MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Marion attorney Joel Spitzer, representing Marion Police Officer Brandon Damron, swiftly reacted to a letter from the Sheriff shared on social media Friday afternoon.

Spitzer sent formal letters earlier this week to both Bayles and Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan, urging their recusal from the investigation and prosecution of Officer Damron.

Damron is currently being held on a $250,000 bond after facing serious charges, including two counts of rape and one count of abduction.

In his correspondence, Spitzer highlighted “multiple conflicts” that he argued could lead to a substantial risk of bias and an appearance of impropriety in the handling of the case.

Despite Spitzer’s request for them to step aside, both Grogan and Bayles have remained firm in their positions.

Additionally, Spitzer formally requested that Grogan allow the Marion County grand jury to consider what he termed material, exculpatory evidence, along with testimony from defense witnesses, before making any decisions regarding a potential indictment.

Spitzer’s response to Sheriff Bayles’ open letter draws a clear line in the sand:

“Interesting comments considering you and your back seat driver went to social media first with your pathetic news conference that amounted to a 5th grade teleprompter contest. Try the truth from now on. It’s always best to land on that side of right. I never attacked you personally like you have me in this poorly written letter. You know what they say, when you have the facts, argue the facts. When you don’t, start name calling. My letter stuck to the issues and was not released to anyone other than people from your office. Unlike you, 9:30pm is an early night for an attorney who doesn’t sleep when the sheriff makes a knee jerk arrest and social media blitz about it then goes to bed without a thought for ethics or the law. I knew the day you refused to investigate prosecutors and others misusing LEADS, you were not honest. This kid is innocent and you should be ashamed of yourself. Have a great night Matt.”

Marion County Now will continue to follow this developing news story.