On October 19, 2024, at 1:56 am, officers responded to 200 Cline Ave for a reported domestic violence. Officers made contact with the female victim and Michael S. Oswalt II, who was in possession of a knife.
The male fled back inside the residence, which was occupied by the female victim’s two small children, ages 6 and 8. The female then was able to get back inside the residence from the rear door.
The officers immediately established communication with the Mr. Oswalt, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Hostage negotiators and the Richland County ASORT team arrived on the scene to begin negotiations.
During the three hours of negotiations, the suspect released the two children. A short time later the female victim was able to flee out the back door where SWAT operators Sgt. Shane Gess, Sgt. Michael Haines, Sgt. Joseph Gladden and Officer Paul Webb were positioned.
The male suspect was observed chasing the victim and was armed with a knife(s). Less lethal munitions were fired at the suspect with little to no effect. Operators were then forced to use lethal force to stop his actions.
SWAT paramedics were on scene and immediately began life saving measures, but were unsuccessful.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Richland County Prosecutors arrived on the scene.
BCI will be handling the investigation. Further details will be released as they become available.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Six individuals have been indicted for illegal voting in past elections, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
“The right to vote is sacred,” Yost said. “If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s illegal to vote – whether you thought you were allowed to or not – you will be held accountable.”
Special prosecutors with Yost’s office presented seven cases to grand juries last week:
Ramesh Patel, 68, of North Royalton, was indicted in Cuyahoga County on one count of illegal voting. Patel lacked U.S. citizenship when he allegedly voted in 2014, 2016 and 2018. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 1.
Lorinda Miller, 78, of Hudson, was indicted in Summit County on two counts of illegal voting. Miller is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when she allegedly voted in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Nicholas Fontaine, 32, of Kent, was indicted in Portage County on one count of illegal voting. Fontaine is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when he allegedly voted in 2016 and 2018. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 1 p.m. on Dec. 2.
Ahmed Aden, 35, of Columbus, was indicted in Franklin County on one count of illegal voting. Aden is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when he allegedly voted in 2008 and 2020.
Van Thuy Cooper, 53, of Hilliard, was indicted in Franklin County on one count of illegal voting. Cooper is a legal permanent resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when she allegedly voted in 2016 and 2020.
Maria Dearaujo, 62, of Columbus, was indicted in Franklin County on one count of illegal voting. Dearaujo is a lawful resident but lacked U.S. citizenship when she allegedly voted in 2016 and 2018.
Illegal voting is a fourth-degree felony.
“Irregularities like this are rare, and this is a small number of cases,” Yost said. “We should all be confident in the upcoming election, knowing that the laws are being enforced and will continue to be enforced.”
A seventh case was presented to a Lorain County grand jury, which issued a “no-bill” indictment, declining to charge the individual. The uncharged subject, an Oberlin college student, was alleged to have voted in Ohio and Washington in 2018.
Ohio Revised Code 109.95 states that the Ohio Attorney General’s Office may initiate a criminal proceeding for election fraud for a violation of Ohio law “involving voting, an initiative or referendum petition process, or the conducting of an election” by presenting evidence of the violation to the county prosecutor. If the county prosecutor fails to proceed with the prosecution “within a reasonable amount of time,” the Attorney General’s Office may prosecute.
Each case was previously referred to the county prosecutor whose office has jurisdiction in the location of the alleged activity.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation investigated the cases. Ohio Revised Code 109.54 grants BCI authority to investigate criminal activity related to the conduct of elections when requested by the Ohio Secretary of State.
BCI continues to conduct investigations concerning voter fraud and has made additional referrals to county prosecutors.
Indictments are criminal allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
Breaking News: US Route 250 in Rowsburg Shut Down for FBI Activity
Rowsburg, OH – In a developing story, US Route 250 in Rowsburg was shut down this morning as the FBI executed a search warrant at 158 Front Street. The operation was supported by Deputies and Detectives from the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, sparking considerable local attention.
Witnesses reported seeing law enforcement officers with guns drawn as they secured the area.
Traffic was blocked off at County Road 251 and US Route 250 at County Road 175, with detours in place to reroute vehicles around the closed stretch.
When asked for more details, the officer-in-charge at the scene declined to provide any additional information, directing inquiries to the FBI Cleveland Public Affairs Office. He did, however, assure that there was “no public danger” from the ongoing operation.
Later in the morning, FBI Cleveland Public Affairs Officer Susan Licate responded to a FOIR and issued a brief statement: “The FBI was conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity at 158 US Route 250, Polk, Ohio. While I am unable to provide further details, I want to assure the community that there is no reason for concern regarding public safety.”
At this time, the nature of the FBI’s investigation remains undisclosed, and there is no indication of any immediate threat to the public.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
BUCYRUS, OH — The Bucyrus Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious injury crash that took place on Tuesday, October 15, at approximately 1:28 p.m. on U.S. Route 23 in Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County.
The initial investigation indicates that a northbound Ram ProMaster van, driven by Dara M. Larochelle, 38, of Powell, struck the rear of a marked Ohio State Highway Patrol Chevrolet Tahoe. The Tahoe was operated by Trooper Jacob M. Teal from the Toledo Post, who was slowing down in traffic at the time of the collision.
Trooper Teal sustained minor injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to Blanchard Valley Hospital, where he is receiving treatment. Larochelle, who sustained more serious injuries, was airlifted to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo for further medical attention.
Several agencies responded to the scene, including the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, Upper Sandusky Fire and EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, Danner’s Towing and Recycling, and Lemaster Towing and Recovery, LLC.
The crash remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the cause of the collision.
One Dead in Single-Vehicle Crash in Jackson Township
Jackson Township, OH – October 21, 2024
Authorities responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash late Monday evening in Jackson Township. At approximately 9:19 PM, the Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to the scene on Rock Road North, near Stein Road, after a report of a car accident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a 2017 Dodge Charger, driven by Louis D. Rittenberry, 57, of Shelby, Ohio, was traveling north on Rock Road North when it veered off the left side of the roadway. The vehicle then went up an embankment before re-entering the road, only to cross over to the right side and plunge into a nearby creek.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported Mr. Rittenberry to Avita Ontario Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Shelby City Fire Department and Westside Towing assisted at the crash site. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash.
Ashland – National School Bus Safety Week begins Monday, October 21 and runs through Friday,
October 25. During this time, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will increase enforcement efforts regarding
school bus violations. These violations include passing a stopped school bus, school zone violations and
other school bus or school zone-related activity.
National School Bus Safety Week is supported by the National Association for Pupil Transportation and
serves as a reminder to motorists, students and school bus drivers of the important role they all have in
ensuring children’s safety. This year’s theme is “Safety First – Safety Always,” a unique reminder to
both motorists and students about the dangers that exist outside the school bus.
“School Bus Safety Week serves as an important reminder that keeping Ohio’s children safe as they
travel to and from school requires a collective effort,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage all
drivers, parents, and students to stay vigilant, follow traffic laws, and work together to ensure everyone
gets to their destinations safely.”
Prior to stopping, school buses display yellow warning lights that signify the bus is about to stop. Once a
bus comes to a complete stop, red flashing lights and a stop sign are displayed. Motorists approaching a
stopped school bus from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from the bus while the bus
driver is receiving or discharging students. When a road is divided into four or more lanes, only traffic
driving in the same direction as the bus must stop. Drivers may not resume their travels until the bus
starts moving.
“The Ohio State Highway Patrol is committed to ensuring the safety of students who rely on school
transportation every day,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “While drivers are
legally required to stop for school buses when children are boarding or exiting, it is just as important for
students to look both ways and cross the road with caution.”
Since 2019, there has been a total of 6,415 school bus-related traffic crashes in Ohio, resulting in eight
fatalities and 2,064 injuries. One of the eight killed was an occupant of a school bus. During that time,
troopers have issued more than 16,500 citations for passing a stopped school bus and other school zone
violations.
Additionally, school buses are required to be inspected twice a year to ensure the bus is operating
properly. Every bus used to transport students is inspected before the beginning of the school year and
once randomly during the year. Since 2019, the Ohio State Highway Patrol has performed more than
200,000 inspections.
The Ashland University Jazz Orchestra will make its 2024-25 debut on Tuesday, Oct. 22, with a “Jazz at the Nest” performance. The 20-member ensemble will play a free concert at the Eagle’s Nest inside the Hawkins-Conard Student Center, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Directed by Scott Garlock, professor of music, the award-winning AUJO will present a world premiere, commissioned by AUJO/Knox College Jazz Ensemble in memory of Jorge Prats. The beloved Prats was a longtime professor and soccer coach at Knox who organized numerous overseas trips and performances in Spain that benefitted students at both Ashland and Knox, including as recently as this past spring.
In addition to the world premiere, Garlock said the performance will include “works from the Count Basie library, some original music by local composers and several popular tunes arranged for big band.”
The AUJO has been providing the AU campus and greater Ashland community with diverse jazz programming and internationally recognized jazz artists for more than 50 years. The ensemble consists of various saxophone, trombone, trumpet and rhythm instruments played by both music and non-music majors.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) continues its commitment to providing outdoor recreation opportunities through its vast network of trails, emphasizing their critical role in promoting community well-being, conservation, and environmental education.
The MWCD trail system offers a wide variety of hiking, biking, and equestrian paths that meander through the scenic landscapes of the Muskingum River Watershed. These trails provide opportunities for individuals and families to connect with nature, stay active, and explore Ohio’s rich natural heritage.
MWCD is expanding and improving its trail network to meet the growing demand for outdoor recreational opportunities. As part of this effort, MWCD is seeking community input to develop a Master Trail Plan that will guide the enhancement and expansion of the trail system in the years ahead.
“We believe that trails are essential to the health and vitality of our communities,” said Pete Novotny, MWCD Chief of Recreation. “They offer more than just outdoor fun—they connect people to nature, improve our quality of life, and foster a greater appreciation for conservation.”
For more information about MWCD’s trails or to participate in the ongoing survey to shape future trail development, visit www.mwcd.org/trail-survey.
Your participation will help guide the MWCD’s efforts in planning and expanding the trail network in the coming years. Together, we can ensure that our trails continue to be a valuable resource for outdoor enthusiasts.
Veterans and Active-Duty Military Welcome to Enjoy a Free Breakfast
Ashland, Ohio—Mayor Matt Miller will again host the annual Mayor’s Veterans Day Breakfast to
honor our community’s military service members on Monday, November 11th from 7:30 to 9:00
a.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, located at 400 Eastlake Drive. Breakfast will be
continuously served throughout the morning.
“We are so thankful to live in the great United States of America, and we are so blessed that in
every generation God has raised up a group of men and women to defend our freedom by
serving in our country’s military,” said Miller. “We are so proud of our veterans and current
service members and this annual breakfast is one way we can say thank you to these local
heroes.”
Veterans and active-duty military members are welcome to stop by the Eagles Club anytime
between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. for a delicious, free breakfast assortment, including egg casserole,
biscuits and gravy, pancakes and more
WARCOG 911 Dispatcher Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges
Wayne County OH – A 911 dispatcher with the Wayne/Ashland County Regional Communications and Operations Group (WARCOG), Andrew Mohn, 36, of Burbank, OH, who also is a Captain and EMT for Canaan Township Fire Department has been arrested and indicted on multiple serious charges, including rape and gross sexual imposition, according to documents from the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas.
Mohn faces the following charges:
11 counts of Rape (First-degree felony)
12 counts of Gross Sexual Imposition (Third-degree felony)
The indictment reveals a pattern of repeated sexual abuse, involving multiple child victims. According to the prosecution, Mohn admitted to law enforcement officials that he engaged in oral and anal penetration and possessed a large collection of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos that he shared with others.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Brianna Dietary has requested that Mohn be held without bond, citing public safety concerns. In a statement from the Bond Hearing, Dietary said, “This is a case of repeated sexual abuse of multiple child victims. The defendant’s admissions and possession of child sexual abuse material raise significant concerns for the safety of the public.”
On September 30, 2024, Judge Corey E. Spitler ruled that Mohn is to be held without bail. The first pretrial conference is scheduled for October 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM.
The Wayne County community remains shocked by the charges, especially given Mohn’s role as a public safety dispatcher along with being a Captain and EMT for Canaan Township Fire Department.
Canaan Township Fire Department, or WARCOG has not yet issued a public statement regarding the arrest.
This case is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available.
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Joe Lyons •
October 22, 2024
