Sharonville fire chief resigning after prostitution investigation

SHARONVILLE, OH (FOX19) - Sharonville Fire Chief Ralph Hammonds has been asked to resign after allegations he solicited sex from a prostitute.

After being on paid administrative leave since August, he was asked to resign on Tuesday, but will remain with the city on payroll as a consultant to help transition with the new chief for 30 months.

"At that point and time we will be entering into a contractual agreement with Chief Hammonds for him to continue as a full-time fire consultant with the City of Sharonville," City of Sharonville Mayor Kevin Hardman said.

During that time Hammonds is going to make minimum wage. The salary will be pulled from the Holiday, Sick and Vacation time Hammonds has accrued over the years and gives up by signing this deal.

The hope is to have Hammonds train the new chief.

"It's very clear this was not an expected departure because of the reasons for which it took place so the assistance that he can provide will be invaluable to our city as well as our fire department to continue," Hardman said.

According to a Reading police report, Hammonds admitted to paying $60 for sex from a woman he met on an adult website in June. He has not been charged.

The report states Hammonds was observed leaving an apartment complex that was being monitored because of prostitution complaints.

Reading police asked Hammonds to come to the department to help assist them in an on going investigation. Police informed Hammonds that they were investigating prostitution complaints.

Investigators say after Hammonds was read his rights, he informed them that he did pay for sex on the day in question. He told authorities it only happened once.

Hammonds had been the Sharonville Fire Chief since 2007, but has been employed by the department since 1990.

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