Ashland County Fire Chief Pleads Not Guilty to Child Pornography Charge
ASHLAND, Ohio — The chief of the Polk Jackson Perry Fire District appeared in Ashland County Common Pleas Court on Friday after being charged with pandering child pornography following a joint investigation by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Brandon Richard Mosher, 36, entered a plea of not guilty during a video arraignment before Magistrate Emily Bates. The charge—pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, a second-degree felony—carries serious prison penalties if convicted.
The case stems from a tip received by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) several months ago, which was referred to BCI and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives executed a search warrant in Ashland County earlier this week as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities emphasized in a press release that the case remains open and active, urging the community not to be alarmed but to remain vigilant.
Prosecutor: “Likely More Charges”
Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Metcalf told the court that investigators believe Mosher has been involved in online groups and forums distributing child pornography and sharing child sex fantasies for several years.
Some of the activity, prosecutors allege, was conducted at Mosher’s place of employment. Metcalf noted the seriousness of the allegations, saying there are “likely to be many identifiable victims” within the community of Ashland and surrounding areas.
Given the severity of the charges, prosecutors asked for a $300,000 cash bond, restrictions barring Mosher from any contact with minors, and a prohibition on using any electronic device capable of accessing the internet.
Defense: “Presumed Innocent”
Mosher’s attorney, Sean Boone, argued his client has strong ties to the community, no prior criminal record, and is not a flight risk. Boone requested a lower bond, suggesting $50,000 would be more reasonable.
Despite that request, Magistrate Bates set bond at $300,000 with conditions that include:
No contact with minors,
No access to electronic or internet-capable devices,
Remaining in the state of Ohio without written court permission,
Compliance with all state laws and court orders.
Mosher must also enroll in the court’s bond supervision program if released.
What’s Next
The case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 2, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Ashland County Common Pleas Court.
As always anyone with information related to this case to contact the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office at 419-289-8362 or BCI at 1-855-BCI-OHIO.
