Columbus Police Sergeant Resigns After Child Pornography Charges

Raymond Wambsgans

Columbus Police Sergeant Dean Worthington resigned this month after he was indicted for four counts of child pornography. His retirement letter becomes effective October 26, the department said.

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien says Worthington uploaded and downloaded child pornography on the social media website Tumblr in the first half of this year. Worthington was relieved of duty in July and indicted a week later.

Now, Chief Kim Jacobs approved a records change that lists Worthington as having retired in "dishonorable status."

He had worked for the Columbus Division of Police for 22 years. Worthington mostly recently served as the public information officer for 10 months before his arrest and indictment. 

His case is scheduled to go to trial this week.

If convicted, Worthington may be required to forfeit his retirement benefits. His pensions would come from the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund. 

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Adora Namigadde was a reporter for 89.7 NPR News. She joined WOSU News in February 2017. A Michigan native, she graduated from Wayne State University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in French.
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