Ex-officer had power over partners

SANDUSKY — Two people who a former Sandusky probation officer allegedly paid for sex were on probation through the officer's department. An indictment for former Sandusky Municipal Court probation officer Adam Lieb, 39, of 46th Street, identifies three individuals Lieb allegedly compelled to "engage in sexual activity for hire" — one child and two adults. Sandusky police Chief Jared Oliver confirmed that the two adults were probationers through the municipal court. Oliver confirmed that detectives are investigating any possible link between the victims and Lieb's position a probation officer. Police are also investigating the possibility of additional victims in the case. "If there are other victims, please call us," Oliver said, appealing to the public. Lieb, who worked as a probation officer in the court for close to 19 years, resigned in February after he was charged with felonies for allegedly paying a child for sex. He's since been indicted by an Erie County grand jury on nine counts of compelling prostitution and one count of tampering with records, all felony charges. Lieb's attorney, Troy Wisehart, previously told the Register that Lieb "maintains his innocence" and believes he will be cleared of wrongdoing. Are there others? It's not known how many probationers were under Lieb's direct supervision at the municipal court. The Register made a records request to the court for a list of probationers under Lieb's supervision at the time of his resignation. The court did not respond to the request. Lieb's employer, Sandusky Municipal Court Judge Erich O'Brien, also did not answer questions about the allegations, Lieb's job and any changes made to the probation department in light of the allegations. O'Brien did send a letter to the Register, in which he stated he could not comment based on the ongoing criminal investigation. "Obviously, any criminal activity by a member of this court proven beyond a reasonable doubt would be very disappointing," O'Brien wrote. "If that behavior can be shown to have occurred as a part of their official duties, I and my staff would consider that as a personal betrayal and violation of oath of office. "At this time, that has not been established in a court of law," he added. The court did confirm Lieb's replacement — a familiar face in Sandusky law enforcement. Retired Sandusky police Lt. Dana Newell has started work as a probation officer at the municipal court, court clerk Kim Piotrowski said. Lieb has a pretrial hearing in Erie County's common pleas court scheduled for June 14, court records state.