BELLAIRE — Belmont County prosecutors filed a formal charge against the commander of the Bellaire Salvation Army after receiving a complaint from a female worker at the center.

The prosecutor’s office charged Major Louis Patrick with one count of sexual battery, the Bellaire Police Department confirmed in published reports.

Those reports also state a woman contacted the police to report an incident of sexual misconduct involving Patrick on April 7. The Bellaire Police department launched an investigation and interviewed multiple individuals connected to the complaint.

After the police department completed its investigation, the case was referred to the Belmont County Prosecutor’s Office, which reviewed the findings and filed a formal charge.

Patrick was charged directly through the Belmont County courts, and the police department did not arrest Patrick. Published reports indicate a protection order has also been issued for the victim.

The Salvation Army Northeast Ohio Division confirmed his arrest.

“The Salvation Army can confirm that Major Louis Patrick of our Bellaire, OH, Corps Community Center has been charged with sexual battery following a complaint lodged by an adult female worker at the Community Center,” it said in a released statement. “Major Patrick has been removed from his position pending the result of his trial. The Salvation Army is doing everything we can to support the person who made these allegations and other staff and volunteers at the Bellaire Corps Community Center who this incident may impact.”