According to salemnews.net, former Salem police officer Michael K. Wirkner pleaded guilty in Columbiana County Municipal Court to two counts of misdemeanor sexual imposition involving women aged 62 and 73. A special prosecutor from the Ohio Attorney General's Office said he touched both women inappropriately in March while in uniform and armed, after visiting one woman's home for what was described as a welfare check. Judge Tim McNicol sentenced him to 60 days in jail, five years of probation and $1,000 in fines, designated him a Tier I sex offender and ordered him to surrender his Ohio Peace Officer Certificate. Wirkner said he was sorry to everyone involved, and his attorney said he takes full responsibility. He had resigned in May after being suspended.
Why it matters
The case involves an officer who pleaded guilty to sexual contact with two elderly women while on duty and in uniform. He lost his police certification permanently as part of the sentence.
Convicted: A court found guilt, or the person pleaded guilty. An appeal may still be possible. Researched with AI assistance from the sources listed here and reviewed under our methodology.