Fired deputy accepts accord in Sandusky County

FREMONT -- A former Sandusky County Sheriff's deputy who was fired for allegedly mistreating a female inmate at the jail is to be paid $5,000 and provided with a "neutral" reference from the sheriff's office, under the terms of a settlement agreement signed this week.

Franklin Kaiser, fired in February for violating departmental policies, signed a settlement Thursday similar to one reached with former Deputy Charles Pump, who also was fired in the wake of allegations they had exploited a 21-year-old woman in the jail where they were guards. A third deputy, Joshua Smith was a probationary employee at the time and resigned.

As part of the settlement with Mr. Kaiser, the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, which represented him, agreed to withdraw its arbitration request and refrain from refiling the same grievance. Neither side is admitting any wrongdoing, and both agreed not to comment on the settlement.