A Cincinnati Police Officer has been reassigned to desk duty following criminal allegations related to accessing the personal information of a 19-year-old woman.
Officer Timothy Lutz, 56, was indicted on Feb. 26 on two felony counts of unauthorized use of the Regional Crime Information Center (RCIC), the database officers use during traffic stops. Prosecutors told CityBeat that Lutz allegedly entered the RCIC in December 2023 to access the phone number of a 19-year-old woman, sending her at least one text message.
Lutz, who has been with the department for more than 20 years, has been reassigned to a non-patrol desk duty position while the criminal process plays out, according to Ken Kober, president of the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the department’s union. Kober told CityBeat that Lutz’s alleged activity came to light after a complaint was filed.
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“It’s very easy to verify whether or not you’ve used this database now, whether you use it for your official capacity or for a personal use, which is clearly prohibited,” Kober said. “In this case, it is my understanding that there was a complaint filed.”
While Kober said Lutz has been with the department for decades, officers are re-certified on the RCIC system every two years. He said the process includes training with clearly defined rules for accessing the database.
“Prior to taking the test, it explains what the legal purposes are, that this is extremely sensitive information and that there are consequences if you abuse the access that you have,” Kober said. “These are frustrating cases. I understand why the public’s concerned. They should be. These are serious allegations.”
Lutz will remain on desk duty through the end of his criminal proceedings, then city officials will determine if he gets to keep his job. If Lutz is terminated, he’ll have the right to request an appeal through the FOP, but Kober said the union is not obligated to take on the appeal.
“He could come to us, he could not come to us,” Kober said. “[In 2022] we had an officer that was in a similar situation. He came to us asking us to appeal his termination. We declined to take it.”
The case from 2022 involved former CPD officer Darryl Tyus, who pleaded guilty to charges related to stalking his ex-girlfriend. Tyus was fired from the department in January 2023; he’s currently serving a five-year probation order.
It’s unclear what penalties Lutz could face if convicted, but Kober said a conviction for abusing the RCIC leaves little to no pathway for continuing a career in law enforcement.
“It is also important to note that he is entitled to due process. We’ll see how the court case plays out,” Kober said. “But cases like this, if they are resolved with some kind plea or ultimately go to court and get convicted, it really is a death penalty for a police officer, it kills their career.”
Lutz’s next arraignment is scheduled for March 8.
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This article appears in Feb 21 – Mar 5, 2024.
