MINGO JUNCTION — Brandon Montgomery, the village fire chief who was on administrative leave until his Feb. 14 termination, has been indicted by a special Jefferson County Grand jury.

Montgomery, 37, was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on charges he illegally intercepted wire, oral or electronic communications over a 4.5 year period — beginning in January 2020 and continuing through June 24.

The indictment was not immediately available for inspection, but Prosecuting Attorney Jane Hanlin said Montgomery is “alleged to have recorded conversations between employees and other individuals who did not know they were being recorded.”

Mayor Judy Ruckman put Montgomery, 331 Woodvue Lane, Wintersville, on paid administrative leave June 13 after the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct in another matter.

In announcing Montgomery’s termination two months ago, in a public reading of the circumstances that led her to that decision, Ruckman had cited alleged “inappropriate and unprofessional behavior, specifically engaging in a sexual relationship with a subordinate on municipal property while on duty;” bringing “disrepute” upon the fire department and “illegal audio recording (with) personal cameras,” which she deemed tantamount to illegal wiretapping.

Several village council members unsuccessfully sought to force Ruckman to reverse her decision, claiming she had usurped the investigation process and insisting the decision to fire employees by law rests with them, not the mayor.

Ruckman, contacted Wednesday evening, would say little other than it was “really a sad situation for all involved.”

“No one should take pleasure from this indictment,” she said. “Whatever the outcome of the criminal proceedings, there should be no celebration. We, as village officials, need to move forward and tend to the business of Mingo Junction.”