Alliance Police Sergeant Placed on Unpaid Leave After Felony Child Endangerment Charge

ALLIANCE — An Alliance police sergeant has been moved from paid to unpaid administrative leave following his arrest on a second degree felony charge of endangering children.

Police Chief Akenra X announced Wednesday, July 29, that Sgt. Ethan Griffith’s employment status had been changed to unpaid administrative leave until further notice. Griffith had already been on paid leave because of a separate off-duty arrest in June.

The Police Chief said "As Chief of Police, I also want the community to understand that the Alliance Police Department’s administrative response must comply with the provisions of the Fraternal Order of Police collective bargaining agreement, Ohio Civil Service laws, and all applicable state statutes. Our disciplinary process is governed by established legal and contractual requirements, and we will follow those requirements faithfully.

Immediately following Sgt. Griffith’s OVI-related arrest, he was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and any internal proceedings. Following his subsequent arrest on the Child Endangerment charge, City Officials and I made the immediate decision to change his status from paid administrative leave to unpaid administrative leave until further notice.

Above all else, our thoughts remain with the child at the center of these allegations. Regardless of the legal proceedings that lie ahead, there is an innocent child whose well-being must remain at the forefront of our minds. It is my sincere hope that, with the love and support of his parents and extended family, he is able to heal both physically and emotionally from this ordeal.

I understand the public’s desire for swift accountability. I ak only for your patience and your trust as these matters proceed through the judicial system and the administrative processes required by law. The Alliance Police Department remains committed to integrity, professionalism, and accountability. We will continue to serve this community with the honor and dedication you expect and deserve.

Thank you for your continued trust, your patience, and your support."

The new charge stems from an alleged July 26 incident at White House Fruit Farm in Mahoning County. According to the Goshen Police District, investigators allege Griffith grabbed a 4 year old boy by one arm and dragged him into the parking lot after the child was reportedly misbehaving.

Police said the child struck Griffith near his left eye. Griffith is then accused of striking the boy twice in the face, causing swelling, bruising and welts that remained visible for more than 24 hours. Medical personnel reportedly determined that the injuries were consistent with the child having been struck.

The case was presented to the Mahoning County Court No. 3 prosecutor, who authorized a charge of endangering children under Ohio Revised Code 2919.22(B)(1). That section prohibits abusing a child, and a violation resulting in serious physical harm can be charged as a second-degree felony.

Griffith, 27, was arrested Tuesday, July 28. Chief X said the department must follow its collective bargaining agreement, Ohio civil-service laws and other state requirements as the administrative process continues.

The criminal charge remains pending. Griffith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.