CHILLICOTHE, OH — A former high-ranking law enforcement officer was told this morning he will spend nearly a decade behind bars for “dishonoring the badge.”
Caleb Moritz, the former Chief Deputy of the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, was sentenced in Ross County Common Pleas Court to a prison term of seven to nine years. The sentence, announced by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, follows a March conviction that exposed a pattern of corruption, drug involvement, and theft.
A Breach of Public Trust
“Law enforcement must serve with integrity to maintain trust and safety in their communities—this defendant neglected that duty,” Attorney General Yost said in a statement. “The residents of Hocking County deserve better.”
Moritz’s downfall began following a wave of complaints regarding his interactions with victims and confidential informants. The investigation, launched by the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office, revealed that Moritz used his position of power for criminal gain.
Convicted on Seven Felonies
On March 25, a Ross County jury found Moritz guilty on seven felony counts, illustrating the breadth of his corruption:
- Drug Charges: Corrupting another with drugs.
- Interference: Intimidation of an attorney, victim, or witness.
- Theft & Forgery: Storing and forging documents, as well as an unlawful transaction in weapons.
- Property Theft: Upon resigning from the Sheriff’s Office in April 2023, Moritz stole various pieces of property—including a firearm—from the agency.
Change of Venue
While the crimes occurred in Hocking County, the case was moved to Ross County for trial at the request of both the defense and prosecution to ensure an impartial jury. The case was handled by the Ohio Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Section.
The sentencing marks the conclusion of a year-long investigation that rocked the Hocking County law enforcement community, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences for those who violate the public trust they are sworn to uphold.
