In Columbus, Ohio, a sheriff’s deputy who had been facing charges of rape and gross sexual imposition for over a year has been terminated from his position, as announced by the Franklin County Sheriff’s office on Thursday. The deputy, Charles Davis, aged 50, had been on leave while his case was pending in Ross County. Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin stated in a release that Davis was dismissed from his role “given the seriousness of the accusations.”

Despite the termination, defense attorney Samuel Shamansky argued that the firing was unjust, mentioning that the allegations against Davis remain unproven. Davis has maintained his innocence and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges that involve accusations of engaging in sexual activities with a minor under 13 years old and engaging in sexual conduct using force or the threat of force.