Two police officers quit amid claims one of them raped woman who asked for help

Police officials in Ohio have confirmed that the two officers resigned ahead of a disciplinary hearing

The two officers had been on administrative leave since January (Wikicommons)

Two police officers have quit their jobs amid allegations that one of them tried to rape a women who had turned to them to help.

Officials in Chillicothe, Ohio, confirmed that the two officers had resigned ahead of disciplinary hearings that could have ended with their dismissal.

Officer Brandon Mather, a 10-year veteran, and Officer Tad Franklin, who has been with the department about six years, both had been on administrative leave since the alleged incident in January.

The two officers resigned ahead of a disciplinary hearing (Wikicommons)

The Columbus Dispatch said that Police Chief Keith Washburn had said that Mr Mather was off duty and drinking at a motel bar. Close to closing time, he texted Mr Franklin to collect him and drive him home.

After Mr Franklin arrived, a woman staying at the hotel approached and said her boyfriend beat her up, the police chief said.

The two officers did not investigate, did not charge the woman’s boyfriend and then deleted photos he had taken of the victim. Mr Franklin was to be fired for dereliction of duty, he said.

The allegations against Mr Mather were worse. The chief said Mr Mather and the woman went back to her hotel room, and then to the home of a friend of his. From there, she called for help and said Mr Mather and his friend were trying to rape her.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting a criminal investigation, and Mr Washburn said he expected it to be completed soon. Mr Mather and Mr Franklin have yet to comment on the allegations.

“The officers in the department now realize this was serious wrongdoing that can't be allowed,” Mr Washburn said. “We wanted it dealt with quickly.”