Gahanna Public Safety Director Says He Was Abused by Former OSU Doctor
Gahanna Public Safety Director Tim Becker joins hundreds alleging abuse by deceased OSU doctor Richard Strauss, calling on his alma mater for accountability.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Another Central Ohio public safety leader has come forward alleging sexual abuse by former Ohio State University doctor Richard Strauss, joining hundreds of victims who have accused the deceased physician of misconduct.
Tim Becker, Gahanna’s public safety director and former deputy chief of the Columbus Police Department, publicly disclosed his allegations against Strauss during a recent event. Becker said former Columbus Fire Chief Jeff Happ’s decision to share his own abuse allegations encouraged him to speak out.
“As a police leader, I often stood in front of cameras and urged crime victims and witnesses to come forward and share their stories,” Becker said. “I hope my example today inspires others.”
Call for University Accountability
Becker called on Ohio State University to take responsibility for the alleged abuse that occurred under its oversight. The former police official urged his alma mater to “hold itself accountable and do the right thing.”
“This is the right time, and these are the right reasons,” Becker said. “Although decades have passed, the wounds have not healed. It’s time to hear the victims and bring closure.”
Happ, the retired Columbus fire chief, previously came forward with his own allegations against Strauss, according to the Ohio Capital Journal.
Strauss Abuse Allegations
Dr. Richard Strauss served as a team doctor and physician at Ohio State University for nearly two decades, during which time he allegedly sexually abused patients under the pretense of providing medical care. Many of his alleged victims were student athletes, though he also treated other students at the university’s Student Health Center.
The university forced Strauss out in 1998 but granted him emeritus status through the school’s board of trustees. Strauss died by apparent suicide in 2005.
An independent investigation commissioned by Ohio State in 2018 determined that Strauss abused at least 177 male victims during his time at the university. However, that number significantly underestimates the scope of alleged abuse, as the university has already settled with 317 victims in civil litigation.
More than 200 additional cases remain pending against the university, according to legal filings. The ongoing legal battles represent one of the largest institutional abuse scandals in higher education history.
