Bethel Police Chief Indicted on 70 Felonies

Bethel’s police chief, Chad Essert, is facing a staggering 70 felony charges—including 14 counts of sex crimes with a minor—allegedly committed between 2005 and 2010 while teaching at a career campus and mentoring Young Marines. If convicted on all counts, he could spend up to 280 years in prison. The case also follows separate accusations of sexual harassment against a subordinate, which led to his administrative leave and disturbing comments about her mental health. Arrested in Seminole, Florida, Essert awaits extradition to face justice in Clermont County, where he leads a department serving just over 2,600 residents. A decorated officer with experience in Fayetteville and a recent Northwestern leadership program, this scandal threatens to upend his legacy. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/2d108a6f32870c50