Former Butler Mayor Waives Jury Trial After Video Allegedly Shows Him Sniffing Teen’s Underwear

Former Butler, Ohio, mayor Wesley Dingus has waived his right to a jury trial and asked for a bench trial after being charged with two misdemeanor counts of voyeurism tied to home-camera footage, court records show.

What Happened

Court documents indicate a jury trial scheduled for July 29 in Mansfield Municipal Court was set aside when Dingus withdrew his earlier demand for a jury on July 28 and requested that a judge decide the case instead. The presiding judge subsequently recused himself, citing Dingus' status as a public figure, and the Ohio Supreme Court will appoint a visiting judge to preside over the bench trial, according to local reporting.

Allegations and Investigation

Authorities say the charges stem from footage reportedly captured by cameras the teenage alleged victim placed in her bedroom. The Richland County Sheriff's Office and Richland County Children’s Services were reportedly alerted after the agency received a video that purportedly shows an adult male entering the child’s bedroom, picking up the girl’s underwear and smelling it. Investigators say the footage shows the man returning the following morning and again smelling worn underwear; the report also alleges he touched his groin area over his clothing.

Charges, Resignation and Restrictions

Dingus was charged with two counts of misdemeanor voyeurism on Feb. 13. Ten days later, on Feb. 23, he resigned as mayor of Butler in a handwritten note that read in part:

"Effective immediately I Wesley Dingus resign as Village of Butler Mayor NOT under stress but under duress."

Following the charges, Dingus was ordered by the court to have no contact with the alleged victim. PEOPLE and local outlets reported they were unable to immediately reach an attorney for Dingus for comment, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Separate Civil and Criminal Matters

In addition to the voyeurism charges, Dingus faces separate legal claims related to an alleged July 2025 incident. A man named Anthony Ward has filed a civil lawsuit accusing Dingus of running him over with a vehicle and causing serious and permanent injuries, emotional distress and other damages. Local broadcaster WJW has also reported that Dingus faces criminal charges connected to that incident. These allegations are separate from the voyeurism case and have not been proven in court.

Next Steps

With the bench trial request and the recusal of the presiding judge, the Ohio Supreme Court will assign a visiting judge to oversee the matter. The charges against Dingus remain allegations until proven in court.

Sources: PEOPLE, Cleveland 19, WJW, Richland County reports (as cited in local reporting).