By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PIERCE TWP. - Robert "Blaine" Jorg has resigned as an officer with this western Clermont County township's police department.

Pierce Township Administrator David Coyle said Thursday that Jorg resigned "two or three months ago."

He gave no specific reason.

Col. James Smith, Pierce Township police chief, would say only that the former police officer "deserved his privacy."

Jorg was hired by Pierce Township in March 2002, five months after a Hamilton County jury acquitted him of assault charges, and deadlocked on a more serious involuntary manslaughter charge related to the death of a suspect in custody.

Because the jury could not reach a verdict, a mistrial was declared. Prosecutors opted not to retry the case.

Jorg, a former Cincinnati police officer, had been accused of causing the Nov. 7, 2000, death of Roger Owensby Jr. The 29-year-old man died of asphyxia, while scuffling with Jorg and other officers in Roselawn.

The case sparked a number of protests by African-American activists, who alleged it was racial profiling by the Cincinnati Police Department.

Cincinnati officials said police officers were attempting to arrest Owensby because he was suspected of interfering with a drug investigation.

Jorg is suing the city of Cincinnati, alleging he was used as a scapegoat.

Owensby's parents are suing Jorg, the city of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Police Department, alleging insufficient training and supervision of Cincinnati police officers and the wrongful death of their son.

Both cases are pending in federal court.

William Gustavson, Jorg's attorney, declined comment Thursday on why his client left the force.

He would say only that Jorg is no longer a police officer.

Pierce Township Trustee Bonnie Batchler said Thursday that she was sorry to see Jorg go.

"He is one of the most pleasant people to be around," she added. "We all wish him and his family the best."

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com