Ohio police vice unit disbanded in wake of investigations

Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's capital city is disbanding its police vice unit in the wake of internal and FBI investigations and recent charges against an officer alleging he forced two women to have sex with them under threat of an arrest.

Interim Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan announced the news on Twitter Tuesday night in a posting that said remaining officers will be assigned to other departments. Three of the vice unit's 10 officers are currently under suspension.

Quinlan said that vice-related crimes, now under the Narcotics division, will be handled differently and with a more community-based approach.

The unit came under scrutiny last year when vice officers arrested adult film actress Stormy Daniels at a Columbus strip club. An investigation determined the arrest was improper.