An Ohio University Police lieutenant accused of sexually harassing and inappropriately touching another officer's wife called the allegations unsubstantiated and false yesterday in a statement released by his attorney.
Lt. Steve Noftz is being investigated by a university-appointed attorney after being accused of sexually harassing and inappropriately touching Cathy Sloane, the wife of OUPD officer Greg Sloane. Noftz also is accused of threatening Greg Sloane's employment.
Through his attorney, Herman Carson, Noftz denied all the accusations, which were made in letters sent by Cathy Sloane to various OU officials.
We are confident that when the facts are known
and the evidence is reviewed it will be clear that these allegations are completely false said a statement released by Carson. Lt. Noftz has never been in the person's presence without her husband being present also.
The university recently appointed an attorney, Colleen Cook of the Theisen and Brock Law Firm in Marietta, to conduct the investigation. The university chose to appoint an attorney to investigate the complaints, as opposed to allowing local law enforcement to handle them because the complaints are employment concerns, said OU's Director of Legal Affairs John Burns.
The complaint came to us as the employer of an employee
he said.
However, Burns said Cathy Sloane could still file charges with the Athens County Sheriff's Office and the attorney's investigation could lead to a criminal investigation.
Burns said he intended to meet with Cook Tuesday to discuss the matter, and he hoped her investigation would be completed by the end of the quarter.
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Matt Zapotosky
