Former Bellefontaine Police Department sergeant Bradley Staley, 34, of West Liberty, was granted a three-year intervention in lieu of conviction Tuesday after entering guilty pleas to misdemeanor OVI and a fifth-degree felony for improper handling of firearms in a vehicle.
Staley appeared before Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Kevin Braig.
The intervention will keep the felony off his record if he completes treatment and counseling, though the OVI conviction will remain permanent.
Logan County Prosecutor Eric Stewart said,
“The prosecutor’s office believes that the law should be applied equally to everyone. The resolution involved in this case is the same as others similarly charged. In the last year, the State has prosecuted over half a dozen cases in which impaired drivers were operating vehicles with loaded guns in the car. David Frazier (CR24-08-0158) and Kelvin Smith (CR24-11-0225) were granted intervention in lieu of conviction for OVI and Improper Handling a Firearm in a motor vehicle. Craig Fry (CR25-01-0015) was granted diversion for the same charges. Scott Streets (CR24-11-0213), Franklin Dietz (CR25-01-0010), and Jarrett Griggs (CR25-02-0039) all have motions for intervention in lieu of conviction pending for the same charges.”
Staley’s law enforcement career could be affected, as Ohio law mandates revocation of peace officer certification for felony convictions.
He was also ordered to pay court costs and fines of nearly $700.
Staley has also completed a driver intervention program in lieu of jail time.
He was initially charged on April 24th, after Logan County deputies responded to reports that he appeared intoxicated while on duty.
Officers noticed he showed several signs of intoxication, and a breathalyzer later confirmed their suspicions when he blew a 0.116 blood alcohol level, nearly two times the legal limit.
Witnesses also reported that he hit a curb while driving his cruiser at the station.
Staley was immediately placed on administrative leave and resigned shortly afterward.
