Columbus firefighter on administrative duty after being charged with rape in Fairfield County

A Columbus firefighter is free on bond and has been placed on administrative duty after being charged with rape in Fairfield County.

Christopher Allen Shaffer, 39, of Pickerington, was charged Monday with first-degree rape in Fairfield County and bond was set at $350,000 or 10% surety, court records show. Shaffer posted bond, records show. Part of Columbus' Southeast Side is located in Fairfield County.

The criminal complaint accuses Shaffer of engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a person who was "substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition or because of advanced age," and alleges that Shaffer was aware of this.

Columbus Division of Fire Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter said Monday that Shaffer, a firefighter for five years, has been placed on administrative duty, where he will have no contact with the public.

"The Columbus Division of Fire is aware of the criminal charges against one of its members," Geitter said in a media release. "Per division protocol, upon the conclusion of the criminal case, the Division of Fire will initiate an administrative investigation."

Steven Stein, president of the Columbus Fire Fighters Union, Local 67 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said in media statement: "As firefighters and members of this community, we want to provide the best possible service to the citizens of Columbus (and) that means holding our members to the highest standards of trust and responsibility."

Sheffer's next court appearance will be on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., according to court records.

@ShahidMeighan