COLUMBUS – The interim Columbus police chief is recommending two officers from the department’s now-disbanded vice unit be fired for their roles in an undercover strip club operation last year that resulted in the arrest of porn actress Stormy Daniels.
An internal investigation focused on allegations that Columbus officers who supported President Donald Trump conspired to retaliate against Daniels over her claims she had sex with Trump before he became president.
Chief Tom Quinlan on Wednesday recommended 240-hour suspensions and the firing of officers Whitney Lancaster and Steve Rosser, who arrested Daniels, whose real name is Stephane Clifford, as well as two other women, in July 2018 at Sirens Gentlemen’s Club, according to a Division of Police release.
Quinlan also recommended a 240-hour suspension for Lt. Ron Kemmerling, a 120-hour suspension for Sgt. Scott Soha, and a written reprimand for Cmdr. Terry Moore.
The city’s safety director has the final say.
The police union called the recommended discipline excessive.
Charges were dropped against Daniels hours after her arrest.