1398: Rodney Creech

Rodney Creech is a Republican Ohio state representative who is now running for Ohio senate despite being sanctioned by the Republican-dominated Ohio House and asked to resign by the Republican House Speaker over allegations of sexual misconduct and imposition made by a teenage relative.

He denies the allegations, claiming they were proven false by an investigation that resulted in no criminal charges. However, the Sheriff did not interview the teen, the teen’s mother, or Creech. According to the Columbia Dispatch:

“Preble County Sheriff Michael Simpson became aware of the allegations two months later but never produced a report or interviewed Creech or the teen, BCI investigators found. Preble County prosecutors declined to file charges after the case was presented to them with no investigation. Simpson admitted to a conflict of interest and said he’d ask another sheriff’s office to investigate, but he never did.”

That is what Creech calls being proven false. Meanwhile, when the case was finally investigated by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Creech admitted getting into bed with the teen wearing only underwear, but insisted there was nothing sexual about it. The House sanctioned him and took away committee assignments, but did not investigate.

Creech donated $4,000 to the prosecutor who declined to prosecute him. The prosecutor is now a judge.

• The Columbia Dispatch: State rep accused of sexual misconduct sanctioned by Ohio House but not criminally charged
• Statehouse News Bureau: Ohio House lawmaker told to resign over sexual abuse allegations
• Dayton Daily News: Area lawmaker gave $4K to county prosecutor accused of turning away sexual misconduct allegations