Circleville, OH — November 5, 2024 — The City of Circleville has announced the termination of two police officers following investigations into sexual misconduct allegations. Officer Jacob Ferguson and Acting Deputy Chief Jon Farrelly were both on paid administrative leave as the City conducted internal investigations, which led to their dismissals this week.
Officer Jacob Ferguson, who had been employed with the City as a probationary officer since September 18, 2023, was placed on administrative leave on August 1, 2024, following a citizen complaint of inappropriate behavior while on duty. The complaint, which was filed by an individual who was under investigation by Ferguson for alleged criminal activity, accused the officer of engaging in misconduct. An internal review revealed that Ferguson had violated departmental orders, including communicating with the complainant during off-duty hours and offering unauthorized rides in his police cruiser. However, despite the misconduct, the investigation did not substantiate claims of sexual activity. Ferguson denied any inappropriate sexual conduct, and a polygraph test corroborated his claim. Nevertheless, his disobedience of orders and violations of city policy led to his termination, effective November 5, 2024.
Ferguson, as a probationary employee, was considered an “at-will” employee, which means he was not afforded the grievance process rights provided to unionized employees. His dismissal was executed without further procedural hearings.
Sergeant Jon Farrelly, who had been serving as the Acting Deputy Chief of Police at the time, was also placed on administrative leave following his involvement in the investigation into Ferguson’s conduct. The initial inquiry into Ferguson revealed allegations of sexual misconduct involving Farrelly and the same complainant. In response, Acting Police Chief Kenny Fisher requested an independent investigation into Farrelly’s actions, which was conducted by the Lancaster Police Department beginning August 26, 2024.
The investigation, which included interviews with 17 individuals, did not find sufficient evidence to support claims of sexual misconduct by Farrelly. However, investigators uncovered other troubling behavior, including allegations of inappropriate communication—such as sexually suggestive messages and images exchanged with the complainant. Additionally, the investigation found that Farrelly had discussed the ongoing investigation with other local law enforcement officers, violating the terms of his administrative leave.
Farrelly also admitted to engaging in inappropriate behavior on duty, including allowing a different individual to ride in a city vehicle while off-duty and engaging in sexual activity in the vehicle, which was assigned for official use. The investigator concluded that Farrelly violated multiple City and Police Department policies, including insubordination and misconduct.
After reviewing the findings, the City scheduled a pre-disciplinary hearing for November 8, 2024, in accordance with the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (OPBA) collective bargaining agreement. However, Farrelly, through his union attorney, waived his right to the hearing, and his employment was terminated effective November 6, 2024.
Unlike probationary officers, union-represented employees like Farrelly have the right to file grievances against disciplinary actions. Farrelly has initiated a labor grievance, which will be reviewed through the city’s grievance process and may ultimately be heard by an independent arbitrator. The arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding on both parties.
In a statement, the City of Circleville and the Circleville Police Department emphasized that the actions of Officer Ferguson and Sergeant Farrelly do not reflect the values or professionalism of the department. “These actions are a direct reflection of the individuals involved and not the dedicated and hardworking officers who serve this community with the highest standards,” the statement read.
The department has assured the public that it remains committed to providing excellent service to the residents of Circleville and upholding the integrity of its law enforcement operations.
