TILTONSVILLE - A former Martins Ferry police officer is under investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation after he allegedly took part in beating a man recently.
Former Patrolman Ben Coblentz was reportedly off-duty at the time.
Coblentz was hired in 2009 as a part-time officer and received full-time status midway through 2011. He was set to become the department's new K9 officer.
BCII began its investigation at the recommendation of Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla. He said he was asked to investigate the incident but chose not to and recommended the Ohio Attorney General handle the case.
Abdalla confirmed that an investigation was under way and also involves part-time Tiltonsville police officer Andrew Chesonis.
The Tiltonsville Police Department originally handled the case.
Tiltonsville Police Chief Jerry Davis was unavailable for comment at press time.
DeFrank can be reached at rdefrank@timesleaderonline.com.
