Brookville Town Council Places Two Officers on Administrative Leave Pending State Investigation

Monday, August 8, 2022 at 10:17 AM

Chief Terry Mitchum and Officer Ryan Geiser are the officers in question.

Shutterstock photo.

(Brookville, Ind.) - Brookville Police Chief Terry Mitchum and Officer Ryan Geiser have been placed on administrative leave pending a state investigation.

Town Council gathered for a special meeting on August 4 in response to allegations that the officers targeted and arrested a man for rape because they did not want him in an elected position, reports FOX-19.

The subsequent charges were dismissed last week by Franklin County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp, and Indiana State Police were contacted to conduct an investigation.

Due to the allegations and pending state investigation, town council voted 3-0 to place the officers on administrative leave with pay."

"There is a presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The council is taking the action tonight to preserve the integrity the Brookville Town Police Department," said Councilman Curtis Ward.

Town Council also passed no contact and no trespass orders for the officers and appointed Assistant Chief Michael Strait as interim chief. Strait was directed by Town Council to immediately collect the officers' badges, service weapons and any other town property including vehicles.

A final motion was passed to advertise for a new police chief for the 2023 year.