The New Holland police sergeant who executed a search warrant on his own department and filed charges against the mayor, police chief, and former police chief was terminated on Monday, but not before he filed and sought protection from termination.
Former Sergeant Brad Mick filed what is commonly known as a “whistleblower protection affidavit” under Ohio law with Fiscal Officer Mavis Yourchuck a week ago. On Monday night, he filed the same document with the mayor, police chief, and council vice president, Gregg Shaw.
“Pursuant to the Whistleblower Protection Act of Ohio and Revised Code 4113.52, let this serve as my notification that I believe felonies are being committed by New Holland Mayor Clair ‘Butch’ Betzko and New Holland Village Marshal David Conrad,” read the affidavit. “Pursuant to R.C. 4113.52(A)(1)(a), this is my complaint. The village and its administration are hereby put on notice that you are barred from seeking retaliatory measures against me, including but not limited to:
● Removing or suspending the employee from employment;
● Withholding from the employee salary increases or employee benefits to which the employee is otherwise entitled;
● Transferring or reassigning the employee;
● Denying the employee a promotion that otherwise would have been received;
● Reducing the employee in pay or position.”
An employment lawyer with the Spitz law firm said that because Mick filed the paper before he was fired, he has grounds for a lawsuit and to have his position reinstated. It is very possible his position could be restored by a judge before the end of the week, according to the firm, if the appropriate actions are taken.
“If they have followed the proper protocols and successfully navigated the legal channels, whistleblowers in Ohio have legal recourse for retaliatory actions taken against them as a result of their whistleblowing,” says Cincinnati attorney Robert A. Klingler.
Mick was fired just seconds after he served Mayor Clair “Butch” Betzko and village police chief David Conrad with felony charges related to felony forgery.
Stay strong. There are too many corrupt people in that profession today. You are one of the good ones. Your commmunity supports you. There are people like myself from across the country that heard your story and support you. Don’t let them get you down. We NEED people like you. Don’t give up.