(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio) — On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the devastating train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost vowed to get answers for the state’s lawsuit against Norfolk Southern in the absence of a full statement of facts from the primary investigating agency.
“This anniversary fuels so many emotions, and it’s understandable to want to bring this despairing chapter to a close,” Yost said. “But rushing matters would be a disservice to the community, as we still need answers to so many questions. Those answers will help us ensure that tragedies like this don’t happen again in Ohio or elsewhere.”
Disaster struck East Palestine a year ago on Feb. 3, the night that the Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in eastern Columbiana County, triggering the chemicals to release into the soil, water and atmosphere, and forcing the evacuation of thousands of area residents.
“There are whispers of a settlement being worked out to bring this tragedy to an end – and make no mistake, we all want closure on this avoidable disaster,” Yost said. “But I cannot, in good conscience, agree to a settlement without a detailed understanding of what happened, who is responsible, and how we avoid other communities like East Palestine from being victims to this type of incident. No responsible person should want a rush to judgment in the form of a settlement without having all the facts. It would be irresponsible.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the derailment but has yet to issue its completed findings.
In March, the Attorney General filed a 58-count federal lawsuit seeking to hold Norfolk Southern financially responsible for the derailment. Yost is anticipating the NTSB findings in hopes that they answer crucial questions regarding:
Details of the inspection, maintenance and use of the rail car on which the bearing failed.
What responsibilities the owners and shipper of the failed bearing car and the cars containing hazardous materials had to Norfolk Southern.
The criteria for the placement, inspection, and type of wayside safety equipment and detectors.
Were changes made to the system to make it more efficient.
Whether Norfolk Southern safety monitoring equipment was adequate.
Whether adjusted heat detection could have prevented the accident.
How the cars containing vinyl chloride were maintained and equipped with safety equipment.
Whether aluminum safety valves (rather than steel valves) had an effect.
Factors that went into the ‘vent and burn’ decision regarding the cars containing hazardous materials.
The team representing Ohio in the litigation met recently with Norfolk Southern to learn more details of the incident, noting that the railroad was cooperative. Still, many questions remain.
“The health and safety of the people of East Palestine, along with the restoration and maintenance of the surrounding environment, continue to be our top priorities,” Yost said. “No measure of time will impede the state’s desire to do right for the community now, and for many years to come.”
Yost added: I am committed to getting the people of East Palestine the answers and appropriate compensation they deserve, however long that takes.”
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Indian national pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to running a dark web narcotics conspiracy that moved hundreds of kilograms and tens of thousands of pills of controlled substances throughout the United States and established a multi-million-dollar drug enterprise. According to the DEA, this case involves the largest single cryptocurrency and cash seizure in DEA history; the defendant has forfeited cryptocurrency accounts that ultimately became worth $150 million.
Specifically, Banmeet Singh, 40, of Haldwani, India, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, Singh created vendor marketing sites on dark web marketplaces such as Silk Road 1, Silk Road 2, Alpha Bay, Hansa and others, to sell controlled substances, including fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy, Xanax, Ketamine and Tramadol.
Customers ordered controlled substances from Singh using the vendor sites and by paying with cryptocurrency. Singh then personally shipped or arranged the shipment of controlled substances from Europe to the United States through U.S. mail or other shipping services.
From at least mid-2012 through July 2017, Singh controlled at least eight distribution cells within the United States, including one in Columbus. Other distribution cells were in Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, North Dakota and Washington. Individuals in those distribution cells received drug shipments from overseas and then re-packaged and re-shipped the drugs to locations in all 50 states, Canada, England, Ireland, Jamaica, Scotland and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Singh was arrested in London in April 2019 and the government secured his extradition to the United States in 2023. Singh is one of eight defendants who were members of this drug trafficking organization who have been convicted of drug trafficking charges throughout the United States.
“In the Singh organization’s drug orders, the members frequently used the vendor name ‘Liston’ and signed off with the signature phrase, ‘I’m still dancing.’ Today, with Banmeet Singh’s plea of guilty, the dance is over,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.
“Banmeet Singh and traffickers like him think they can operate anonymously on the dark web and evade prosecution,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s guilty plea, which includes forfeiture of approximately $150 million in cryptocurrency, demonstrates that the Justice Department will hold criminals who violate U.S. law accountable no matter how they conceal their activity. Together with our international partners, we will continue to find criminals lurking in the darkness and bring their crimes to light.”
“Banmeet Singh is designated as a Consolidated Priority Target, which makes him one of the most significant drug trafficking threats in the world,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. “He is responsible for shipping massive quantities of deadly drugs throughout the United States, mostly purchased on the internet and sent through the mail. His criminal enterprise has caused untold suffering to perhaps tens of thousands of people throughout the country. Along with our global network of law enforcement partners, the investigation into his associates will continue, wherever they operate, until the threat to our communities has been stopped.”
Parker, Argentieri and Greene were joined by Special Agent in Charge Bryant Jackson of the IRS’ Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Acting Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit Field Office, Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Pittsburgh Division, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin, Upper Arlington Police Chief Steve Farmer, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and officials with the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center in announcing today’s guilty plea.
The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Central Authority (UKCA) provided significant assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Singh from the UK.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Hunter of the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Emily Cohen of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and gangs that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
On Groundhog Day, February 2nd, people eagerly await the predictions of furry weather forecasters such as Punxsutawney Phil. However, this year, another groundhog made his debut appearance in Jeromesville, Ohio—”Plum Creek Chuck”. Owned by Ed Spreng,
Plum Creek Chuck has a distinct coloration, making him quite unique. But can we trust his prediction for an early spring? Let’s take a closer look at the world of groundhog weather forecasting and see if Plum Creek Chuck is the real deal.
Plum Creek Chuck’s coming-out party took place at 103 Performance, a small motorcycle repair shop and gas station located at 103 W Main St in Jeromesville. Approximately 15 people gathered to witness this rare occasion. Plum Creek Chuck, having been shot in the Loudonville area last year, was sent to a taxidermist due to his distinct coloration. As he emerged from his cozy corner, he didn’t see his shadow, igniting hopes for an early spring.
While Plum Creek Chuck’s prediction is exciting, it’s essential to look at the track record of the most renowned groundhog prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil. Thousands of people flock to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, every year to see Phil in action. As the chants of “Phil! Phil! Phil!” fill the air, Phil emerges from a stump on Gobbler’s Knob to make his prediction.
This year, Punxsutawney Phil delighted the crowd by forecasting an early spring. However, it’s important to note that Phil’s accuracy hasn’t always been spot-on. According to records kept by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Phil has predicted 108 continued winters and only 21 early springs as of 2024. This equates to a modest 39% accuracy rate.
With Punxsutawney Phil’s less-than-stellar accuracy rate, it’s natural to question the credibility of groundhog predictions. The National Centers for Environmental Information, an agency within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, even conducted a study comparing Phil’s forecast with U.S. national temperatures over the past decade. They concluded that Phil was right only 40% of the time.
Considering these statistics, can we trust Plum Creek Chuck’s prediction? Ed Spreng, the proud owner of Plum Creek Chuck, acknowledges that his groundhog is new to the forecasting world and may not be entirely accurate. However, he is hopeful that Plum Creek Chuck is on the right track.
Despite his rookie status, Plum Creek Chuck has made his mark in the groundhog forecasting realm. Ed Spreng assures us that Chuck will be back next year, ready to make another prediction. While only time will tell if Plum Creek Chuck’s forecasting abilities are truly reliable, it is exciting to have a local groundhog to watch and anticipate.
Groundhog Day is a beloved tradition that captures the curiosity and excitement of people worldwide. Whether it’s Punxsutawney Phil or Plum Creek Chuck, these furry weather forecasters add a touch of whimsy to our lives. While Punxsutawney Phil’s accuracy rate may not be the best, there’s still hope for Plum Creek Chuck to accurately predict the changing seasons. Only time will reveal if he truly has the expertise to rival the iconic Phil. So, let’s embrace the anticipation and keep an eye out for signs of an early spring.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Indian national pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to running a dark web narcotics conspiracy that moved hundreds of kilograms and tens of thousands of pills of controlled substances throughout the United States and established a multi-million-dollar drug enterprise. According to the DEA, this case involves the largest single cryptocurrency and cash seizure in DEA history; the defendant has forfeited cryptocurrency accounts that ultimately became worth $150 million.
Specifically, Banmeet Singh, 40, of Haldwani, India, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, Singh created vendor marketing sites on dark web marketplaces such as Silk Road 1, Silk Road 2, Alpha Bay, Hansa and others, to sell controlled substances, including fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy, Xanax, Ketamine and Tramadol.
Customers ordered controlled substances from Singh using the vendor sites and by paying with cryptocurrency. Singh then personally shipped or arranged the shipment of controlled substances from Europe to the United States through U.S. mail or other shipping services.
From at least mid-2012 through July 2017, Singh controlled at least eight distribution cells within the United States, including one in Columbus. Other distribution cells were in Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, North Dakota and Washington. Individuals in those distribution cells received drug shipments from overseas and then re-packaged and re-shipped the drugs to locations in all 50 states, Canada, England, Ireland, Jamaica, Scotland and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Singh was arrested in London in April 2019 and the government secured his extradition to the United States in 2023. Singh is one of eight defendants who were members of this drug trafficking organization who have been convicted of drug trafficking charges throughout the United States.
“In the Singh organization’s drug orders, the members frequently used the vendor name ‘Liston’ and signed off with the signature phrase, ‘I’m still dancing.’ Today, with Banmeet Singh’s plea of guilty, the dance is over,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.
“Banmeet Singh and traffickers like him think they can operate anonymously on the dark web and evade prosecution,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s guilty plea, which includes forfeiture of approximately $150 million in cryptocurrency, demonstrates that the Justice Department will hold criminals who violate U.S. law accountable no matter how they conceal their activity. Together with our international partners, we will continue to find criminals lurking in the darkness and bring their crimes to light.”
“Banmeet Singh is designated as a Consolidated Priority Target, which makes him one of the most significant drug trafficking threats in the world,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. “He is responsible for shipping massive quantities of deadly drugs throughout the United States, mostly purchased on the internet and sent through the mail. His criminal enterprise has caused untold suffering to perhaps tens of thousands of people throughout the country. Along with our global network of law enforcement partners, the investigation into his associates will continue, wherever they operate, until the threat to our communities has been stopped.”
Parker, Argentieri and Greene were joined by Special Agent in Charge Bryant Jackson of the IRS’ Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Acting Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit Field Office, Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Pittsburgh Division, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin, Upper Arlington Police Chief Steve Farmer, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and officials with the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center in announcing today’s guilty plea.
The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Central Authority (UKCA) provided significant assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Singh from the UK.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Hunter of the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Emily Cohen of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and gangs that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
(AKRON, Ohio) — Armed with a cutting-edge facial reconstruction of a John Doe whose remains were found in Akron eight years ago, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Summit County Medical Examiner Dr. Lisa Kohler today renewed a public call for help in identifying the man.
Under a partnership between the Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and The Ohio State University, experts in forensic art and 3D imaging created the photo-realistic renderings in hopes that someone recognizes the man and comes forward with information that could help identify him.
“You’re given a name on your first day, and it should live on after your last day,” Yost said. “Help us do right by this man: If his face looks familiar, please tell us what you know.”
The technology shows what a person may have looked like at different ages and with different features, including eye color, skin tone and hairstyle – a technique that increases the chances of someone recognizing the person.
“I am hopeful that the variety of digital images created with this new technology will help us to identify this person and allow us to give his family closure regarding his whereabouts,” Dr. Kohler said. “I am grateful to all the people involved in this process for their ongoing support in helping us to resolve this case.”
The digital reconstruction is one of several created recently by BCI and OSU’s Office of Academic Affairs Digital Learning and the university’s Advance Computing Center for the Arts and Design. In this case, the images were based on 3D scans of a clay model sculpted in 2017 by BCI’s forensic artist.
The case dates to Jan. 8, 2016, when a passerby found the man’s skull on a sidewalk outside a burned-out house at 1345 Marcy St. in Akron. Investigators located more of the man’s remains inside the abandoned home.
Burn marks suggest that the remains had been at the address since at least 2012, when a fire damaged the structure. Along with the remains, authorities recovered clothing, a belt, shoes, keys and part of a dental appliance.
The man is believed to have been Caucasian, 5 feet 9 inches tall, and between 30 and 55 years old. His cause of death is unknown, and investigators are unsure how his skull ended up on the sidewalk.
Anyone with information about the case should contact BCI at 740-845-2406 or the Akron Police Department at 330-375-2490.
The annual Child Safety Identification Program, “Safe Surfin”, will be held at
the Buckeye Imagination Museum on February 10th 2024, from 10:00 AM –
2:00 PM.
This event will be held in conjunction with the Lexington Moose Lodge #2511
and will include representatives from many of our local law enforcement
agencies. “Safe Surfin” is a free event where officers will record each
participating child’s information, fingerprints and pictures to put on a disc to
give to the parents for safe keeping. No information on the child is kept by the
officers or other agencies. Children of all ages are welcome.
Buckeye Imagination Museum will be giving out free passes for a future visit
to children that participate in the event. Come out and meet the officers who
protect your community on a daily basis. If anyone has questions, please feel
free to contact Sgt. Jon Ahles of the Mansfield Division of Police at 419-755-
9740.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, together with state Reps. Brian Stewart and Phil Plummer and Executive Director Lou Tobin of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, today announced the introduction of legislation to permit the use of nitrogen hypoxia as a method for carrying out the death penalty.
The bill is aimed at kickstarting the state’s stalled capital-punishment system.
“There must be accountability for offenders convicted of the most heinous crimes and prisoners who continue to flout the law behind bars,” Yost said. “The pursuit of justice is a journey, and closure remains elusive for victims’ families until a sentence is fully executed. Ensuring that the consequences align with the severity of an offense is essential to providing solace to grieving relatives.”
Nitrogen hypoxia drew national attention last week when Alabama used this method to carry out the death sentence of murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith – the first state to employ nitrogen, a colorless and odorless gas, in an execution. With this procedure, a condemned inmate breathes only nitrogen, leading to oxygen deprivation, which results in rapid unconsciousness and death.
Ohio last carried out an execution by lethal injection on July 18, 2018, more than five years ago. Multiple reprieves have been granted, in part due to the reluctance of pharmaceutical suppliers to provide lethal injection drugs to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for executions.
Attorney General Yost hopes that nitrogen — widely available and easily sourced — can break the impasse of unavailability of drugs for lethal injection.
Under the new legislation — sponsored in the House by Stewart, R-Ashville, and Plummer, R-Dayton — manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors that provide lethal injection drugs to the state would receive indefinite confidentiality, instead of the current two-year confidentiality. Suppliers of nitrogen for executions would receive similar confidentiality.
“As long as capital punishment remains the law in Ohio, the law should be followed – and duly enacted sentences should be carried out to give victims’ families the justice and finality they deserve,” Stewart said. “Providing an additional method for carrying out capital punishments is necessary to ensure Ohio can continue to impose these sentences in response to the most heinous crimes committed in our state.”
Added Plummer: “By using nitrogen hypoxia, we are giving the system an additional resource for holding accountable those who have committed heinous crimes. It is time that we stop postponing executions and give the families of victims the closure that they deserve.”
Tobin echoed those thoughts.
“We will continue to work to ensure that the death penalty is fair, that it is accurate, and that defendants receive the due process that they deserve,” he said. “We want fairness and justice for the victims also. This legislation is about providing closure for victims and for their families.”
Yost highlighted shortcomings in the state’s capital-punishment system in the “2022 Capital Crimes Report,” released last year. An annual mandate under state law, the report provides a procedural history and other details on every case resulting in a death sentence since 1981, the year Ohio reinstated the death penalty.
From 1981 to Jan. 30, 2024, a total of 336 criminals convicted in Ohio received a combined 341 death sentences, the report said. Only 56 sentences — one in six — have been carried out.
In releasing the report, Yost emphasized the need to broaden the death-penalty conversation and give a voice to victims’ families. Among those he has engaged in the discussion is Norman Stout, husband of Mary Jane Stout, who was murdered by David Stumpf during a May 1984 robbery near the couple’s home in New Concord, Ohio.
The Stouts allowed Stumpf and Clyde Wesley into their home to use their phone. While Wesley ransacked the house, Stumpf shot Mr. Stout twice in the head, leaving him seriously wounded, and then shot Mrs. Stout four times, killing her.
Mr. Stout, now 93, has been seeking justice for his wife for nearly four decades, only to see Stumpf’s execution postponed several times. Mr. Stout has said he plans to witness Stumpf’s execution — currently scheduled for Aug. 13, 2024 — but he worries that his advanced age might preclude him from seeing justice prevail.
An Ohio man was sentenced yesterday to 216 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for attempting to burn down a church because of its support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Aimenn D. Penny, 20, of Alliance, Ohio, was arrested and charged last year with one count of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, one count of using fire to commit a federal felony, one count of malicious use of explosive materials, and one count of possessing a destructive device. On Oct. 23, 2023, Penny pleaded guilty to the church arson hate crime and using fire and explosives to commit a felony.
According to court documents, on March 25, 2023, Penny made Molotov cocktails and drove to the Community Church of Chesterland (CCC), in Chesterland, Ohio. Angered by the church’s plan to host two drag events the following weekend, Penny threw two Molotov cocktails at the church, hoping to burn it to the ground. Through Penny’s guilty plea, he admitted to using force through fire and explosives, intending to obstruct CCC congregants in their enjoyment and expression of their religious beliefs.
“This sentence holds Mr. Penny accountable for carrying out violence against an Ohio church because he disagreed with the way congregants chose to express their beliefs,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
“Such acts of extremist violence have no place in our communities and the Justice Department is committed to bringing to justice those who would use or threaten violence to prevent their fellow citizens from freely exercising their fundamental rights.”
“We hope this significant sentence sends a clear and resounding message that this type of hate-fueled attack against a church will not be tolerated in our country,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant tried to burn down a church simply because its members created space for and provided support to the LGBTQ+ community. The Justice Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute such senseless, bias-motivated violence against people exercising their constitutionally protected right to practice their religion and express their beliefs.”
“Aimenn Penny will spend the next 18 years in prison because he committed crimes fueled by hate, attempting to burn down a church because its members supported the LGBTQI+ community,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Hate crimes like Penny’s hurt not only the individual target, but the entire community, causing people to fear attack based on who they love and undermining the sense of safety within places of worship. Violent, bias-motivated extremism has no place in our country, and our office will aggressively prosecute those who commit such crimes.”
“Aimenn Penny is being held accountable for trying to burn down a house of worship because he disagreed with the church hosting certain events,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Individuals who commit acts of violence, destroy property, and interfere with the free exercise of religion will face justice for those crimes. As in this case, the FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will use our lawful authorities to protect our communities from such violence, and ensure those responsible pay the price.”
The FBI Cleveland Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Deckert and Matthew W. Shepard for the Northern District of Ohio, Trial Attorneys Jacob Warren and Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, and Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
President Biden Proclaims the Importance of Recognizing Stalking as a Serious Issue
In a bid to increase awareness and combat the alarming rates of stalking in the United States, President Biden has officially declared January 2024 as National Stalking Awareness Month. This proclamation aims to shed light on the prevalence of stalking and its devastating effects, while also encouraging victims to come forward and seek support.
According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), approximately 1.3% of Americans aged 16 and older, translating to 3.4 million people, were victims of stalking in 2019. While these numbers have slightly declined from 1.5% in 2016, it is crucial to realize that stalking remains a pervasive issue in society.
Traditionally, stalking is characterized by the perpetrator following and monitoring their victims. However, with the advancement of technology, stalking now extends beyond physical presence. Unwanted phone calls, messages, emails, and internet messages have become common methods employed by stalkers. It is essential to acknowledge that both traditional and technological methods of stalking can have harrowing psychological effects on the victims.
Although stalking affects individuals of all genders, statistics reveal that women are victims of stalking more than twice as often as men. It is important to note that these figures reflect reported incidents, and the actual number of male victims might be underrepresented due to societal expectations and stereotypes. Addressing this gender disparity and ensuring equal support for all victims is imperative in combating stalking effectively.
Research indicates that individuals aged 18 to 24, mainly college students, experience the highest rates of stalking. This places students on college and university campuses at a heightened risk of becoming victims. Shockingly, most college students are stalked by someone they know, often fellow students. Educational institutions can play a vital role in preventing and addressing stalking incidents through comprehensive campus programs and thorough investigations.
Despite the prevalence of stalking, a significantly low percentage of victims choose to report the crime to the police. In 2019, only 29% of stalking victims reported their victimization. Many victims cited a lack of importance or urgency as the reason for not reporting. It is crucial to educate victims about the potential dangers associated with stalking and empower them to report incidents promptly.
Legal definitions of stalking vary across jurisdictions, but it is generally characterized as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause fear in a reasonable individual. Stalking is considered a crime in all 50 states and at the federal level, emphasizing its dangerous and potentially lethal nature. Recognizing stalking as a serious offense is essential in enforcing the appropriate legal measures to protect victims and prevent further harm.
As we observe National Stalking Awareness Month in January 2024, it is crucial for individuals, communities, and institutions to rally together against this pervasive issue. By promoting awareness, providing support to victims, and holding stalkers accountable, we can strive towards a society free from the fear and harm caused by stalking.
Stalking is a serious crime that affects millions of individuals in the United States. As President Biden proclaims January 2024 as National Stalking Awareness Month, it is our collective responsibility to acknowledge the prevalence of stalking and work towards ending this alarming behavior. By fostering awareness, providing support to victims, and implementing effective prevention measures, we can create a safer environment for all.
Ashland Police Division Officer Abe Neumann’s heroic rescue of a dog from a frozen pond
In a heartwarming tale of bravery and compassion, Ashland Police Division Officer Abe Neumann risked his own safety and braved freezing temperatures to rescue a dog from a treacherous icy pond. The incident unfolded when Officer Neumann responded to a 911 call from a frantic owner whose dog had fallen through the frozen surface of Brookside Park’s pond. Despite the dangerous conditions and the dog’s coat making it difficult to stay afloat, Neumann showed incredible courage in his rescue efforts.
Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Neumann realized the dire situation unfolding before him. While initially assuming the dog was simply on the ice, he soon discovered that the poor animal was struggling to stay afloat in the freezing water. Neumann recalls, “When I got on scene, I didn’t know he was in the water till I got here and saw him. I heard some yelling. I ran over there, I was able to see the dog struggling to stay afloat, I saw him go under the water a couple of times. He was definitely struggling. There were times where all I could see were his eyeballs. At that point, I knew I had to get to the dog, so I walked out onto the ice.”
Crouching down on all fours to disperse his weight, he cautiously made his way towards the edge of the pond where the dog was desperately fighting for its life. Unfortunately, disaster struck as the ice gave way, plunging both Neumann into the frigid waters with the dog.
Despite the shock of the icy cold, Officer Neumann managed to secure a hold on the dog and lifted it onto the ice, ultimately saving its life. However, he soon realized that he was unable to pull himself out of the freezing water. It was at this critical moment that his fellow officer, Joe Artrip, arrived on the scene.
Without any hesitation, Officer Artrip immediately rushed on the ice, inching his way forward on all fours, Artrip extended his hand to Neumann, providing the much-needed lifeline to safety. With the assistance of two off-duty Ashland firefighters, Abe was pulled to safety, averting what could have been a tragic outcome.
The Ashland community is known for their deep love and care for their furry companions. This incident serves as a prime example of the community’s dedication to preserving both human and animal lives. The 911 caller expressed her profound gratitude for the Ashland City Police Department and the Ashland Fire Department, praising their swift response and life-saving actions.
Ashland Mayor, Matt Miller, commended the officers for exemplifying the true essence of a public servant. He emphasized that the police department seeks individuals who understand their role as community leaders and true public servants. Neumann and Artrip’s fearless actions embody the compassion and dedication that Ashland values in their police force.
Officer Abe Neumann’s selfless act of bravery in rescuing a dog from a frozen pond is a testament to the expertise, and trust present within the Ashland Police Division. Despite the bone-chilling temperatures and the inherent risks involved, Neumann demonstrated unwavering courage in his determination to save a life. His fellow officer, Joe Artrip, further exemplified the values of Ashland’s police department by rushing in to rescue his colleague.
The Ashland community’s appreciation for both human and animal lives shines through in this heartwarming story. The actions of these officers serve as a reminder of the extraordinary lengths individuals will go to protect and preserve the well-being of their community members, whether they walk on two legs or four.
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Joe Lyons •
February 2, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Indian national pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to running a dark web narcotics conspiracy that moved hundreds of kilograms and tens of thousands of pills of controlled substances throughout the United States and established a multi-million-dollar drug enterprise. According to the DEA, this case involves the largest single cryptocurrency and cash seizure in DEA history; the defendant has forfeited cryptocurrency accounts that ultimately became worth $150 million.
On Groundhog Day, February 2nd, people eagerly await the predictions of furry weather forecasters such as Punxsutawney Phil. However, this year, another groundhog made his debut appearance in Jeromesville, Ohio—”Plum Creek Chuck”. Owned by Ed Spreng,
Despite his rookie status, Plum Creek Chuck has made his mark in the groundhog forecasting realm. Ed Spreng assures us that Chuck will be back next year, ready to make another prediction. While only time will tell if Plum Creek Chuck’s forecasting abilities are truly reliable, it is exciting to have a local groundhog to watch and anticipate.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, together with state Reps. Brian Stewart and Phil Plummer and Executive Director Lou Tobin of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, today announced the introduction of legislation to permit the use of nitrogen hypoxia as a method for carrying out the death penalty.
