Ottumwa, Iowa – What initially started as an investigation into an incident involving a female spending the night at an Ottumwa firehouse has now evolved into a fire department sex scandal, with serious implications for former Capt. William Keith.

The investigation was prompted by a firefighter who was called in early one April morning. Upon arrival at the firehouse, the firefighter made an unsettling discovery: a female, apparently partially unclothed. The firefighter promptly reported the incident.

City H.R. Director Barbara Codjoe initiated an investigation, revealing that this was not an isolated occurrence but rather a recurring problem. Codjoe expressed her astonishment that such incidents could go unnoticed in the relatively small confines of the firehouse.

Former Capt. William Keith was not implicated in the sexual activity itself but faced termination for his alleged failure to lead and show indifference to the situation. Keith firmly denied any knowledge of the incident, asserting that he was taken aback and upset, emphasizing that no one was authorized to be in the bedrooms or to stay overnight.

Keith made his case before the Ottumwa Civil Service Commission on Thursday as he fights to reclaim his position within the department.