Deputies with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office took custody of Bethel Police Chief Chad Essert at the Pinellas County Jail in Florida at approximately 4:27 a.m. on June 18 and extradited him to Ohio. Essert arrived in Clermont County and was booked into the Clermont County Jail at 7:13 p.m., where he was set to remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
On June 11, the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office and Prosecutor’s Office announced a 70-count indictment of Essert, age 44, of Blanchester, Ohio, who was indicted by a Clermont County Grand Jury for the following charges:
● (56 ) counts of Sexual Battery, all felonies of the 3rd degree
● (14 ) counts of Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, all felonies of the 3rd degree
Essert was scheduled to be arraigned in the Clermont County Common Pleas Court on June 22 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Victor Haddad, and local news outlets reported that at that hearing, Essert’s bond was set at $500,000 surety.
The offenses occurred between 2005 and 2010 while Essert was an instructor at the Young Marines and while he was a teacher at Scarlet Oaks in Sharonville, Ohio. The victim was a student of Essert’s during that timeframe, and the offenses occurred in multiple locations throughout Clermont and Hamilton County.
The allegations contained in this indictment are independent of, and unrelated to, the facts and circumstances of the earlier investigation reported by local media about Essert.
“It takes tremendous courage for a victim to come forward, especially when the accused wears a badge and holds a position of authority. Today’s indictment demonstrates that no one is above the law. Every victim deserves to be heard, and every allegation will be thoroughly investigated and pursued in accordance with the law,” Sheriff Chris Stratton said.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who believes they may have been a victim of similar conduct to immediately contact law enforcement. Information provided by victims and witnesses may assist with this ongoing investigation.
“I am thankful for the outstanding support from Prosecutor Tekulve’s Office throughout this investigation. This indictment reflects our shared dedication to public safety and enforcing the law,” Sheriff Chris Stratton said.
On June 11, 2026, at 7:06 p.m., Essert was taken into custody without incident by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Investigations Section in Seminole, Florida.
Essert was transported to the Pinellas County Jail, where he remains incarcerated awaiting extradition back to Clermont County.
“This investigation is a perfect example of how victims are protected and served regardless of the name or title of the perpetrator. The Prosecutor’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office worked seamlessly in this effort,” Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve said.
Any additional inquiries about this indictment or investigation should be directed to the Clermont County Prosecutors’ Office at 1-513-732-7313.
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