By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BATAVIA - A Brown County man was ordered jailed in lieu of $75,000 bond, accused of impersonating a peace officer, kidnapping a man and taking $1,000 from him.

Kenneth Earl Coffey, 33, of Russellville, was being held in the Clermont County jail after a brief bond hearing Wednesday in Municipal Court.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said Mr. Coffey, who has a prior arrest for impersonating a peace officer, approached a man shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday in East Fork State Park.

Investigators said the victim was picking up trash in the park when Mr. Coffey threatened to arrest him after identifying himself as an undercover agent.

Mr. Coffey offered to let the victim go for $3,000, officials said, adding that he "settled for $1,000."

The two then allegedly got in the victim's car and drove to a bank, withdrew the money and then drove back to the park to let Mr. Coffey return to his car.

The man then called police.

Mr. Coffey is also charged with one count of theft.

If convicted as charged he could be sentenced to a maximum six years in prison.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com