Batavia, Ohio 

Clermont County, Ohio

Clermont County Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve announced today that Matthew E. Mullenix, a corrections officer at the Clermont County Jail, has been indicted by the Clermont County Grand Jury on two counts of felonious assault, both second-degree felonies. The indictment follows an investigation into an allegation of excessive use of force involving an individual in custody at the Clermont County Jail.

The incident occurred on July 7, 2026, at approximately 3:29 p.m., when Mullinex entered the cell of an inmate who had a shirt wrapped around his neck. Once inside the cell, the shirt was quickly removed, and Mullinex repeatedly and unnecessarily struck the inmate, causing significant injuries before eventually securing the inmate.

Mullinex was placed on administrative leave by the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office on July 9, pending the outcome of an administrative review and criminal case investigation. He was not scheduled to work on July 8.

An investigation was conducted by the Clermont County Sheriff’s Investigative Unit and included a review of the officer’s body-worn camera footage, witness interviews, incident reports, training records, and medical records.

Once the Investigative Unit gathered the appropriate evidence, the matter was turned over to the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office for review. The Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the case in its entirety and retained an outside consultant specializing in response to resistance incidents and excessive use of force determinations. It was ultimately determined that the force used by Mullinex was unnecessary, unreasonable, and inconsistent with department policy and applicable law resulting in the indictment issued today. 

Mullinex is scheduled to be arraigned on September 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Clermont County Common Pleas Courthouse. He faces 2-8 years in prison on each count of the indictment.

“The men and women of this Sheriff's Office are entrusted with significant authority and responsibility, particularly when caring for individuals in our custody. We expect every employee to conduct themselves professionally, lawfully, and in accordance with our policies and training. When an employee is alleged to have crossed that line, we will investigate the matter and take appropriate action, regardless of the individual's position or rank.” Sheriff Chris Stratton

“Accountability and public trust are fundamental to upholding the criminal justice system in Clermont County. The Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to hold everyone, including law enforcement to the highest standards while ensuring that every investigation is handled fairly and thoroughly,” Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve

Any questions are to be directed to the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office at (513)732-7313.

Matthew E. Mullenix 06/14/1991

*mugshot courtesy of the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office*