Tuesday, new details emerged from the probable cause affidavit filed in Municipal Court. In it, a Brookville police detective wrote, "The defendant confessed to having a sexual relationship with (the victim) at his residence. The defendant also confessed to having intercourse with her while on duty at the Brookville FD."
Rawlins is on administrative leaving pending the outcome of the criminal case, Brookville Police Chief Douglas Jerome said Monday afternoon.
Rawlins also works part time for the Trotwood, Butler Twp. and Clayton fire departments. He has been placed on administrative leave at all three departments, their chiefs said.
The Brookville chief described Rawlins as a decorated firefighter is who a "nice guy" he's known for some time and said the allegations are "a surprise to all of us."
Jerome said the Brookville Fire Department contacted the police department on Friday, March 7, about a possible incident involving contact of a sexual nature between Rawlins and an underage person.
Jerome said the person is "under 18." The girl is said to be 16.
That call prompted police to interview Rawlins.
"He came in and was cooperative," Jerome said, noting the firefighter was taken into custody soon after the interview.
Police investigators presented their evidence to a panel of the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office on Sunday, and the charges were approved.
Those charges are two counts of felony sexual battery, and a single count of misdemeanor gross sexual imposition, Jerome said. Bond was set in Montgomery County Municipal Court. Rawlins posted bond on Sunday night and was released.
The alleged victim is a local person, but Jerome can't say whether she lives in his (police department's) jurisdiction.
According to the evidence gathered so far, the incident arose out of "some kind of association involving Rawlins and the girl. It was a relationship that involved with her association with the fire department."
Rawlins, who Jerome said has been with the fire department for some time, has had no prior contact with police.
Late Monday afternoon, Trotwood Fire Chief Stephen Milliken confirmed that Rawlins is also a part-time firefighter in Trotwood and has been on staff there several years. Milliken also said his department has placed Rawlins on administrative leave because of the criminal case.
Butler Twp. Fire Chief Dan Alig also confirmed Rawlins is a part-time firefighter with the township. "He didn't work with us a lot," Alig said, noting that Rawlins will be placed on administrative leave in the township.
The Clayton Fire Department has also placed Rawlins on paid leave. He has been with that department on a part-time basis since August 2013, according to a fire department official.
Rawlins, in 2012, was named Firefighter of the Year in Brookville and was honored as such by the city council there in February 2012.
Jerome is sure that Rawlins will not be working for the Brookville Fire Department anytime soon because of the criminal charges.
Jerome is calling the case "disappointing because the fire department has a reputation for excellence."
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