Ex-West Chester Twp Police Officer Admits to Tampering with Evidence
A former police officer in West Chester Twp. has pleaded guilty to evidence tampering in a death investigation
West Chester Twp, Ohio, Michelle Berling, Tampering with Evidence
Berling, who is 46, was indicted back in October. She faced two counts of tampering with evidence and one for tampering with records, all third-degree felonies. There was also a fifth-degree felony for unauthorized use of property.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation looked into her actions, which happened between August 8 and August 13. Prosecutor Michael Gmoser mentioned that Berling messed with Flock camera data related to a woman’s death investigation from June.
She also used the department’s Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway to dig up personal information, which is a big no-no. On Tuesday, she pleaded guilty to one tampering charge, and the other charges were dropped as part of the deal.
Sentencing is set for February 24, and she could face up to three years in prison. For now, she’s out on her own recognizance. Gmoser noted that her actions could have hurt the investigation, and it’s hard to say how much damage was done.
Berling was put on paid leave and suspended from her duties back in August when the investigation kicked off. She eventually resigned from her position.