BY TERRY FLYNN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NEWPORT — Newport Police Officer James Boyers, a 10-year veteran of the department, was arrested Wednesday and charged with domestic violence for allegedly assaulting his wife.
Officer Boyers, 31, was not on duty Wednesday. Police Chief Tom Fromme said he had been suspended with pay pending disposition of the charge.
Campbell County Attorney Paul Tweheus said his office was aware of the case. He said Campbell District Court Judges Mickey Foellger, Greg Popovich and Karen Thomas have recused themselves from hearing the case because all have worked with Officer Boyers in the past.
“We're attempting to locate another judge to handle the case,” Mr. Tweheus said. “We expect to have something set up (today).”
Chief Fromme said the officer's wife came to police headquarters Wednesday to lodge a formal complaint. Assistant Chief Col. Robbie Hall wrote the citation against Officer Boyers, a misdemeanor.
“We'll have to see how this works out,” the chief said. “It could lead to nothing further, or to departmental charges. If he is convicted of domestic violence, he won't be permitted to have a firearm, and under state law, he would lose his police certification.”
Chief Fromme said Officer Boyers, who joined the Newport force in 1988, has been an exemplary officer who was a member of the SWAT team until recently.
