Mansfield Community Mourns as Missing Man Billy F. Bays III’s Fate Is Confirmed
In a devastating turn of events, the prolonged search for missing Mansfield resident Billy F. Bays III has come to a tragic conclusion, as authorities confirm his remains were discovered in a residential property on 3rd Street. The announcement, made by Richland County Coroner’s Office Chief Investigator Bob Ball, brings closure to a nearly two-year ordeal for the Bays family, who have been tirelessly searching for their beloved brother since his disappearance in July 2022.
Billy’s sister, Heatherlee, has been at the forefront of the search efforts, dedicating countless hours to raising awareness and soliciting information about her brother’s whereabouts. Despite her relentless pursuit and family’s support, Billy’s fate remained shrouded in mystery until the recent discovery.
The grim revelation came to light on April 8, 2024, when electricians working on a residence at 270 W 3rd St. stumbled upon human remains in the attic. Mansfield Police Department Detectives along with the Richland County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, initiating a investigation with the help of Mercyhurst University’s Forensic and Biological Anthropology Team that ultimately confirmed the remains belonged to Billy F. Bays III.
The news marks the end of a harrowing journey for the Bays family, who have endured unimaginable anguish and uncertainty since Billy’s disappearance. The ordeal began following a domestic dispute in July 2022, after which Billy vanished without a trace, leaving his family distraught and desperate for answers.
Despite their relentless efforts, which included creating a Facebook page, distributing flyers, and offering a reward for information, the family’s search yielded no concrete leads. Each passing milestone, from Billy’s children’s birthdays to anniversaries of his disappearance, served as a painful reminder of his absence and the unanswered questions surrounding his fate.
The toll of Billy’s disappearance extended beyond his immediate family, impacting the friends and classmates, which rallied behind the Bays family in their quest for answers, community gatherings and awareness campaigns served as a testament to the family and friends support during their time of need.
The confirmation of Billy’s death brings a somber conclusion to a chapter marked by uncertainty and grief. As the family mourns the loss of their beloved father, son, brother and uncle they remain steadfast in their determination to seek justice and closure. Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as a touching reminder of the enduring bonds of family and community in times of tragedy.
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Cleveland OH
TORNADO WATCH 122 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM EDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
ALLEN
ASHLAND
AUGLAIZE
BUTLER
CHAMPAIGN
CLARK
CLINTON
CRAWFORD
CUYAHOGA
DARKE
DEFIANCE
DELAWARE
ERIE
FAIRFIELD
FAYETTE
FRANKLIN
FULTON
GREENE
HANCOCK
HARDIN
HENRY
HOLMES
HURON
KNOX
LICKING
LOGAN
LORAIN
LUCAS
MADISON
MARION
MEDINA
MERCER
MIAMI
MONTGOMERY
MORROW
OTTAWA
PAULDING
PICKAWAY
PREBLE
PUTNAM
RICHLAND
SANDUSKY
SENECA
SHELBY
UNION
VAN WERT
WARREN
WAYNE
WILLIAMS
WOOD
WYANDOT
Ashland University is pleased to announce that following a national search Daniel Fox has been appointed as the new dean of the Dauch College of Business and Economics, effectively immediately. Fox had been serving as the interim dean.
AU’s College of Business and Economics (COBE) offers 14 bachelor degree programs, including industrial and systems engineering, which was just approved for fall of 2023, as well as a Master of Business Administration. It also houses the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, which is devoted to encouraging entrepreneurial spirit and bringing new business ideas to the community and world. COBE is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
“We are grateful to the search committee for their excellent work in identifying Dan Fox as the new dean of (COBE). Dan has been an outstanding member of our campus community for many years, and his work as interim dean revealed his collaborative, innovative approach to this important work,” stated Carlos Campo, president of AU.
As interim dean since May 2022, Fox created an environment for operational excellence and developed a visual representation of how faculty, staff and students will be successful in COBE. He finalized 13 MBA certifications, successfully moved industrial and systems engineering degree through the accreditation process and diligently worked to enhance faculty presence and engagement in area high schools. He was also instrumental in maintaining the college’s ACBSP accreditation and continuing the work toward Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation.
Fox joined AU in 2004 and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in management, entrepreneurship, finance, business law and accounting as a tenured associate professor. He received the university’s Taylor Teaching Award in 2019, the Academic Mentor Award in 2021 and the Ellis Teaching Award in 2011.
In addition to teaching, Fox is active in both scholarship and service. He has been published in many prestigious journals, including the “Journal of Academy of Business and Economics,” the “Journal of International Finance and Economics,” the “American Journal of Business Education” and the “International Business & Economics Journal.” He has presented at more than 50 professional conferences, and has served the university as a department chairperson of economics, finance, marketing and accounting, as a member of the Dean’s Council, as the chair of the Morgan Center Advisory Board and as director of the Entrepreneurial Education Consortium.
Fox earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and political science from Ohio Northern University and a juris doctor from ONU College of Law. He is both a licensed Ohio attorney and a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to joining AU, he consulted for the world’s largest oil company, Saudi Aramco, in Saudi Arabia. He also worked for the “Big Eight” accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand and the law firm of Emens, Hurd, Kegler & Ritter, practicing business and tax law. Fox continues to consult with startup and entrepreneurial companies, providing legal, accounting and operational advice.
“Dan has been a strong collaborator from which his colleagues on Academic Council have benefitted. This has been a continuation of the kind of forward and creative thinking with actions, which are helping COBE and Academic Affairs advance in meeting the mission of the university,” said Amiel Jarstfer, provost at AU.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive David Greene. Greene is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a fail to verify address as a sex offender. Greene, 39, is described as a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Greene has ties to the city of Mansfield and Galion.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Raphael Martinez. Martinez is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a bond violation on the original charges of trafficking in fentanyl. He is also wanted by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of rape. Martinez, 39, is described as a Hispanic male with bald hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall. Martinez has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Cleveland.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive James Saurers. Saurers is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of robbery. Saurers, 53, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall. Saurers has ties to the cities of Crestline and Mansfield.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Dustin Pickworth. Pickworth is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of Burglary. Pickworth, 31, is described as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing 6 feet, 0 inches tall. Pickworth has ties to the cities of Norwalk, New London, and Cleveland.
If you have any information in reference to David Greene, Rafeal Martinez, James Saurers, or Dustin Pickworth, please contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or Text keyword WANTED and tip to 847411 (tip411). Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money is available.
Richland County – The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement regarding an incident that occurred at the Richland County Jail yesterday morning.
According to Jail Administrator Captain Chris Blunk, at approximately 9:00 AM, corrections staff and medical personnel responded to a medical emergency in housing unit 3C11 involving Inmate Candice Crose. Despite the immediate implementation of life-saving measures by the staff, Crose was transported to the hospital where she tragically passed away shortly after her arrival.
“Inmate Candice Crose was involved in a medical emergency in housing unit 3C11 yesterday morning. Our corrections staff and medical team responded swiftly and performed life-saving measures. However, despite their efforts, Ms. Crose succumbed to her condition after being transported to the hospital. As is our standard practice, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident is currently underway,” stated Captain Blunk.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office assures the public that every effort will be made to thoroughly investigate the incident and provide updates as appropriate.
No further details regarding the nature of the medical emergency or the condition of Inmate Crose prior to the incident have been disclosed at this time. The Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Candice Crose during this difficult time.
Updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.
CLEVELAND – Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials announce the unsealing of a superseding indictment charging 15 members of the Fully Blooded Felons, a criminal street gang that was active in Northeast Ohio and in the Ohio prison system. The gang members were charged for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving their importing and distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and buprenorphine in Northeast Ohio, and their illegal possession of firearms. Three defendants have been in federal custody since December 2023. Authorities have arrested several newly charged defendants. They transported several of them to federal court in Cleveland, while the others are in custody elsewhere.
This announcement is made by United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko, FBI Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen, and Cleveland Division of Police Chief Dorothy Todd.
“The indictment alleges that Raven Mullins and other members of the Fully Blooded Felons operated an open-air drug market, distributing the deadliest types of drugs sold on Cleveland’s streets. This organization is charged not only with peddling such poisons in Cleveland’s Cedar Estates neighborhood, but also with actively plotting to recruit persons to infiltrate the Ohio prison system to distribute drugs there so gang members could reap the profits,” said United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “This indictment and these arrests are a product of the dedication, cooperation, and tireless efforts of Northern District of Ohio federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who, working together, identified and disrupted this criminal organization. Because of these efforts, the many law-abiding members of the Cedar Estates neighborhood have a real opportunity to come together and make positive changes.”
“This operation and subsequent arrests underscore the FBIs mission to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle gangs not only in the larger cities across America, but also right here in northern Ohio,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “Identifying criminal networks takes careful coordination and collaboration. We are proud to partner with the agencies that make up the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, and the Ohio Investigative Unit. In addition, the United States Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Cleveland’s Third District played a major role in this operation. We thank them as well as our other federal, state, and local partners who work seamlessly together to protect our communities and keep offenders off the streets.”
The following defendants are charged in the 33-count superseding indictment:
Deon Blackwell, aka White Boy, 37, Cleveland, Ohio
The defendants were all charged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Additionally, six defendants were charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances offenses, five defendants were charged with illegal possession of firearms, and five defendants were charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. One defendant was charged with interstate travel in aid of racketeering, and 11 defendants were charged with using a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
The superseding indictment alleges that between as early as January 2022, and continuing through April 2, 2024, the defendants did knowingly and intentionally conspire with each other to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute mixtures and substances containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, cocaine base (“crack”), a Schedule II controlled substance, and buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance.
According to court documents, Raven Mullins and other defendants operated an organized gang hierarchy that committed violent acts, possessed and transferred firearms, and distributed controlled substances in Northeast Ohio. The Fully Blooded Felons used two apartments at the Cedar Estates in Cleveland, Ohio, to store controlled substances and firearms and to distribute different controlled substances to customers. Subordinate gang members used a grassy area immediately adjacent to the Cedar Estates, and the area surrounding the 28th Street Liquor Store, to distribute controlled substances to customers at the direction of Raven Mullins and other high-ranking members. The superseding indictment alleges that Elijah Johnson travelled to Texas and Arizona to obtain kilogram quantities of pills containing fentanyl, which he then supplied to Fully Blooded Felon members for distribution in Northeast Ohio. Additionally, the superseding indictment alleges that the Fully Blooded Felons operated a drug smuggling and distribution ring inside numerous Ohio state prisons and federal detention centers.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The specific mission of the OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Northern District of Ohio. The OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force consists of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Cleveland Division of Police. The prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The investigation preceding the superseding indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Safe Streets Task Force, the Cleveland Division of Police’s Third District and Gang Impact Unit, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, and the Ohio Investigative Unit. The United States Marshals Service coordinated the arrests of those defendants apprehended.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Kolansky and Paul E. Hanna, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Brian W. Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
CLEVELAND – Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials announce the unsealing of a superseding indictment charging 15 members of the Fully Blooded Felons, a criminal street gang that was active in Northeast Ohio and in the Ohio prison system. The gang members were charged for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving their importing and distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and buprenorphine in Northeast Ohio, and their illegal possession of firearms. Three defendants have been in federal custody since December 2023. Authorities have arrested several newly charged defendants. They transported several of them to federal court in Cleveland, while the others are in custody elsewhere.
This announcement is made by United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko, FBI Special Agent in Charge Gregory Nelsen, and Cleveland Division of Police Chief Dorothy Todd.
“The indictment alleges that Raven Mullins and other members of the Fully Blooded Felons operated an open-air drug market, distributing the deadliest types of drugs sold on Cleveland’s streets. This organization is charged not only with peddling such poisons in Cleveland’s Cedar Estates neighborhood, but also with actively plotting to recruit persons to infiltrate the Ohio prison system to distribute drugs there so gang members could reap the profits,” said United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “This indictment and these arrests are a product of the dedication, cooperation, and tireless efforts of Northern District of Ohio federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who, working together, identified and disrupted this criminal organization. Because of these efforts, the many law-abiding members of the Cedar Estates neighborhood have a real opportunity to come together and make positive changes.”
“This operation and subsequent arrests underscore the FBIs mission to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle gangs not only in the larger cities across America, but also right here in northern Ohio,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “Identifying criminal networks takes careful coordination and collaboration. We are proud to partner with the agencies that make up the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, and the Ohio Investigative Unit. In addition, the United States Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Cleveland’s Third District played a major role in this operation. We thank them as well as our other federal, state, and local partners who work seamlessly together to protect our communities and keep offenders off the streets.”
The following defendants are charged in the 33-count superseding indictment:
Deon Blackwell, aka White Boy, 37, Cleveland, Ohio
The defendants were all charged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Additionally, six defendants were charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances offenses, five defendants were charged with illegal possession of firearms, and five defendants were charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. One defendant was charged with interstate travel in aid of racketeering, and 11 defendants were charged with using a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
The superseding indictment alleges that between as early as January 2022, and continuing through April 2, 2024, the defendants did knowingly and intentionally conspire with each other to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute mixtures and substances containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, cocaine base (“crack”), a Schedule II controlled substance, and buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance.
According to court documents, Raven Mullins and other defendants operated an organized gang hierarchy that committed violent acts, possessed and transferred firearms, and distributed controlled substances in Northeast Ohio. The Fully Blooded Felons used two apartments at the Cedar Estates in Cleveland, Ohio, to store controlled substances and firearms and to distribute different controlled substances to customers. Subordinate gang members used a grassy area immediately adjacent to the Cedar Estates, and the area surrounding the 28th Street Liquor Store, to distribute controlled substances to customers at the direction of Raven Mullins and other high-ranking members. The superseding indictment alleges that Elijah Johnson travelled to Texas and Arizona to obtain kilogram quantities of pills containing fentanyl, which he then supplied to Fully Blooded Felon members for distribution in Northeast Ohio. Additionally, the superseding indictment alleges that the Fully Blooded Felons operated a drug smuggling and distribution ring inside numerous Ohio state prisons and federal detention centers.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The specific mission of the OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Northern District of Ohio. The OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force consists of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Cleveland Division of Police. The prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The investigation preceding the superseding indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Safe Streets Task Force, the Cleveland Division of Police’s Third District and Gang Impact Unit, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, and the Ohio Investigative Unit. The United States Marshals Service coordinated the arrests of those defendants apprehended.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Kolansky and Paul E. Hanna, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Brian W. Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
Today April 11th, marks National Pet Day, a time when pet lovers worldwide unite to celebrate the joy and companionship our beloved animals bring into our lives. Founded in 2005 by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert & Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige, this special day serves as a reminder to appreciate our furry, feathered, and scaled friends while also advocating for their well-being and welfare.
My buddy “Charlie”
National Pet Day encourages individuals to show appreciation for their pets and raise awareness about the importance of animal adoption and care. It’s a day to pamper our pets a little extra and to extend a helping hand to those in need. Here are some ways to celebrate and make a positive impact:
1. Share the Love: Take the opportunity to post photos of your pets on social media using the hashtag #NationalPetDay. Let the world see the joy and love your furry companions bring into your life.
2. Check-In on Your Pets: Use today as a reminder to ensure your pets are happy, healthy, and safe. Take stock of their toys, maintain a pet-friendly environment, and schedule any necessary veterinary appointments.
3. Support Animal Shelters: Consider donating supplies or volunteering your time at local animal shelters. Many pets are still waiting for their forever homes, and your support can make a world of difference in their lives.
4. Extend Kindness: Help a friend or neighbor who may be struggling to care for their pets due to illness or other challenges. A little assistance can go a long way in ensuring that pets receive the love and care they deserve.
5. Consider Adoption: If you have been considering adding a furry friend to your family, National Pet Day is the perfect time to adopt from a shelter or rescue organization. You’ll not only find a loving companion but also give a deserving animal a second chance at happiness.
National Pet Day serves as a timely reminder of the bond between humans and animals and the importance of responsible pet ownership. Whether you’re a cat person, a dog lover, or an advocate for all creatures great and small, today is a day to celebrate the unconditional love and companionship our pets provide.
So, let’s come together to honor our furry friends, spread awareness about animal welfare, and make a positive difference in the lives of pets everywhere. Happy National Pet Day!
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and 18 other state attorneys general are opposing a new federal program that promotes aggressive enforcement of “red flag” gun-confiscation laws.
Yost and his counterparts argue in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that the National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center, launched in March by the Department of Justice, undermines the Second Amendment and other fundamental rights in a flawed attempt to reduce gun violence.
“The solution to gun violence is not more bureaucracy, and it is certainly not parting otherwise law-abiding men and women from their right to self-defense,” Yost said.
The state attorneys general raise several concerns with the ERPO Resource Center, most notably how the program advocates for laws that allow government officials to “suspend fundamental rights under the Second Amendment with no genuine due process.”
So-called “red flag” laws permit authorities to seek court orders authorizing the confiscation of firearms from people thought to pose a danger. Twenty-one states have enacted such laws; Ohio is not among them.
Another issue is whether the DOJ had authority to create the program in the first place. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, cited by the department as the impetus for the ERPO Resource Center, makes no mention of such a program. In fact, the letter says, that funding from the 2022 federal law was supposed to go to states and local governments.
The attorneys general also question the DOJ’s decision to partner on the project with the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. The institution’s track record of advocating for strict gun-control measures raises concerns about its ability to remain objective, making it a poor fit for the program, the letter says.
Yost and his counterparts urge the DOJ to end the program, writing that “states don’t need ‘help’ of this sort from the federal government. We know exactly how to protect our citizens while appropriately respecting Second Amendment rights.”
Joining Yost in sending the letter are the attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost urges taxpayers to make the most of their tax refunds while staying vigilant against scams. With the average tax refund this year standing at $3,182, individuals have various options for utilizing these funds, from bolstering savings to tackling debts or making significant purchases or repairs.
For those considering major purchases or repairs, particularly in the realm of automotive transactions, caution is advised. Yost emphasizes the importance of thoroughly researching and inspecting vehicles, especially when buying “as is.” Consumers are urged to check vehicle histories through resources like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System and to enlist the expertise of independent mechanics.
Additionally, Ohio law doesn’t typically grant the right to cancel car purchases, and consumers should be aware of the Title Defect Recision Law, which allows for refunds under certain circumstances related to title issues or inaccurate disclosures.
Furthermore, consumers should obtain written estimates for repairs exceeding certain thresholds and carefully evaluate warranties and service contracts before making purchases. Payment options should be chosen wisely, with attention to the potential pitfalls of refund anticipation loans and rent-to-own plans.
Yost alerts consumers to a concerning trend involving deepfake celebrity endorsement videos circulating on social media. These videos, featuring famous personalities like Jennifer Aniston, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez, promote fraudulent giveaways or endorsements, potentially leading unsuspecting individuals to disclose personal or financial information.
To discern between authentic endorsements and deepfake scams, consumers are advised to scrutinize video content for unusual movements or backgrounds, verify sources, and seek additional context. Resources like VERIFY and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab provide guidance on identifying deepfake videos, while caution is urged when encountering suspicious links or offers.
Man indicted in Coshocton County for gift-card counterfeiting scheme
In a recent development, Ming Xue faces a slew of felony charges related to a gift-card counterfeiting scheme in Coshocton County. Xue’s alleged involvement in altering and redistributing gift cards underscores the importance of vigilance when purchasing or using such cards.
Consumers are reminded to inspect gift cards for signs of tampering, avoid sharing PINs or personal information, and track deliveries to prevent theft or misuse. Alternative delivery methods, such as electronic gift cards, may offer added security in transactions.
As warmer weather heralds the season of home-improvement projects, Yost cautions homeowners against falling victim to scams perpetrated by unscrupulous contractors. Vigilance in vetting contractors, obtaining multiple estimates, and verifying credentials is crucial to avoiding substandard work or financial loss.
Key precautions include refraining from large down payments, paying incrementally, avoiding cash transactions, and securing written agreements. Consumers are also reminded of their rights under Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act and advised to be wary of red flags indicative of fraudulent contractors.
In conclusion, Yost underscores the importance of remaining vigilant against scams and unfair business practices, urging consumers to report suspicious activities to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
For those encountering potential scams or unfair business practices, assistance is available through www.OhioProtects.org or by calling 800-282-0515.
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Joe Lyons •
April 17, 2024
Ashland University is pleased to announce that following a national search Daniel Fox has been appointed as the new dean of the Dauch College of Business and Economics, effectively immediately. Fox had been serving as the interim dean.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive David Greene. Greene is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a fail to verify address as a sex offender. Greene, 39, is described as a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes, standing 6 feet 0 inches tall. Greene has ties to the city of Mansfield and Galion.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Raphael Martinez. Martinez is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a bond violation on the original charges of trafficking in fentanyl. He is also wanted by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of rape. Martinez, 39, is described as a Hispanic male with bald hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall. Martinez has ties to the cities of Mansfield and Cleveland.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive James Saurers. Saurers is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of robbery. Saurers, 53, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall. Saurers has ties to the cities of Crestline and Mansfield.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Dustin Pickworth. Pickworth is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of Burglary. Pickworth, 31, is described as a white male with brown hair and blue eyes, standing 6 feet, 0 inches tall. Pickworth has ties to the cities of Norwalk, New London, and Cleveland.
Richland County – The Richland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement regarding an incident that occurred at the Richland County Jail yesterday morning.
CLEVELAND – Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials announce the unsealing of a superseding indictment charging 15 members of the Fully Blooded Felons, a criminal street gang that was active in Northeast Ohio and in the Ohio prison system. The gang members were charged for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving their importing and distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and buprenorphine in Northeast Ohio, and their illegal possession of firearms. Three defendants have been in federal custody since December 2023. Authorities have arrested several newly charged defendants. They transported several of them to federal court in Cleveland, while the others are in custody elsewhere.
Today April 11th, marks National Pet Day, a time when pet lovers worldwide unite to celebrate the joy and companionship our beloved animals bring into our lives. Founded in 2005 by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert & Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige, this special day serves as a reminder to appreciate our furry, feathered, and scaled friends while also advocating for their well-being and welfare.
