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With Clark County deputies at the center of this internal investigation, the sheriff’s office got an outside agency to handle it to avoid a conflict of interest. It was handled by Preble County Chief Deputy Mike Spitler and Darke County Chief Deputy Mark Whittaker.
The investigation found Russell helped Clark County deputies Nick Moody and Josh Cumby cheat on a test for open detective slots at the sheriff’s office.
In a recording released as part of the investigative report, Moody tells investigators about the moment the sheriff’s office found out about the cheating last spring.
“They said, ‘were you given answers to the test?’ And I said, ‘I was.’ And they said, ‘OK who gave you them?’ (And I said,) ‘Chief Russell.’”
Moody continued talking to Detective Whittaker.
“He just started with his highlighter, just starting highlighting stuff and he’s not really saying much,” Moody said.
Moody said the preferred answers were highlighted.
Cumby also resigned from the department. He and Russell will still be able to get their pensions.
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Moody was given a written reprimand and banned from applying for promotions for two years.
When he was interviewed, by investigators, Moody feared the consequences could be far worse.
“I mean I was definitely scared for my job. I thought I was going to be canned right away.”
Investigators found Deputies Ben Barrett and William Sanders knew about the cheating but did not report it. They received verbal reprimands.
Maj. Andrew Reynolds was found to have known what Russell was doing, but also did not report it. He was given a written reprimand.
Clark County Sheriff Deb Burchett was unavailable for comment, but she wrote a detailed letter in the report saying the deputies still employed, who were interviewed did not try to cover up the cheating.
She said that honesty was a mitigating factor when she decided their punishments.
She had harsh words for Russell in the letter, saying he “led his subordinates into improper conduct.” She added that it does not excuse their behavior.
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The sheriff took some responsibility saying she’s accountable for everything that happens in her office, especially the actions of her senior staff.
Russell’s lawyer did not return a phone call seeking comment for this story.
Investigators found none of the activities were criminal.
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