Ohio sheriff suspended pending outcome of charges

SIDNEY, Ohio (AP) — A western Ohio sheriff accused of a sexual-battery charge stemming from an alleged assault on a female ex-deputy has been ordered suspended by the court.

Shelby County Sheriff Dean Kimpel consented to the suspension that Shelby County Prosecutor Ralph Bauer says was ordered by the Auglaize County court today.

Bauer says Kimpel is suspended with pay pending the case’s outcome and can retain his title. He is not allowed to exercise any powers of the office.

Kimpel was indicted on the sexual-battery charge last month. He was later indicted in Shelby County on five counts of unauthorized use of a state computer program used by law enforcement.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.