Campbell mayor fires police chief

CAMPBELL — Mayor Nick Phillips today fired Campbell Police Chief Drew Rauzan after the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation determined Rauzan had made sexual advances toward a woman while serving in an official capacity.

Rauzan’s termination takes effect immediately.

A young woman reported to the mayor Sept. 3 that Rauzan had acted inappropriately toward her in July. The woman, who had a warrant out for her arrest for failure to appear on an expired-license-plate charge, said that Rauzan obtained her phone number and called her about the warrant, indicating that the issue could be resolved.

The woman reported she met with Rauzan at his request and followed him to the police gym near his office. Rauzan then made sexual contact with her and implied he could make the warrant go away, the mayor said.

The mayor said that, when the woman became upset and left the gym, Rauzan suggested that she not tell anyone what had occurred.

Phillips placed Rauzan on paid administrative leave Sept. 6 pending investigation by the BCI into the allegations.

The BCI has since determined that the woman’s statements were truthful, the mayor said.

The agency’s investigation into criminal misconduct on Rauzan’s part is still ongoing. The mayor said charges are likely forthcoming from a special prosecutor.

Lt. Kevin Sferra continues to serve as police chief in an interim capacity. The city expects to hire a permanent chief by Jan. 1.