Ohio Officer Found Guilty of Dereliction of Duty in Corporal Punishment Case
An Ohio police officer, Jamie Patterson, has been found guilty of two counts of dereliction of duty. She encouraged and allowed a handcuffed 15-year-old in her custody to be whipped with a belt by an adult in the teen's home.…
Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, August 3, 2026 —
A police officer in Middletown, Ohio, has been found guilty of two counts of dereliction of duty following an incident where she allowed a handcuffed 15-year-old in her custody to be subjected to corporal punishment.
Officer Jamie Patterson encouraged and permitted an adult to whip the juvenile with a belt inside the teen’s home. The teen had been in Patterson’s custody and was facing charges including domestic violence and unruly behavior. Following the incident, the teenager displayed visible marks from the whipping, though hospitalization was not required.
During her testimony, Patterson stated that she believed her actions were in good faith, asserting that she thought she was assisting the teen by recommending corporal punishment. She admitted to having previously instructed parents to administer corporal punishment on multiple occasions.
The specific date of the incident and the identity of the adult who administered the punishment were not provided. The outcome of the domestic violence and unruly behavior charges against the juvenile was also not detailed.
The conviction relates to Patterson’s conduct while on duty and handling a minor in her care. The charges of dereliction of duty stem from her alleged failure to uphold her responsibilities as a law enforcement officer in ensuring the safety and well-being of the individual in custody.
Story summarized from the original created by Jennifer Edwards Baker, Brenda Ordonez, Gray News staff on www.foxcarolina.com, see more information here.
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