Ohio Fire Chief under investigation by Bureau of Criminal Investigation after allegations from village employees

MINGO JUNCTION, Ohio — An official with Mingo Junction Fire and EMS Department is under investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for alleged misconduct, news partner Herald-Star confirms with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

According to Herald-Star, Steve Irwin, press secretary for the attorney general’s office, confirms that the state’s forensic law enforcement agency, BCI, is investigating allegations surrounding Fire Chief Brandon Montgomery.

Irwin tells the paper that Police Chief Willie McKenzie III requested BCI’s involvement on June 13, and the results will be referred to the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office for review, but says there is no timeframe for when the process will be finished.

No other details were given because the investigation is ongoing.

According to Herald-Star, village employees presented Mayor Judy Ruckman with allegations against Montgomery. Ruckman notified McKenzie of the allegations, which prompted him to involve the BCI “ to make sure the investigation was totally transparent and everything would be handled properly.”

Ruckman tells Herald-Star that the village officials were not involved in the allegations against Montgomery and would not comment on the specific allegations.

It is reported that Montgomery was placed on paid leave on June 14, pending the resolution of the situation.

The paper reports that the BCI confiscated his tablet, laptop, and cellphone as part of the investigation.

Montgomery declined to comment when approached by Herald-Star.

According to reports, Montgomery has served as the village’s fire chief since Aug. 30, 2020, and first became a firefighter and EMT for the village on July 15, 2014.

Austin Raymond is serving as Mingo Junction’s interim fire chief.

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