Chillicothe police officers resign amidst rape allegations

Two Chillicothe police officers resigned yesterday in connection with allegations of rape coming from a woman who said she was a victim of sexual violence.

10-year veteran Brandon Mather was drinking off-duty at the bar inside the Chillicothe Quality Inn when he texted fellow officer Tad Franklin, a 6-year veteran, to give him a ride home.

When the officers were approached by a woman who said her boyfriend beat her up in the hotel, Franklin took the man into custody for questioning.

But Mather stayed behind, went to the woman’s hotel room to have a drink with her, and then drove her to his friend’s house while intoxicated.

Later, police received a call from the woman’s estranged husband, who said he received text messages saying Mather and his friend were sexually assaulting her.

In addition to the sexual assault allegations for Mather, police are also investigating how Franklin handled the assault. He took pictures of the victim, but later deleted them and did not properly investigate the case.

Both officers resigned before their disciplinary hearing Wednesday.

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