Jail guard accused of sex with prisoner

A corrections officer with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office was arrested Thursday and charged with engaging in sexual contact with a prisoner under his custody at University Hospital.

Mark E. Stahley, of the 3300 block of Bellehaven Court, Green Township, was charged with sexual battery, the sheriff's office said.

The alleged offense occurred at the hospital on Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., officials said

The victim was in custody, and Stahley was acting as supervisory authority when the incident occurred, the sheriff's office said.

Charges possible in pedestrian injury

FELICITY - Prosecutors in Clermont County are considering charges against a New Richmond woman who struck a pedestrian Wednesday afternoon, state police said Thursday.

Wilbert Estep, 68 of Felicity, lost his left arm after he was struck while he walked westbound on the edge of Ohio 756 just east of Felicity Wednesday at about 4 p.m.

Estep was delivering mail to his disabled brother when he was hit by a 1996 Dodge Avenger.

Estep was flown to University Hospital with critical injuries, and his arm was later amputated.

Heather Arthur, 27, was the driver, according to state police.

Prosecutor objects to lawsuit inclusion

HAMILTON - A Butler County prosecutor says county officials shouldn't be subject to a lawsuit over a diversion program for Miami University students charged with alcohol-related offenses.

The letter, dated May 20 and written by Assistant Prosecutor Roger S. Gates, says naming Butler County Clerk Cindy Carpenter, Prosecutor Robin Piper, Sheriff Don Gabbard and others not directly involved in the Area I Court program is "frivolous."

The lawsuit, submitted on May 12 by Dayton attorneys Dwight and Douglas Brannon, says a diversion program offered by Area I Court to help students avoid stiff penalties for alcohol offenses is illegal and works as a "windfall 'cash cow'" for the city of Oxford. With 26 student plaintiffs who have all chosen the diversion program, the lawsuit names members of Oxford's city government and Police Department, as well members of county government.

The civil suit asks all fees and payments by 26 plaintiffs to be repaid with interest, $25,000 in compensatory damages and punitive damages to be decided upon in a trial by jury.

Those electing for the diversion must donate $100 to either the City of Oxford Law Enforcement Trust Fund or Oxford's "Respect for Law Camp." Defendants also must pay court costs, complete 30 hours of community service and attend a two-day alcohol program that costs $120.