CINCINNATI -- A Hamilton County sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty to procuring a prostitute and resigned from the sheriff's department on Wednesday morning, months after his wife and sister-in-law were charged with prostitution.
James Erpelding was indicted on charges of promoting prostitution and procuring a prostitute for another in September. Erpelding worked for the sheriff's office for 17 years, most recently in the county corrections division.
As part of his plea deal, the prosecution dropped the charge of promoting prostitution. Erpelding was sentenced to one year of probation and community control. Should he violate his probation terms, Erpelding could face six months in prison. His pension through the sheriff's department will not be stripped away as part of the plea deal.
Erpelding facilitated sexual activity for hire in a premises he was responsible for on two occasions -- May 6 and Aug. 17 -- according to the September indictment.
Elizabeth Erpelding, 32, James' wife, and her sister, 29-year-old Krysten Powers, were both charged with prostitution and having drug abuse instruments in August. Police said the sisters did one job together for $185.
Powers pleaded guilty to two counts of prostitution and one count of possessing drug abuse instruments Sept. 1, according to court records.
Elizabeth Erpelding is still facing one prostitution charge and three drug paraphernalia charges. A pre-trial hearing in her case is scheduled for Sept. 28.
