An Ohio sheriff’s lieutenant, identified as Lt. John Rodgers of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in Springfield, made headlines for his controversial social media posts. In these posts, Lt. Rodgers allegedly stated that he would refuse to assist anyone who supports the Democratic Party, insisting on proof of their voting history before offering aid.
The inflammatory comments, which were shared on Facebook and later circulated on social media, included statements such as, “I am sorry. If you support the Democrat party I will not help you,” and “The problem is that I know which of you supports the Democratic Party and I will not help you survive the end of days.” Additionally, another post mentioned, “At the end of the day I will require you to provide proof of who you voted for if you ask me for help. Weapons and ammo are not cheap.”
In response to these posts, an official from the Clark County Board of Elections emphasized that an individual’s vote is protected by ballot secrecy, and once a ballot is cast, there is no way to determine the voter’s selections. The board’s deputy director, Amber Lopez, clarified that Rodgers’ demands for proof of voting behavior are unfounded and that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the sheriff’s department for internal discipline.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement denouncing Lt. Rodgers’ remarks as “highly inappropriate” and asserted that they do not align with the department’s values and mission. Chief Deputy Mike Young acknowledged the community’s outrage over Rodgers’ comments and vowed to work towards regaining the trust of the residents.
While Rodgers claimed not to recall making or deleting the posts, he suggested that his prescribed sleeping medication might have influenced his behavior. He received a written reprimand for violating the department’s social media policy but remains on duty.
This incident is part of a concerning trend in Ohio, where law enforcement officials have faced criticism for allowing personal political beliefs to interfere with their duty to serve all citizens impartially. In a separate incident in Portage County, Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski came under fire for encouraging residents to compile lists of neighbors displaying support for Democratic candidates. The Department of Justice intervened, citing concerns about voter intimidation and surveillance during the election period.
These incidents underscore the importance of upholding the principles of impartiality and fairness in law enforcement, regardless of personal political affiliations. It is crucial for public officials to prioritize the safety and well-being of all community members, irrespective of their political beliefs.
