COLUMBUS – An internal investigation into the July arrest of adult film star Stormy Daniels at a Northeast Side club was improper but the officers involved were not motivated by politics.
Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has said she once had an affair with President Donald Trump and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen told lawmakers last month he paid her to keep silent.
She was arrested, along with two other dancers at Sirens Gentleman’s Club on Cleveland Avenue, on July 11 on suspicion of inappropriately touching an undercover officer. Prosecutors dropped charges hours later, saying the law cited in Daniels’ arrest applied only to those who regularly performed at the club.
Internal Affairs investigators determined that Officers Steven Rosser, Whitney Lancaster, Mary Praither and Shana Keckley improperly arrested Daniels following her performance, according to a Division of Police press release.
Keith Farrell, president of the Fraternal Order of Police lodge for Columbus, says the finding was inevitable after prosecutors dropped the charges.
The investigators reported to Deputy Chief Tim Becker that allegations that the four officers, along with Lt. Ronald Kemmerling and Sgt.Scott Soha, planned the arrest in advance of Daniels’ appearance in Columbus for political reasons were unfounded.
The FBI has been investigating the vice unit in September.
During the probe, investigators conducted 19 individual interviews and reviewed of more than 11,000 emails and over 30 hours of video.
Daniels and her attorney were invited to participate in the investigation and provide information, but chose not to take part. Daniels has sued the officers involved in the arrest.
The findings will be turned over to the Narcotics Bureau Commander and the Investigative Subdivision Deputy Chief for review.