improper expenditures, failure to adhere to deadlines and timekeeping violations.”

“Consequently, you are hereby placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation,” the letter reads.

Another letter, signed by City Law Director Kendra Kinney, noted that the city has no comment on the situation.

The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office assisted in removing Baer from the office Monday, for which body camera footage is available and shows the chief cooperating and coordinating returning items, including his service weapon, and packing up personal effects from his office.

Last year, the Circleville Police Department made headlines after a K-9 attacked a surrendering truck driver. An officer, Ryan Speakman, was fired after the incident. The incident spurred protests outside the police department in July last year.