WARREN, Ohio -- A former police chief was convicted Thursday on 18 of 36 counts for paddling teens as part of a juvenile diversion program, NewsChannel5 reported.

SLIDESHOW: Paddling As Punishment?

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Police Chief Paddles Juveniles?

Former Fowler Police Chief James Martin was found guilty on charges of dereliction of duty and using a sham legal process.

He was acquitted on 17 other counts, including 12 charges of assault. The jury was hung on one other assault count.

Martin, who also served as a captain on the Howland police force, said he had parents' permission before paddling the juveniles.

Nevertheless, four teenagers filed federal civil suits alleging their privacy rights were violated when they were paddled as part of the diversion program.

One teen said he suffered welts in the bare-bottom paddling, which was videotaped. Howland is a suburb of Warren, about 70 miles southeast of Cleveland

Howland is a suburb of Warren, about 70 miles southeast of Cleveland.