BY KRISTEN DELGUZZI
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Andy Hitz, the longtime chief probation officer in Hamilton County, resigned Thursday, exactly one week after he came under fire for allegations he was harassing a female subordinate.
Mr. Hitz gave no reason for his resignation, which was effective immediately.
A female employee at the probation department complained last week about inappropriate behavior and advances from Mr. Hitz. He was placed on paid leave last Friday, when he was stripped of his gun and his badge by Hamilton County Court Administrator Michael Walton. That same day, nine of the 16 common pleas judges -- including all three who serve on the court's probation committee -- signed an order naming Mr. Walton acting chief probation officer. Mr. Hitz had been with the probation department for 15 years. He was named chief probation officer in 1988. He could not be reached for comment.
The department supervises more than 20,000 criminals who are on probation in Hamilton County.
Mr. Walton declined to discuss specifics about the harassment allegation, saying only that it was "inappropriate workplace behavior involving women."
