Eight Butler County Prison corrections officers were suspended in late November and December after stealing items from inmates.

Sheriff Mike Slupe, prison board chairman, supported Warden Joe DeMore disciplining the officers involved.

“The prison board supports the warden's decision in the disciplinary action that took place regarding the incident,” Slupe said.

County Controller Ben Holland, who also sits on the prison board, confirmed the officers took items from inmates' cells.

“To my knowledge, it was something along those lines,” Holland said.

Slupe said there should not have been any misconduct.

“I personally as sheriff am appalled by any conduct by any law enforcement that calls their integrity into question while in the performance of their duties,” he said.

DeMore declined to comment.

“I can't comment on personnel issues,” he said.

District Attorney Richard Goldinger, who also is a prison board member, said criminal charges were not applicable in this situation.

“There's no criminal investigation as a result of that behavior,” Goldinger said.

Slupe agreed.

“The incident was deemed minor in nature, but major in consequences,” he said.

Holland confirmed five officers served three-day suspensions, one had five days, one was off 15 calendar days and the final was suspended for 30 work days.

He said two officers were caught lying about what happened when initially confronted.

“I find that to be even more disturbing,” Holland said.

Slupe agreed.

“It's disturbing,” he said.

County officials initially would not disclose the nature of the misconduct or the form of discipline taken.

Although the county still won't confirm which officers were suspended, payroll records indicate eight full-time officers did not work a full 80 hours in November and December pay periods.

Officer Tory Coyle received no compensation for two consecutive pay periods ending Dec. 10 and 24.

Officer Eric Double worked 63 hours in the pay period ending Nov. 26 and eight hours in the period ending Dec. 10.

Former Officer Michael Bartlett, who resigned last month, worked 56 hours in the period ending Dec. 10 and 64 hours straight time and eight hours overtime in the period ending Nov. 26.

Officer Christopher Foringer worked 64 hours in the period ending Nov. 26 and 48 hours in the period ending Dec. 10. He also was paid 16 hours vacation time in the latter payment.

Officer Adam Pry worked 72 hours for the period ending Nov. 26 and 64 hours for the period ending Nov. 26.

Former Officer Sean Schiebel, who also resigned last month, worked 72 hours in the period ending Dec. 10 and 64 hours in the period ending Nov. 26.

Officer John Stojka worked 56 hours in the period ending Dec. 10 and 72 hours in the period ending Nov. 26. But he received eight hours pay for a holiday in the earlier paycheck.

Officer Tyler Wingrove worked 64 hours in the period ending Dec. 10 and 72 hours straight time and eight hours overtime in the period ending Nov. 26.