BY B.G. GREGG
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Hamilton County's chief probation officer has been temporarily replaced after allegations of sexual harassment.
Hamilton County Court Administrator Michael L. Walton will oversee the county's probation department until the matter is resolved. The department is responsible for monitoring more than 20,000 criminals.
Judge Richard Niehaus, one of nine judges who signed an order naming Mr. Walton acting chief probation officer, said Chief Probation Officer Andrew Hitz was stripped of his duties because of "allegations in the area of sexual harassment."
Judge Niehaus said he did not know the specific allegations, and Mr. Walton, who recommended Mr. Hitz be temporarily replaced, did not return phone calls.
Mr. Hitz, who has been with the probation department for 15 years and was named chief probation officer in 1988, could not be reached for comment.
Judge Niehaus said there had been previous allegations against Mr. Hitz concerning sexual harassment, but he declined to talk about them.
He added that some judges received a complaint about Mr. Hitz a few months ago. "There was a letter sent anonymously to the judges about six months ago alleging improprieties on Hitz's part, but those concerned hiring practices and favoritism," he said.
Mr. Walton will meet with Mr. Hitz to discuss the allegations, and, if it is warranted, Mr. Walton will recommend punishment to a committee of judges. Punishment ranges from a one-day suspension to firing.
