“It takes tremendous courage for a victim to come forward, especially when the accused wears a badge and holds a position of authority. [This] 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,” Clermont County Sheriff Chris Stratton said.
If convicted on all charges, Essert faces a maximum penalty of 280 years in prison, the agency said.