Two former Ohio police officers resign after allegedly trying to rape woman

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH)-Chillicothe police Chief Keith Washburn has confirmed that 10-year veteran Brandon Mather and 6-year veteran Tad Franklin has resigned as Chillicothe police officers.

The two had a disciplinary hearing scheduled on Wednesday and resigned before it started.

Washburn said Mather was off duty Jan. 17, drinking near closing time at the Chillicothe Quality Inn when he texted fellow officer Tad Franklin to come give him a ride.

Washburn said that while at the Inn, a woman told the two she had been beaten up by her boyfriend. Franklin took pictures of the victim but is alleged to have deleted them and not investigated the assault. He resigned after being charged with dereliction of duty.

Chief Washburn said Mather went with the woman to her hotel room, then drove her to a friend’s house where she called police and said the two attempted to rape her.

Investigators allege Mather lied to them about the incidents. Mather is accused of violating several department rules. He is still being criminally investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Franklin and Mather have been on administrative leave since the January 17 incidents.

Another officer Jeff Demint was at the Quality Inn and was given a three-day working suspension.