Former Chief Deputy Convicted of Felony Corruption Charges

AG: Ohio News Releases

Filed March 26th, 2026

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

A former Chief Deputy with the Hocking County Sheriff's Office, Caleb Moritz, has been convicted of seven felony corruption charges, including corrupting another with drugs and intimidation. The conviction follows a jury trial led by the Ohio Attorney General's Special Prosecutions Section. Moritz is scheduled for sentencing on May 1, 2026.

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What changed

Former Hocking County Chief Deputy Caleb Moritz has been convicted by a Ross County jury on seven felony charges, including corrupting another with drugs, intimidation of an attorney, victim, or witness, unlawful transaction in weapons, theft, and forgery. The investigation was initiated by the Hocking County Prosecutor's Office due to corruption complaints related to Moritz's employment and interactions with informants and victims. Moritz also stole property, including a firearm, from the sheriff's office upon his resignation in April 2023.

Moritz faces potential significant prison time given the felony nature of the charges. His sentencing is scheduled for May 1, 2026. This case highlights the risks of public corruption within law enforcement and underscores the importance of thorough investigations and prosecutions, as exemplified by the Ohio Attorney General's Special Prosecutions Section's involvement. Regulated entities, particularly those in law enforcement, should review internal controls and ethical guidelines to prevent similar misconduct.

What to do next

Review internal controls and ethical guidelines for public corruption risks.
Ensure proper procedures for handling and securing seized property and evidence.
Monitor sentencing outcomes for potential industry-wide implications.

Penalties

Convicted of seven felony charges, facing potential imprisonment. Sentencing scheduled for May 1, 2026.

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Former Hocking County Chief Deputy Convicted in Corruption Case

3/26/2026

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio) — A former chief deputy with the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office has been convicted of corruption charges following a jury trial, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.

A Ross County jury on Wednesday found Caleb Moritz, of Logan, guilty of seven felony charges:

One count of corrupting another with drugs (F2)
Two counts of intimidation of an attorney, victim or witness (F3)
One count of unlawful transaction in weapons (F3)
Two counts of theft (F4)
One count of forgery (F5)

Numerous complaints of corruption tied to Moritz’s employment and interactions with confidential informants and victims sparked an investigation by the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office. Upon resigning from his position in April 2023, Moritz stole property, including a firearm, from the sheriff’s office.

Moritz was initially charged in Hocking County in 2023, but at the request of the defense and prosecution, the case was tried in Ross County Common Pleas Court. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1.

Yost’s Special Prosecutions Section led the prosecution of the case.

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