COLUMBUS, OH – A former Ohio State Trooper is in deep trouble with the law, this time as the lawbreaker. William P. Elschlager, 48, of Marietta, Ohio, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of cyberstalking and deprivation of rights under color of law, the Department of Justice announced today. The allegations paint a disturbing picture of an officer allegedly abusing his position and utilizing surveillance tactics for personal harassment.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman for the Southern District of Ohio, alongside FBI Special Agent in Charge Angela L. Byers and Washington County Sheriff Larry R. Mincks, Sr., detailed the charges. The indictment alleges that between November 2015 and January 2016, Elschlager engaged in a pattern of behavior designed to intimidate a specific victim. That behavior included secretly affixing a GPS tracking device to the victim’s vehicle.
But the surveillance wasn’t just about knowing where the victim was; it allegedly escalated into a blatant abuse of power. According to the indictment, Elschlager, while still employed as a state trooper, used the GPS data to conduct a traffic stop on the victim. This act, prosecutors claim, was a deliberate attempt to harass and a clear violation of the victim’s Fourth Amendment rights, protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures. It’s a damning accusation – an officer using the tools of his office to settle a personal score.
Elschlager was taken into custody by Washington County Sheriff’s deputies on May 17th and released on his own recognizance. A previously scheduled preliminary hearing has been scrapped, replaced by an arraignment on the indictment. The date for that arraignment has not yet been set. If convicted on the cyberstalking charge, Elschlager faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years. The deprivation of rights charge carries a maximum sentence of one year.
Federal investigators praised the collaborative effort that led to the indictment. The FBI and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office worked together to build the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica H. Kim leading the prosecution. This case underscores the importance of holding those in positions of authority accountable for their actions, even – and especially – when those actions occur under the guise of official duty.
It’s crucial to remember that this indictment represents allegations at this stage. Elschlager is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the charges themselves are a serious blow to the reputation of law enforcement and a stark reminder that abuse of power will not be tolerated. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Cybercrime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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