Columbus police officer fired after accused of having sex multiple times with Kroger employee

Kroger has been making Columbus headlines recently for a variety of reasons: first, their new security measures, which includes police & security checking your receipt at the self check-outs, then rumors were circulating that a South Side Columbus was closing.

And now – a Columbus police officer has been terminated after being accused of having sex with a Kroger employee while working a special duty.

According to Columbus Police, surveillance cameras at Kroger captured Officer Robert Spann and a Kroger employee allegedly having consensual sex in the store multiple times while Spann was on special duty, including in places like a storage room and a liquor aisle. 

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A statement from Columbus Public Safety Director Kate Pishotti emphasized, “Whether an officer is on duty being paid by the taxpayers of Columbus or a private special duty entity, they represent this division and are expected to conduct themselves accordingly. Officer Spann’s conduct violated his oath and his duty to serve, and brought dishonor to the Division of Police. His inappropriate conduct while in a uniformed capacity neglected his responsibilities. The kind of behavior demonstrated here is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Another Columbus police officer was terminated last week as well. Officer Donovan Bever was charged with violating the division’s rule of conduct after bodycam footage showed him forcing a 14 year boy’s face into concrete during a violent arrest. 

Chief Elaine Bryant said in a statement, “Upon my arrival, I made a commitment to the members of this Division and to the City of Columbus. If our officers do the right thing, for the right reason, I’ll back them 100%. If they do the wrong thing, I will hold them accountable.”

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