A former West Chester police officer has admitted to interfering with a law enforcement investigation.
Michelle Berling pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Butler County Common Pleas Court to a single count of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony. As part of Berling’s plea agreement, prosecutors plan to recommend that three other felony charges be dismissed.
According to court filings, she faces a maximum possible prison term of 36 months and a fine of up to $10,000.
Former West Chester police officer Michelle Berling.
Prosecutors say Berling altered Flock camera data and images related to the investigation of a woman who was found dead on Schumacher Park Drive in June. She is also accused of misusing the police department’s Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway to gather information for personal use around the same time.
West Chester police say they became aware in August of possible “legal and policy violations” committed by Berling. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation then investigated the matter independently.
Berling was suspended from her duties and placed on paid administrative leave. She resigned in late October, two days before she was indicted on four felony charges.
Stew Mathews, Berling’s attorney, declined to comment on the case as it’s still pending. He added that she’s expected to appear in court on Feb. 24 for sentencing before Judge Noah Powers.
Enquirer reporter Bebe Hodges contributed.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ex-West Chester police officer admits interfering with investigation