PORT CLINTON, Ohio — Kent Johnson, the former fire chief of Port Clinton, Ohio, pleaded no contest on Monday to multiple charges stemming from a sexual harassment case involving a former firefighter and EMT at the department. Johnson, 65, entered the plea in Ottawa County Common Pleas Court, facing charges of unauthorized use of computer, cable or telecommunications property, menacing, telecommunications harassment, receiving stolen property, assault, and attempted intimidation of an attorney, victim, or witness.
Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, following his indictment and a series of legal battles. The charges come after a federal lawsuit filed in October 2023 by Rebekah Huskey, a 31-year-old firefighter and EMT who had worked with the department for more than 15 years. The lawsuit alleges a pattern of sexual harassment, assault, and intimidation perpetrated by Johnson against Huskey during her time at the Port Clinton Fire Department.
According to the lawsuit, Johnson repeatedly made unwanted sexual comments to Huskey both in person and through electronic communication. Huskey, who began working with the department at the age of 16, claimed that Johnson touched her without consent and, on multiple occasions, sexually assaulted her. The legal documents also describe how Johnson allegedly harassed Huskey at work and repeatedly entered her home uninvited while she was recovering from surgery related to a back injury she sustained on the job.
Huskey’s allegations included claims that Johnson attempted to intimidate her into withdrawing her workers’ compensation claim. Johnson allegedly suggested that Huskey’s back injury was related to childbirth, not a workplace accident, and warned her she would be accused of fraud if she pursued the claim.
The lawsuit also states that Johnson would appear at Huskey’s home while she was on bed rest, entering her house uninvited at least 15 times, despite her requests for him to stop. On one occasion, Huskey claims Johnson flashed a gun at her, implying that he was armed. The suit further alleges that Johnson would pound on her doors and windows, continuing the harassment even after Huskey asked him to leave.
The situation began to unravel in June 2023 when Johnson was placed on administrative leave from the fire department. Following an investigation, he was indicted on criminal charges, which ultimately led to Monday’s no contest plea.
In a separate legal matter, Johnson filed a lawsuit against the City of Port Clinton, alleging that his termination from the fire department was wrongful. However, a visiting judge dismissed the suit.
The criminal charges and lawsuit have cast a shadow over the Port Clinton Fire Department, raising concerns about workplace safety and the abuse of authority. As Johnson prepares for sentencing, the case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of employees in public service positions and the importance of accountability within such organizations.
The outcome of the sentencing in June will likely provide further closure to the victim and the community, as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.