Police release bodycam of Whitehall councilmember, Gerald Dixon, arrested on felony sex charges
By: -----
Whitehall, OH - Newly released police body-camera footage shows the moments Whitehall City Council member Gerald Dixon was arrested on two felony charges, including gross sexual imposition and compelling prostitution.
In the video, Dixon appears calm as officers place handcuffs on him at his home around 5:30 p.m. Monday. An officer can be heard saying, “We have warrants out for your arrest.” Dixon responds, "Oh, do you?”
As officers take him into custody, Dixon asks, “What is this about, please?” An officer replies, “We’ll explain that to you in one second.”
Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispen said investigators have been examining allegations that Dixon was grooming teen boys for sexual exploitation. According to Crispen, the allegations date back to before Dixon was elected to council. He said there are eight known victims, including one who is cognitively impaired. Crispen said Dixon paid that person for sex acts and that additional victims are possible.
During the arrest, Dixon can be heard saying, “I mean, I'm a councilman, are you kidding me?”
After Dixon was taken into custody, police and the FBI executed a search warrant at his home. Officers are heard stating, “Suspect is in custody, all units move to the house for entry.” Dixon asks, “They aren't going into my house, are they? They have a search warrant for the house?”
Crispen said investigators collected electronic devices and artwork as evidence. At one point, Dixon tells officers, “I'm home alone, can we make sure my doors are shut?” An officer responds, “Yeah, we'll take care of that.”
Police transported Dixon to the Whitehall Police Department for questioning before taking him to the Franklin County jail. Body camera video captures an officer telling him, “You are going to go down to the police station for right now.”
Dixon was later released on a personal recognizance bond, a signature promising he will return to court. He is scheduled to appear again on Dec. 23.