West Chester Twp. Police officer charged with tampering and misuse of database

WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio – A West Chester Twp. A police officer has been indicted on felony charges by a Butler County grand jury, alleging she tampered with evidence in a death investigation and misused police equipment, according to prosecutors.

Michelle Berling faces two counts of tampering with evidence and one count of tampering with documents, all third-degree felonies, and unauthorized use of property, a fifth-degree misdemeanor. According to the grand jury report, the alleged crimes occurred between August 8 and 13. The charges follow a BCI investigation.

Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser said Berling’s charges involve allegations that she altered Flock camera data and footage related to the death investigation of a woman found dead on Schumacher Park Drive in June.

Berling is also accused of abusing the department’s Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG) to collect information for personal use, Gmoser said.

Berling is on paid administrative leave and was suspended in August when the investigation began, according to the city.

“During the second week of August 2024, officers and staff of the West Chester Police Department recognized possible legal and policy violations committed by Officer Michelle Berling.” according to the statement from Barb Wilson, spokeswoman for the city. “After a brief internal review and analysis of data, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations was consulted for assistance. All information was transferred to BCI to conduct an independent criminal investigation into the matter.”

The statement added: “West Chester Twp. expects the highest degree of integrity and professionalism from its employees. As reinforced in our Police Department’s vision, mission and guiding principles, every employee is responsible to serve the community with integrity, dedication, professionalism and courage.”

Berling was recently assigned to conduct intelligence analysis, but also served as public information officer.

The case is assigned to Butler County Common Pleas Judge Noah Powers II, but an arraignment date has not yet been set.