Deputy sues Sheriff Telb over confiscation of guns

10/19/2004

Ronald Slough, Jr., a Lucas County deputy, is suing his boss, Sheriff James Telb, to regain possession of $40,000 worth of firearms confiscated from him this summer.

In a brief filed in Lucas County Common Pleas Court yesterday, Deputy Slough claimed he agreed to hand over the key to his gun collection and to leave his home when police asked him to, based on suspicion of domestic abuse.

He also was asked to surrender his duty weapon as the sheriff's office conducted an investigation in which they asked him to undergo counseling with his wife, the suit said. Deputy Slough claims in the suit he completed counseling and asked for the return of his gun collection and personal effects, some of which he said are family heirlooms. His attorney could not be reached for comment.

But Sheriff Telb contends he has not seen the results of the deputy's psychological evaluation and counseling.

"He has enough guns there to start a war. We were asked by his wife to take the arms for the safety of his home and family," Sheriff Telb said.