A Morgan County fire chief is facing battery charges after investigators say he used a belt to spank his two daughters.
According to the Martinsville Times-Reporter, Washington Township Fire Chief Michael Herrington, 41, used the belt on their butts and upper legs while punishing them at the fire station back in August. Investigators say it was Herrington’s ex-wife and the girls’ mother who called police after the incident.
Because of Herrington’s connection through the fire department, and his role as reserve deputy with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, Morgan County Prosecutor Steve Sonnega had requested a special prosecutor to investigate.
After being appointed by a judge, Ryan Bland with the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office was chosen to review the incident report.
Bland found that the punishment was “excessive” and has filed charges.
Herrington is facing two misdemeanor counts of battery resulting in bodily injury.
