Ashland County Man Sentenced to 7–10.5 Years in Fatal Bicycle Crash That Killed 12-Year-Old Sullivan Boy
ASHLAND — Ashland County Common Pleas Court Judge David R. Stimpert has sentenced James D. Taylor, 55, of Ashland, to a prison term of seven to ten-and-a-half years for the 2024 crash that killed 12-year-old Tye David Miezejewski of Sullivan Township.
The sentencing took place Monday, November 10, 2025, following Taylor’s guilty pleas to aggravated vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter, and multiple OVI charges.
Taylor appeared remotely for the hearing after waiving his right to be physically present under Criminal Rule 43. He was represented by Attorney Patrick Michael Farrell, while Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Tunnell represented the State of Ohio.
The charges stem from a serious injury crash on May 24, 2024, in Sullivan Township. At approximately 3:39 p.m., a black 2009 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Taylor was traveling southbound on County Road 681, approaching Township Road 350. Investigators say Taylor’s truck struck a 12-year-old boy riding his bicycle southbound in the roadway.
The child — later identified as Tye David Miezejewski of Sullivan, Ohio — suffered life-threatening injuries. He was flown by medical helicopter to Akron Children’s Hospital.
Taylor remained on scene and was arrested for Operating a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol. He was not injured.
Despite intensive medical efforts, Miezejewski passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, two days after the crash.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Sullivan Fire & EMS, Polk Fire & EMS, and Aber’s Towing responded to the scene. The Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.
The child’s death added additional charges to be reviewed by the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office — charges that ultimately led to the felony counts resolved at sentencing.
Taylor pled guilty to:
Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (2nd-degree felony)
Involuntary Manslaughter (3rd-degree felony)
Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (two counts, both 1st-degree misdemeanors)
Judge Stimpert determined that the three remaining counts would merge into Count One, leaving a single felony conviction for sentencing.
Judge: Prison Necessary; Community Control Not Suitable
Before imposing sentence, the court heard statements from the prosecution, defense counsel, and Taylor himself during allocution. Judge Stimpert reviewed the presentence investigation, victim-related statements, and statutory sentencing factors.
The court found that Taylor was not amenable to community control and that a prison term was necessary and consistent with Ohio’s sentencing principles.
Taylor’s sentence of 7 to 10.5 years falls under Ohio’s indefinite sentencing structure. As outlined in court:
It is presumed he will be released after serving the minimum seven years.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) may extend incarceration beyond the minimum if certain criteria are met.
Taylor must be released once he reaches the maximum ten-and-a-half-year term.
Following release, Taylor will serve 18 months to three years of mandatory post-release control.
If violated, he could face: Additional restrictive sanctions
Up to nine months in prison per violation (not exceeding half of his original sentence)
Additional prison time if he commits a new felony while under supervision
Taylor acknowledged understanding these requirements.
Taylor was ordered to pay Court costs,
$30 fee under R.C. 2949.091
$25 fee under R.C. 120.36
$30 fee payable to the Ohio Treasurer under R.C. 2743.70
$240 owed for pretrial drug and alcohol testing under his former bond conditions
He also received 11 days of jail-time credit plus additional credit for each day spent awaiting transfer.
Taylor was remanded to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office pending transport to the Lorain Correctional Institution Reception Center in Grafton, where he will be evaluated and assigned to a state prison.
The judge informed Taylor of his appeal rights, and he has 30 days to file an appeal.
The Pre-sentence Investigation Report was ordered sealed, and bond was released.
