(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted released the following statements after Chief Judge Algenon L. Marbley, the United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, granted tech lobbying group NetChoice’s request to temporarily stop the Social Media Parental Notification Act from being enforced beginning January 15 while their request for a preliminary injunction is pending. NetChoice represents Meta and other social media giants.
“I supported the Social Media Parental Notification Act because parents should have a role in their children’s social media use,” said Governor DeWine. “The negative effects that social media sites and apps have on our children’s mental health have been well documented, and this law was one way to empower parents to have a role in their kids’ digital lives. I am disappointed in this injunction and hope it will be lifted as the case further proceeds so these important protections for children can take effect.”
“I’m very disappointed in today’s ruling,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “The big-tech companies behind this lawsuit were included in the legislative process to make sure the law was clear and easy to implement, but now they claim the law is unclear. They were disingenuous participants in the process and have no interest in protecting children.”
The Social Media Parental Notification Act requires certain online companies to obtain verifiable parental consent to contractual terms of service before permitting kids under the age of 16 to use their platforms. This proposal was championed by Lt. Governor Husted, passed by the General Assembly, and signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine as part of the 2023-24 executive budget and was to take effect on January 15, 2024.
The law also includes a requirement for companies to provide parents with their privacy guidelines to show them what will be censored or moderated content on their child’s profile.
About the Social Media Parental Notification Act:
Companies must:
Create a method to determine whether the user is a child under the age of 16.
Obtain verifiable parental or legal guardian consent.
Send written confirmation of the consent to the parent or legal guardian.
If the user indicates that they are under the age of 16, the following methods can be used for verification:
Sign a digital form consenting to the terms of service.
Use a credit card, debit card, or other online payment system.
Call a toll-free telephone number.
Connect to trained personnel via video-conference.
Check a form of government-issued identification.
Who this includes:
Social media and online gaming/activities companies accessed by children
Who this does NOT include:
E-commerce: Online shopping
Media outlets
If a parent or legal guardian fails or refuses to consent to the terms of service, the company must deny access or use of the online website, online service, online product, or online feature by the child. In cases in which operators fail to provide notification or a parent wishes to terminate a child’s access, parents should contact the website operator who then has 30 days to terminate the child’s access. If parents are unsuccessful in the account being deleted, they are encouraged to file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at OhioProtects.org.
In a significant turn of events, Aaron Drushell, 34, a former Ashland City Firefighter, changed his plea in a high-profile rape case. Drushell’s, decision comes after a plea agreement with the state, in the wake of a mistrial, on July, 13, 2023, where the jury was unable to reach a verdict from the charges in the indictment on March 11, 2022.
The indictment contained five counts of Rape, all classified as 1st Degree Felonies. Additionally, he faced one charge of Kidnapping, a 1st Degree Felony, Tampering with Evidence, a 3rd Degree Felony, and Gross Sexual Imposition, a 4th Degree Felony.
Drushell, who had been on unpaid leave with the Ashland City Fire Department, chose to voluntarily resign in August 2023.
The change of plea hearing was conducted remotely using Zoom, with Judge David R. Stimpert presiding over the case.
The hearing began with Senior Assistant with the Attorney General Office, Denise Salerno, who stated that Drushell had decided to withdraw his previous plea of not guilty, and instead plead guilty to count 7 of the indictment, which involves tampering with evidence. This charge falls under revised code sections 2921.12(A)(1) and 2921.12(B) and is categorized as a low-tier felony of the third degree. Salerno also highlighted the potential penalties, which include a prison term of up to 36 months, a maximum fine of $10,000, and the possibility of discretionary post-release control for two years.
In exchange for Drushell’s change of plea to count 7, the state has agreed to dismiss all other charges against him. This significant development means that Drushell will only face consequences for the tampering with evidence charge. Salerno emphasized that the change of plea was not induced by any threats or promises. It is clear that Drushell is entering into this plea knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently, said Salerno.
Attorney James Mayer, III, representing Drushell, confirmed the understanding of the charge being pleaded to, and acknowledged the dismissal of the remaining counts. Mayer also revealed that the state has agreed to remain silent regarding any sentencing recommendations related to incarceration. This stipulation ensures that no additional factors will influence the sentencing process.
Criminal sentencing in this case has been scheduled for February 26, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the Common Pleas Court of Ashland County. This crucial event will determine the exact consequences Drushell will face as a result of his plea change. The sentencing will take into account the severity of the tampering with evidence charge and any other relevant factors that may influence the judge’s decision.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Derrick Taylor. Taylor is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of felonious assault. Harris, 45, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall. Harris has ties to the cities of Ashland, Baltic, and Galion.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Devin Cramer. Cramer is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary with firearm spec. Cramer, 27, is described as a white male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. Cramer has ties to the city of Mansfield
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Mark Margan. Morgan is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for strangulation. Morgan, 57, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. Morgan has ties to the city of Mansfield.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Quinness Howell. Howell is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for trafficking in drugs. Howell, 19, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 8 inches tall. Howell has ties to the city of Mansfield.
If you have any information in reference to Derrick Taylor, Devin Cramer, Mark Morgan, or Quiness Howell, 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.
UPDATE: The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has positively identified the victim in this case through fingerprint analysis. The victim has been identified as 40-year-old Darcy Hooper of South Fulton, Tennessee.
Investigation into this matter is on-going.
At 4:30pm on January 5. 2024, the Marion County Central Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a citizen reporting that a possible deceased female was located in a drainage ditch in the 3000 block of Harding Highway East in Marion County.
Upon the arrival of deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, it was confirmed that the female was deceased and was laying, partially submerged, in a drainage ditch. The remains were partially decomposed and could not be immediately identified.
The victim’s body will be sent to the Lucas County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death and assistance with her identification.
Sheriff Bayles would like to thank Ohio BCI, the First Consolidated Fire Department, the Marion County Coroner’s Office and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in this case.
Investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information pertaining to this matter may contact Captain Ken Rittenour of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 740-382-8244.
Message from Richland County Sheriff Candidate Matt Mayer
“I want to be your Republican nominee for Richland County Sheriff, and I would appreciate your vote on March 19, 2024. As a lifelong resident of Richland County and a lifelong member of St. Mary’s parish, I am deeply connected to this community. Growing up in Mifflin township in a family of 12, who were all public servants, I learned the importance of serving and protecting our community from a young age.
Matt Mayer
I have been married for 39 years to my high school sweetheart Beverly, and together we have three children and four grandchildren. Now, I am ready to dedicate my experience, education, and expertise to serving as the Sheriff of Richland County.”
Matt Mayer Education and History
Matt Mayer has an impressive educational background and extensive experience in law enforcement. He is a graduate of Madison High School, The Ohio State University, and the Ohio State Patrol Basic Police Academy. Throughout his career, he has accumulated thousands of hours of police training, equipping him with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve and protect the community.
Mayer has 36 years of experience as a peace officer, with 28 ½ of those years spent at the Richland County Sheriff’s Office. He has also worked with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Police, also known as Ranger, and spent 6 years with the Richland County Court Services. Currently, he serves as a Northern Ohio region Ranger supervisor under the Chief of MWCD police.
Matt Mayer Experience
Throughout his career, Matt Mayer has held various roles within law enforcement, allowing him to gain extensive experience and expertise in different areas. He has worked as a Dispatcher, Correction Officer, Major Crimes Supervisor, Patrol Supervisor, and Crime Lab/Evidence Collection and Processing. He has assisted in the administration of MWCD Rangers directly under the Chief.
Matt Mike and Steve at the Polar Bear Plunge
Mayer’s experience extends to working on a wide range of cases, including homicides, violent crimes, rape, kidnapping, robbery, sex crimes, drug crimes, burglaries, theft, fraud, crimes against the elderly, and child abuse. He has been involved in hundreds of search warrants, formed task forces to pursue organized and habitual criminals, and has recovered thousands of stolen items, returning them to their rightful owners.
Focal Points
As the Sheriff of Richland County, Matt Mayer intends to focus on several key areas to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. His focal points include:
Administration: Mayer aims to administer the deputies and other employees in a fair and just manner. He believes in providing them with the necessary resources, education, and training to effectively protect the community against violent and property crimes.
School Safety: Mayer is committed to protecting our schools and ensuring a safe learning environment for students. He understands the importance of safeguarding our children’s future and will work tirelessly to address any safety concerns within schools.
Protection of the Elderly and Youth: Mayer recognizes the vulnerability of the elderly and youth population. He is dedicated to protecting them against abuse, neglect, and fraud, striving to create a safe environment for these individuals to thrive and flourish.
Drug Crimes and Human Trafficking: Mayer acknowledges the detrimental impact of drug crimes and human trafficking on communities. He will prioritize combating these crimes and work diligently to dismantle the networks involved in these illicit activities.
Administrative Tasks
As the Sheriff of Richland County, Matt Mayer will handle numerous administrative tasks to ensure the smooth functioning of the sheriff’s office. These tasks include:
Jail Management: Mayer will address concerns such as correction officer turnover and deaths in the jail. He aims to implement effective strategies to improve jail operations and ensure the safety and well-being of all inmates.
Special Units: Mayer will maintain and oversee various special units within the sheriff’s office, such as METRICH, Fugitive Task Force, Crime Lab, K-9, Drones, Dive team (search and rescue-water rescue), SWAT, Major Crimes, and Criminal Patrol. He recognizes the importance of these units in addressing different aspects of crime and ensuring a comprehensive approach to law enforcement.
Budget Management: Mayer will be responsible for managing the budget revenue and expenditures of the sheriff’s office. This involves making projections, estimating budgets, and working closely with Commissioners and the Auditor to ensure efficient allocation of funds, fees, grants, and payroll. He will ensure that the budget aligns with the needs of the sheriff’s office and the community.
Policy and Procedure Development: Mayer will assess the sheriff’s office’s functions and operations. He plans to conduct studies and research to formulate effective policies and procedures that will benefit employees and the public. Training will be provided to ensure the successful implementation of these policies, reducing criminal and civil actions as well as injuries to the sheriff’s office employees and the public.
Conclusion
Matt Mayer brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to the role of Richland County Sheriff. His lifelong commitment to public service, combined with his strong educational background and extensive law enforcement experience, make him a highly qualified candidate for the position. If elected, Mayer promises to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community, working diligently to address key areas such as school safety, protection of the elderly and youth, and combating drug crimes and human trafficking. With Matt Mayer as the Richland County Sheriff, the community can feel confident in their safety and security.
At 4:30pm on January 5. 2024, the Marion County Central Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a citizen reporting that a possible deceased female was located in a drainage ditch in the 3000 block of Harding Highway East in Marion County.
Upon the arrival of deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, it was confirmed that the female was deceased and was laying, partially submerged, in a drainage ditch. The remains were partially decomposed and could not be immediately identified.
The victim’s body will be sent to the Lucas County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death and assistance with her identification.
Sheriff Bayles would like to thank Ohio BCI, the First Consolidated Fire Department, the Marion County Coroner’s Office and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in this case.
Investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information pertaining to this matter may contact Captain Ken Rittenour of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 740-382-8244.
Six Indicted on 124 Felony Charges, Including Murder
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Six members of a violent crime ring in south Columbus have been indicted on a combined 124 felony charges – including murder and human trafficking – following an investigation by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force.
The task force, formed under the Ohio Attorney General’s Organized Crime Investigations Commission, conducted the investigation as part of its ongoing mission to eradicate human trafficking.
“Busts like this free victims from the clutches of trafficking and rid our streets of dangerous criminals,” Attorney General Dave Yost said. “These successful investigations propel us closer to a future in which no human beings are bought or sold in Ohio.”
A Franklin County grand jury on Dec. 27 indicted the following suspects on a range of felony charges, including many that carry additional firearm specifications:
James Antwan Dukes-Johnson, 28, of Columbus: 39 felony charges, including aggravated murder, murder, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in persons, compelling prostitution, trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound and felonious assault.
Michael Anthony Davis, 21, of Columbus: 38 felony charges, including aggravated murder, murder, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in persons, compelling prostitution, trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound and felonious assault.
Sarah Rose Dotson, 33, of Columbus: 29 felony charges, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in persons, compelling prostitution and possession of a fentanyl-related compound.
Shahee Siler, 38, of Columbus: 10 felony charges, including aggravated murder, murder, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, promoting prostitution and felonious assault.
Alexias Monay Lashel Carr-Johnson, 28, of Marysville: Four felony charges, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and money laundering.
Tyler Leianne Payne, 29, of Columbus: Four felony charges, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and money laundering.
Anyone with information about the alleged criminal activity or knowledge of additional victims of human trafficking is encouraged to contact the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6336) or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-3737-888 and ask to speak to a member of the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force.
The task force consists of representatives from the Columbus Division of Police, BCI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, the Powell Police Department, the Ohio State University Police Department, the Marysville Police Department, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Southeast Healthcare and the Salvation Army.
Indictments are criminal allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A California man who traveled to Ohio to engage in sex acts with a 14-year-old he met online was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 204 months in prison.
Kameron E. Tolbert, 28, of Suisin City, California, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to sexually exploiting a minor and possessing child pornography.
According to court documents, on Aug. 22, 2022, law enforcement was dispatched to a home in Jackson, Ohio after Tolbert had jumped through the minor victim’s bedroom window when he was discovered in her bedroom by family members. Tolbert fled on foot and then by vehicle.
The next day, the principal at the victim’s local high school identified Tolbert’s vehicle in the school parking lot and notified a school resource officer who detained Tolbert at the school. Tolbert admitting being there at the school to see the minor victim.
Tolbert had first met the victim online six months prior and began chatting with her via different social media applications, including Discord. He admitted to flying from Sacramento, California, to Columbus, Ohio, on Aug. 20, 2022, to meet the victim at her home in Jackson. Tolbert parked nearby her residence and snuck into the victim’s home through her bedroom window to avoid security cameras at the front door. He admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with her at her home on August 21 and August 22.
A forensic examination of Tolbert’s digital devices revealed more than 500 images and 1,100 videos depicting child sexual abuse of both prepubescent and pubescent minors. Images and videos of the 14-year-old minor victim engaged in sex acts with Tolbert were also recovered.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati division; and Jackson County Sheriff Tedd Frazier announced the sentence imposed today by Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
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Joe Lyons •
January 9, 2024
Law was to go into effect January 15, 2024
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Derrick Taylor. Taylor is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of felonious assault. Harris, 45, is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall. Harris has ties to the cities of Ashland, Baltic, and Galion.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Devin Cramer. Cramer is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary with firearm spec. Cramer, 27, is described as a white male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. Cramer has ties to the city of Mansfield
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Mark Margan. Morgan is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for strangulation. Morgan, 57, is described as a black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall. Morgan has ties to the city of Mansfield.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Quinness Howell. Howell is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for trafficking in drugs. Howell, 19, is described as a black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet, 8 inches tall. Howell has ties to the city of Mansfield.
UPDATE: The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has positively identified the victim in this case through fingerprint analysis. The victim has been identified as 40-year-old Darcy Hooper of South Fulton, Tennessee.
Message from Richland County Sheriff Candidate Matt Mayer
Throughout his career, Matt Mayer has held various roles within law enforcement, allowing him to gain extensive experience and expertise in different areas. He has worked as a Dispatcher, Correction Officer, Major Crimes Supervisor, Patrol Supervisor, and Crime Lab/Evidence Collection and Processing. He has assisted in the administration of MWCD Rangers directly under the Chief.
Matt Mayer brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to the role of Richland County Sheriff. His lifelong commitment to public service, combined with his strong educational background and extensive law enforcement experience, make him a highly qualified candidate for the position. If elected, Mayer promises to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community, working diligently to address key areas such as school safety, protection of the elderly and youth, and combating drug crimes and human trafficking. With Matt Mayer as the Richland County Sheriff, the community can feel confident in their safety and security.
At 4:30pm on January 5. 2024, the Marion County Central Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a citizen reporting that a possible deceased female was located in a drainage ditch in the 3000 block of Harding Highway East in Marion County.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A California man who traveled to Ohio to engage in sex acts with a 14-year-old he met online was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 204 months in prison.