FRANKLIN - A 20-year veteran of the police force was placed on administrative leave and stripped of his weapon after being arrested for domestic violence.

Lt. Gary L. Wallace, 46, of Franklin Township, pleaded not guilty Friday to the misdemeanor charge and remained free on his promise to return to court.

He is accused of choking his wife, Angela, as she lay on the floor during an altercation about 2:30 p.m. Thursday at their Franklin-Trenton Road residence.

Sheriff's officials said Wallace called his police department to report the incident and asked that a sheriff's deputy be dispatched.

A report indicates that both Wallaces had cuts on their lips and that Angela Wallace had a red mark on her arm.

Trial set for man for luring two girls

MASON - A Fairfield Township man is scheduled for trial in Mason Municipal Court after authorities said he lured two 13-year-old girls into his car in Deerfield Township in November and took them to his home.

Paul Lanier, 52, is slated to be tried Feb. 25 on two misdemeanor charges.

"He has been charged with (criminal) child enticement of two female juveniles who reside in Deerfield Township," Mason City Prosecutor Robert Peeler said. Lanier contacted the girls through the Internet, picked them up Nov. 29 and transported them to his home in Butler County, Peeler said.

Authorities would not discuss what happened during the short time the girls were in Lanier's home.