That sentence could be reduced further, to six months probation, if Cash completes the mandated 100 hours of community service, pays her fine and court costs, and does not re-offend, Manning said.
“That’s entirely up to how well you do,” Manning told Cash.
Charges of obstruction and tampering with evidence were dropped against Cash as part of her agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to disorderly conduct. She was also required to resign as a Dayton police officer, effective March 25. If she should try to regain her position with Dayton, Trotwood police will refile the original charges.
Cash was placed on restricted duty with Dayton police June 26 when she was formerly charged. Her attorney, Anthony Cicero, said Cash was made to feel “uncomfortable” after charges were filed, and this plea agreement will allow her to move on with her life. The sentence does not prevent her from seeking employment with another police department.
Cash shared her feelings with the judge at the sentencing hearing.
“This has been quite an experience. I suffered a lot of scrutiny, a lot of ridicule, a lot of defamation to my character. I have been questioned unjustly,” Cash said.
The charges are connected to a fatal crash that occurred Oct. 19, 2013 on Little Richmond Road. Patricia Smith, 65, of Trotwood, died after she pulled out in from of a vehicle driven by 30-year-old Jermaine Griffin. He then fled on foot. Cash reportedly met up with Griffin, and spoke with him several times on the phone before she contacted Trotwood police and brought Griffin in, claiming she’d located him while off-duty.
Griffin pleaded guilty Nov. 10 to two felony counts of failing to stop after an accident and was sentenced to five years probation and his driver’s license was suspended for three years, according to court records.
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