Two Columbus police officers have been fired for their role in the arrest of an adult film star in Columbus last summer.
18-year veteran Officer Steven Rosser and 31-year veteran Officer Whitney Lancaster along with a third officer from the former vice squad arrested Stephanie Clifford at Sirens Gentleman's Club in July 2018, along with two other women who worked at the club.
Criminal charges against all three women were later dismissed, but raised concerns the arrests were politically motivated. Clifford, who uses the name Stormy Daniels professionally, had alleged she had an affair with President Trump, raising ire in some conservative quarters. An internal investigation found no evidenece of political motivation, but said there were other irregularities in the arrests. Rosser was suspended with pay in October 2018, and Lancaster was suspended with pay in December.
Interim Police Chief Thomas Quinlan announced the two officers' termination today. Two supervisors, Lt. Ronald Kemmerling and Sgt. Scott Soha face lengthy suspensions for their role in the arrest, and will have a hearing before Safety Director Ned Pettus before final discipline is decided.
