Former Mercer County drug task force chief sentenced

Melissa Klaric, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
·1 min read

Jun. 7—LISBON, Ohio — The former head of Mercer County's Drug Task Force pleaded guilty to prostitution-related charges and was sentenced by a Columbiana County Municipal Court judge.

William F. Brown, 58, who is also a former chief of the West Salem Township Volunteer Fire Department, was sentenced to 180 days in Columbiana County Jail followed by 2 years probation and $800 in fines after pleading guilty to engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. He was given credit for serving a day in jail.

According to an affidavit in Brown's case, an agent from the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force posted an advertisement, posing as a drug-dependent woman offering sex for hire. The agent said Brown responded to the ad and requested to have sex with the woman in exchange for money.

The agent said Brown was carrying $300 when he arrived at the designated meeting location.

In November, Brown pleaded no contest to the charges, withdrew the plea, and a trial was set to start June 8.

After the charges were filed in November, Mercer County District Attorney Peter C. Acker said Brown had been suspended indefinitely from the drug task force.

The fire department's website lists Brown as a firefighter/EMT and as its past chief from 2018-21.

Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com

Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com