Police Chief Barry Carpenter is not sure what crime he's been accused of in an investigation reportedly connected to a famous Hollywood couple and a tabloid publication. Regardless of the claim, Carpenter is certain he's innocent.
Carpenter on Tuesday confirmed he is the subject of an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation probe, and he is cooperating with investigators in the case. The chief said, however, that he does not yet know the full scope of the investigation. Carpenter said he also has not been advised of what crime he allegedly committed.
Harrison County Prosecutor Shawn Hervey has been assigned as special prosecutor in the investigation of unspecified allegations against Carpenter. On Tuesday, Hervey confirmed he has been appointed by the Belmont County Common Pleas Court as a special prosecutor in a case in Martins Ferry, but he would not confirm the case involved Carpenter.
He said his appointment was the result of a conflict of interest for Belmont County Prosecutor Chris Berhalter.
Hervey said it will be several weeks before additional information is known.
"I don't have anything official," Hervey said. "I don't have any charges in the case or a grand jury date."
Sources indicate Carpenter recently was told by Bridgeport Police Chief Chad Dojack that reporters or photographers from the National Enquirer were staying at the Hillside Motel in Blaine. Carpenter was told the Enquirer was looking for the address of the Martins Ferry woman serving as the surrogate mother for the child of Hollywood couple Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. The Enquirer reportedly was willing to pay for information.
Carpenter acknowledged he met with Enquirer employees more than a month ago in Bridgeport. He reportedly "messed" with the employees who sought the woman's address and other information. Carpenter allegedly told them he "may or may not" have information regarding the surrogate mother, those reports indicate.
Carpenter said he learned of the BCI&I investigation about two weeks ago. He said he's cooperated fully in the probe. There's little else he could reveal, Carpenter said.
"I'm not sure of the complete basis of the complaint myself...," he said. "There is an allegation against me, and I'm working closely (with investigators) to resolve the situation. I've been advised by the investigating authority to not discuss the details of the investigation until it is complete."
Carpenter said the Martins Ferry Police Department is operating as usual, but he admitted the situation has been a difficult one for him and his officers.
"I appreciate the support my friends, family and co-workers have shown to this point," Carpenter said. "It's been draining on me and the department, and we hope for a positive outcome."