Special prosecutors appointed to investigate former chief deputy Stratton

By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press

Two special prosecutors have been appointed in the ongoing investigation of former Highland County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Brandon Stratton “for the purpose of assisting in and reviewing an investigation into possible alleged criminal offenses and, if warranted, prosecuting any alleged criminal changes or indictments that may result from that investigation,” reads an order signed by Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office will be working with the two special prosecuting attorneys out of Columbus who were court-appointed at the request of Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins, court records show.

As previously reported, after recently being placed on paid administrative leave twice in one week, Stratton's employment at the HCSO was terminated, Sheriff Donnie Barrera told The Highland County Press on March 21.

According to the sheriff, Stratton's employment has been terminated, pending ongoing investigations. The sheriff said he could not comment further.

In a letter dated March 20 to Stratton and copied to Highland County Human Resources Director Amy Bradley and Highland County Auditor Alex Butler, Barrera informed Stratton: "There has been an investigation initiated by my office regarding potential criminal misconduct on your part. I relieve you of your duties and inform you that you are no longer employed by the Highland County Sheriff's Office effective March 20, 2024. I direct that you return all county property you may have to the Sheriff's Office on or before two weeks from the date of this letter."

As reported on March 16, the Highland County Sheriff's Office had received a Citizen Complaint Form submitted by former Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward. Following a public records request, the HCSO made the information available to The Highland County Press.

Stratton was a candidate for sheriff in the March Republican primary against Randy Sanders, a race in which unofficial totals show Sanders receiving 4,175 votes, while Stratton received 2,226. No Democratic candidate filed for the sheriff’s race.  

In his complaint, Ward alleges "conduct unbecoming of an officer."

Ward is requesting an investigation, proper disciplinary action and a public apology.

"It is imperative that a peace officer be truthful at all times, whether on duty or off duty, and conduct such as this cannot be tolerated by the sheriff," Ward said. "I request an investigation into this matter and appropriate discipline be handed out by the sheriff and a formal public apology be issued in an effort to repair damage to my reputation in this community in which I live, work and serve."

Prior to the primary election, Barrera informed The Highland County Press that effective Tuesday afternoon, March 12, Stratton was placed – again – on administrative leave after being fully reinstated earlier in the same day.

For more, visit https://highlandcountypress.com/news/updated-ii-chief-deputy-stratton-n…

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