Former HCSO chief deputy files suit against former sheriff, prosecutor, county commissioners
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
Former Highland County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Brandon Stratton has filed legal action against the Highland County Board of Commissioners, Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins and former Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera, citing a federal retaliation statute contained in 18 U.S.C. Code 1962-1964.
In a filing this week in U.S. District Court Southern District Western Division, Stratton alleges that "around November 2019, he, in the course and scope of his duties as a chief deputy, came into possession of evidence of possible serious criminal activity..."
According to court filings, Stratton said he advised Barrera that he had serious concerns about the electronic data he viewed, and that the sheriff’s office needed to keep a copy of that evidence for use in a criminal investigation.
"Barrera agreed at that time, and the office maintained a copy of the evidence on a flash drive," the filing states.
Stratton stored the evidence in a safe in his office. Barrera later advised he would not be pursuing an investigation at that time and forbade Stratton from investigating further, according to the filing.
Among the counts against the defendants are: wrongful termination; whistleblower retaliation per Ohio Revised Code 4113.52 against Defendant Highland County Board of Commissioners and Defendant Barrera; wrongful discharge in violation of public policy as to the Highland County Commissioners and Defendant Barrera; defamation as to Defendant Collins and Defendant Barrera; and whistleblower protection pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1962-1964 as to all defendants.
In a letter dated March 20, 2024 to Stratton and copied to Highland County Human Resources Director Amy Bradley and Highland County Auditor Alex Butler, Barrera informed Stratton that he is relieved of his duties at the Highland County Sheriff's Office effective March 20, 2024.
Stratton is requesting a jury trial and is represented by attorney Jessica L. Olsheski.
The defendants are represented by legal counsel through CORSA, the County Risk Sharing Authority that is a member-owned property and liability risk-sharing pool sponsored by the County Commissioners Association of Ohio.
Comment
Hope the whole truth finally comes out
These accusations against Mr Stratton have been going on since the election in March. I hope whole truth finally comes out and he is exonerated!!
questions
How did Stratton come across this flash drive? Who gave it to him? Do any suspected crimes occur in the jurisdiction of Highland County? Why was evidence locked in Stratton's office? Was the evidence logged and stored in an evidence locker? What is the HCSO policy on storing evidence? Were there any copies made of the flash drive? Stratton was holding a public office. Any dealings, communications, court filings, investigations, evidence, and even the safe in Stratton's old office is subject to public inquiry and investigation.
Stratton
It's about time that the truth finally comes out......Whatever's going on in this county needs to be addressed!
Sort of odd that this wasn't in the free paper for EVERYONE to read.....many folks don't have access to a computer...
just sayin Rory.......about time you take the bull by the horns too!
••••••Publisher's note: Brenda, The HCP print edition is weekly. We first reported this story online AFTER we went to press for Aug. 24. Rest assured, the story will be prominent in our next print edition. After all the favors I've done, I resent the insinuation. And I sure do not need any advice on taking any bulls by any horns. Thanks for reading The HCP. Everyone does.
Copy of Complaint
Is there any way to add a link to the original complaint?
••••Publisher's note: DT, Go to https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/54811994/Stratton_v_Highland_C…
and sign up.
Reputation goes a long way.
All things being equal, I would trust the word and reputation of Randy Sanders all day long. It's nothing personal. It's just results, effectiveness, and loyalty. The late Greenfield P.D. Sergeant Jeff Jury taught me that. And there are also a few dozen Highland County Law Enforcement Officers that have very similar ethics and a genuine call of service that we all try our best to answer. That call is above any ego, vendetta, or public retirement package.