Corrections officer at Lucas County jail fired after sexual assault allegations

8/13/2014

A corrections officer at the Lucas County jail was fired this week after a woman who had been booked then released from the jail told police he offered her a ride home then sexually assaulted her.

Myron Watkins, 46, of Holland was terminated by Sheriff John Tharp Monday for violating six departmental rules, including dishonesty and conduct unbecoming an officer, for the alleged rape, which is under investigation by Toledo police.

No criminal charges have been filed against Mr. Watkins, who was hired as a corrections officer in February, 2012.

The 20-year-old victim told police she was making a phone call from the jail’s booking area to try to get a ride home July 29 when a corrections officer offered her a ride home. Rather than take her home, though, she said he drove her to a house where he forced her to perform oral sex.

Records show that after the sheriff’s office was notified about the investigation by Toledo police July 31, Mr. Watkins was placed on paid administrative leave the next day.

A disciplinary hearing was held Monday and the review board recommended he be fired.

Sheriff Tharp said he fired Mr. Watkins the same day because of the “seriousness” and violent nature of the offense.

“That’s the bottom line. That can’t be tolerated,” he said. “I believe there’s enough evidence for us to do what we did, to fire him. I feel comfortable that that’s the right thing to do.”