Ohio’s New Miami Village Council unanimously voted on June 27 to fire Police Chief Harold Webb after Mayor Jewell Hayes-Hensley accused him of having an office that smelled of marijuana. This information, reported by the New York Post, was based on a letter from the mayor's office obtained by Ohio's Fox 19.
A ballot initiative approved in November 2023 completely legalized cannabis in Ohio.
On June 20, when Hayes-Hensley and another council member went to Webb's office to pick up his daily logs, they noticed a strong marijuana smell. This is when the incident started.
"When I first said, 'Who has been smoking weed in here?'" The mayor of New Miami Village, a hamlet of 2,226 people in southeast Ohio, stated, "The smell of marijuana could knock you off your feet."
Cananbis with a strong odor is known as "loud" or "dank" in the cannabis community.
Marijuana Odor from a Bust Four Months Ago?
In the same letter regarding the marijuana odor, Mayor Jewell Hayes-Hensley accused Police Chief Harold Webb of multiple infractions, including stealing hot dogs from a gas station where only free soda was allowed on duty, refusing to respond to 911 calls, "theft of office," falsifying timesheets and daily logs, and "cashing his paycheck knowing he was required to show proof of his being at work.”
The mayor suggested that the marijuana smell might be linked to a bust that occurred four months prior, implying that Webb could have been smoking the confiscated cannabis. However, experts note that the smell of cannabis smoke typically lingers in a room for only four to six hours and does not cling to furniture or curtains like tobacco smoke. This casts doubt on the idea that the odor from a previous bust could still be present in Webb's office months later.
The allegations against Webb extend beyond the marijuana odor, painting a picture of misconduct and unprofessional behavior. The claim about stealing hot dogs suggests a disregard for department policies and ethical standards. Refusing to respond to 911 calls is a severe accusation, indicating a failure to perform critical duties that could endanger public safety. The "theft of office" and falsification of timesheets and daily logs imply deceit and misuse of taxpayer funds.
Whether Webb’s dismissal was based on the marijuana smell, the stolen hot dogs, or the accumulation of these allegations, the situation underscores the importance of accountability and integrity in law enforcement. The controversy surrounding Webb's behavior has undoubtedly affected the New Miami Village community, emphasizing the need for trust and transparency in public officials.
Ultimatum Delivered: Take a Drug Test or Face Consequences
On June 24, the New Miami town attorney delivered a letter to Police Chief Harold Webb at his home, informing him that he had until 5 p.m. the following day to take a drug test at the request of Mayor Jewell Hayes-Hensley or face "disciplinary action."
Chief Webb arrived at the testing site on June 25 but refused to provide a urine sample in front of a nurse, describing the process as "belittling." This refusal was a critical turning point in the situation, further complicating his position and raising additional concerns about his conduct.
Following his refusal to complete the drug test, Webb texted the mayor, expressing his frustration and feeling of being unfairly targeted. "You know what, you win," he wrote. "This is the third time you have questioned my integrity." This message highlighted the escalating tension between Webb and Mayor Hayes-Hensley, suggesting a breakdown in communication and trust.
The mayor responded decisively, instructing Webb to resign. "Sorry things didn't work out," Hayes-Hensley wrote. "Please turn in all your New Miami Village properties along with your resignation and leave all access to video cameras and computers turned over to me."
This interaction highlights the greater confrontation between Webb and the village leadership, marked by claims of misbehavior, refusal to comply with directions and personal animosities. Webb's unwillingness to take the drug test, exacerbated by the other claims against him, finally led to his dismissal. The event shows how difficult it is to uphold professional standards and responsibility in law enforcement and emphasizes the importance of following clear procedures and treating misbehavior claims with respect from one another.
Fallout and Community Reaction
The dismissal of Police Chief Harold Webb from New Miami Village has triggered a wave of reactions and repercussions within the community. Residents, caught off guard by the sudden removal of their police chief, are divided in their responses. Some express concern over the allegations leveled against Webb, particularly regarding the integrity and conduct expected of law enforcement officials. They emphasize the importance of accountability and transparency in local governance, calling for thorough investigations into the accusations made by Mayor Jewell Hayes-Hensley.
Conversely, others in the community rally behind Chief Webb, questioning the timing and validity of the accusations. They argue that Webb's contributions to public safety and his tenure should be taken into account before any hasty decisions are made. Supporters of Webb highlight his past achievements and dedication to the village, urging for fair treatment and due process in resolving the controversy.
Meanwhile, the broader implications of Webb's dismissal extend beyond local sentiment. The incident has raised broader questions about leadership and governance within New Miami Village. It underscores the challenges faced by small communities in maintaining effective law enforcement and ensuring public trust. Moving forward, community leaders and residents alike are seeking clarity and resolution, hoping to restore stability and confidence in the village's administration amidst the ongoing controversy.
Bottom Line
The case of Police Chief Harold Webb in New Miami Village serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and responsibilities involved in local law enforcement. The allegations, ranging from a peculiar marijuana smell to serious accusations of misconduct, have deeply impacted both the community and its leadership. While some residents advocate for accountability and transparency in addressing these issues, others stand by Webb, questioning the fairness of his dismissal. As the village navigates through this controversy, the need for clear protocols, mutual respect, and adherence to professional standards remains paramount. The outcome of this case will likely shape the future governance and public trust in New Miami Village, underscoring the importance of due process and ethical conduct in all levels of public service.
WHAT IS LOUD WEED? READ ON...
