Ross Co. sheriff caught in secret recording using racial epithet

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Ross County Sheriff George Lavender is under fire for allegedly using a racial epithet.

Lavender is currently running for re-election and has been embroiled in controversy. A surreptitiously recorded audio clip allegedly captured him using a racial slur to define African-American children on two occasions. The recording, submitted to the Guardian and authenticated by a cellphone and audio expert, is a bombshell for the county’s top law enforcement official.

The audio shows Lavender discussing personal allegations and making disparaging comments about a biracial child of her independent challenger, Isaac Oberer. In the recording, Lavender is heard saying: “Everyone wants to talk behind my back about how they claim I had sex with a jailer years ago and she gave birth to my son. True, but why isn’t the community at large talking about how Isaac has a biracial child? If it were me, I would rather have a child out of wedlock than a nigger. It’s stuff like this that keeps me up at night. And I just don’t know how people can’t see the difference. In the eyes of Ross County conservatives, an out-of-wedlock child is far better than a negro child. I’ve been sheriff of this county for a very long time and I’ve done my best, so we can’t afford to lose this hearing.

The audio was produced by a confidential source close to the sheriff, who said the audio was only part of a conversation that took place recently during a car ride.

The “hearing” Lavender refers to is an apparent reference to his efforts to have his former deputy and November challenger, Isaac Oberer, removed from the ballot; the county board of elections will determine Oberer’s fate Monday afternoon. The protest against the nomination is being led by close allies of the sheriff, who have been seen meeting with political allies inside the sheriff’s office to plan the assault.

The Guardian worked with a mobile phone forensic expert to study the recording and verify its authenticity.

“Using highly respected tools in the private investigation industry, as a forensic audio and cell phone expert, the software tells us that this audio is more than likely authenticated and real, and that it has a 2 percent chance of being fabricated,” said Dave Smith, a digital forensics expert in central Ohio.

Rumor has it that Lavender had a child out of wedlock with a female MP who worked in the prison several years ago when he himself was an MP. The claim cannot be independently verified by The Guardian, however, Lavender’s apparent voice on the audio recording touches on the topic.

The Ross County Sheriff’s Office, which employs nearly 100 people, has only two employees who identify as African American.

“This type of language from a law enforcement official is not only unacceptable but deeply damaging to the social fabric of our community,” the Ohio Civil Rights Coalition said in a statement. “Sheriff Lavender’s comments reveal a shocking level of racism and blatant disregard for the dignity of African Americans. He must be held accountable, and we call for his immediate resignation and a thorough investigation into systemic problems within his department.

Lavender did not return a message seeking comment for this story. He faces an uphill battle as he seeks re-election amid fallout as he is challenged by Oberer in the November election.