NEW MIAMI — A tumultuous week for the village of New Miami ended with the death of its just-resigned mayor and a guilty misdemeanor plea by its just-resigned police chief.

Pelfrey

        As news came of the death of former mayor Ronald Williams, ex-chief of police Duane Pelfrey pleaded guilty Friday to dereliction of duty in Butler County Common Pleas Court. Judge Keith Spaeth set sentencing for Aug. 22. The charge carries a possible sentence of 90 days in jail and a fine of $750.

        While the mayor had been fighting leukemia, Mr. Pelfrey had been battling critics, some of whom are on village council.

        Five teens had been accused of conspiring to kill Mr. Pelfrey in April. But when that case fell apart in May, the teens' parents and others criticized the chief's handling of the investigation and other matters. That led to an investigation by the county sheriff's office, resulting in Mr. Pelfrey's plea.

        Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper said Mr. Pelfrey took responsibility for some neglectful or reckless conduct. But Mr. Piper doesn't think there was any criminal intent on Mr. Pelfrey's part. “There were records that weren't maintained,” he said.

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