Jamie Patterson, a Middletown police officer, was convicted July 30 of two misdemeanor counts of dereliction of duty after encouraging relatives to strike a handcuffed 15-year-old more than 10 times with a belt, leaving large welts. Patterson waived a jury trial and faces up to 90 days in jail, a $750 fine or probation; sentencing is set for Aug. 25. The Butler County Prosecutor placed her on the Brady list, and a separate internal review criticized a sergeant for failing to properly follow up on a child-abuse report.
Middletown Officer Convicted After Encouraging Family To Strike Handcuffed 15-Year-Old
A Middletown police supervisor's review of Jamie Patterson's body camera showed she affirmed at least twice it was okay to strike a handcuffed misbehaving 15-year-old on Jan. 3, 2026.
A Middletown police officer who encouraged relatives to strike a handcuffed 15-year-old with a belt was convicted of dereliction of duty, prosecutors said.
Jamie Patterson was found guilty July 30 in Middletown Municipal Court on two counts of dereliction of duty, both second-degree misdemeanors, Special Prosecutor Matt Broo said.
According to the department's internal affairs review and body-camera footage, Patterson responded to a January domestic disturbance at a Middletown residence. Records show the officer handcuffed the 15-year-old and twice affirmed to family members that it was acceptable to strike the teen. Internal records quote Patterson asking at the scene,
"What happened to corporal punishment?"Family members struck the teen more than 10 times with a belt, leaving welts described in records as the size of softballs.
Patterson was indicted in March and waived a jury trial, choosing a bench trial in which a judge heard the case. The maximum penalty she faces is 90 days in jail, a $750 fine or probation, Broo said. Patterson's sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 25 in Middletown Municipal Court. Middletown spokesman Ken Brown said she remained on unpaid leave as of the evening of July 30.
Following the conviction, Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser added Patterson's name to the office's Brady list, which catalogs law enforcement officials whose credibility may be questioned because of criminal convictions or other honesty concerns.
The Cincinnati Enquirer is not naming the teen's relatives because they were not charged; Gmoser said no criminal charges were filed against them because they were acting under a police order, according to records.
A related internal affairs review faulted Middletown Sgt. Dennis Jordan for inadequate follow-up after a juvenile detention center employee contacted him on Jan. 6 to report possible child abuse. Records indicate Jordan asked few questions and suggested the employee tell the teen "when he gets out that he can come talk to us in person."
This report includes contribution from Enquirer reporter Gillian Stawiszynski.
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