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Editor’s Note: This article discusses sexual assault. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can call RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Some Whitehall city and community leaders are calling for the resignation of Whitehall City Council member Gerald Dixon after he was jailed and charged for alleged inappropriate sexual conduct with children.
Protesters gathered out front Whitehall City Hall Wednesday night, calling for the resignation of Whitehall City Council member Gerald Dixon.
“Whitehall City Council does not care. It creates a scary environment,” said Michael Young, City of Grace pastor.
Following a year’s long multi-state investigation, Dixon was arrested, jailed and charged for child sex crimes dating all the way back to the 1990s. Eight victims have been identified so far.
Dixon spent one night in jail before he was released on his own personal recognizance due to a court paperwork issue.
“’I’m not going to put blame on any other organization I don’t know their processes, but it is frustrating because we promised victims that they’re safe and now they’re not. Well, I don’t want to say they’re not safe but that umbrella that we were providing them with him being incarcerated is no longer there,” said Whitehall Police Deputy Chief Shawn Wilson.
Hours after being released from jail, Dixon showed up at city hall where he was sworn back into office. Spectrum News asked him that night if the allegations against him were true, and Dixon declined to comment.
“I’m making absolutely no comment on that. None,” said Dixon.
Whitehall’s mayor called for Dixon’s resignation at the rally.
“It is my expectation that he resign his seat from city council. Now I have a follow up. I have been able to speak with city council members, a few of them, and they have the heart, the means and the motivation to actually remove this councilmember from his seat on city council,” said Michael Bevins Whitehall mayor.
Whitehall’s city attorney says it would take a vote from every other member of council to remove Dixon.
“I wanted to hear what everybody had to say at this rally. Obviously deeply concerned about the situation. I’m not sure of all the details but I certainly would hope that Mr. Dixon would step down,” said Amy Harcar, Whitehall City Council member.
Demonstrators prayed, chanted “Dixon must go” and even concerned children in the community spoke out.
Dixon told Spectrum News he does not plan to resign.
“Because the people elected me, and I have not been brought before a jury of my peers and whatever else it is and so here I am,” said Dixon.
Dixon is due back in court on Dec. 23.
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Emani Payne
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