Ohio police lieutenant blames sleep medication for controversial post

OHIO — A longtime sheriff’s patrol commander in Clark County, Ohio, has issued an apology after making inflammatory Facebook posts targeting Democrats, claiming a prescribed sleep aid caused his “out of character” behavior.

Lt. John Rodgers, a 20-year veteran with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, reportedly stated on social media that he would not assist Democrats and suggested he would only offer aid to those who could prove they didn’t support the Democratic Party.

“I am sorry. If you support the Democrat Party I will not help you,” Rodgers allegedly wrote in one post. In another, he added, “The problem is that I know which of you supports the Democratic Party, and I will not help you survive the end of days,” according to WHIO-TV.

Rodgers explained that his remarks were a result of unintended side effects from a prescribed sleep aid, which he claimed sometimes leads him to send “out of character” communications, including texts and social media posts.

Upon learning of the messages, Rodgers deactivated his Facebook account and ceased taking the medication.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office stated that while Rodgers will remain on duty, he has received a written reprimand for violating the department’s social media policy.

The incident comes as Ohio faces increased scrutiny over social media conduct by law enforcement officials.

The U.S. Department of Justice has sent election monitors to Portage County after another Ohio sheriff, Bruce Zuchowski, posted comments seen as voter intimidation.

Zuchowski, who is running for reelection, suggested that addresses of residents displaying signs supporting Vice President Kamala Harris should be noted so immigrants could be sent to live with them if Harris were to win the presidency.

Following the controversy, Portage County’s Board of Elections decided to exclude sheriff’s deputies from election security duties this year.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose addressed the incidents at a news conference, stating that comments by some law enforcement officials, especially those seeking office, can be “ill-advised” and could impact voter safety perceptions.