In a heartfelt gesture of support, the Norma Foundation has once again extended its helping hand to law enforcement, this time with the creation of “The Resiliency Room” at the Ashland Police Division. This innovative space serves as a sanctuary for officers and deputies, and Dispatchers offering a much-needed rest from the rigors of their demanding profession.
Designed as a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, “The Resiliency Room” addresses the daily stressors faced by law enforcement personnel. In recognition of the long hours and intense pressures inherent in their roles, the foundation has transformed what once were holding cells into a tranquil retreat, complete with massage chair, cozy couches, and soothing fragrances.
Yesterday’s unveiling of this sanctuary proved to be an instance hit among the Officers and Deputies alike, producing a resounding response of gratitude and enthusiasm. Chief of Police David A. Lay emphasized the vital importance of wellness programs for first responders, noting the unique challenges they confront on a daily basis. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Norma Foundation for their unwavering commitment to supporting public safety initiatives, which directly benefit the welfare and security of Ashland residents.
Mayor Matt Miller echoed Chief Lay’s sentiments, underscoring the significance of “The Resiliency Room” in providing officers with the means to decompress and refocus after high-stress situations. He praised the foundation for their continued generosity and support, citing their previous contributions toward providing essential equipment like body cameras for law enforcement personnel.
Ashland County Sheriff E. Wayne Risner commended the foundation’s efforts in creating this invaluable resource, describing the room as “absolutely beautiful” and expressing confidence in its positive impact on local law enforcement. He extended heartfelt thanks to Chief Lay and his team for their collaboration in bringing this vision to fruition.
As “The Resiliency Room” opens its doors, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and compassion that defines Ashland. In offering a space for self-care and rejuvenation, the Norma Foundation has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to empowering those who serve and protect our community.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Attorney General Dave Yost today issued Ohio’s annual report on concealed handgun licensing, showing that a total of 90,582 permits were issued in the state in 2023.
According to the statistics reported to the Attorney General’s Office, county sheriffs issued 15,581 new licenses and 75,001 renewals. Permit holders who wish to renew their licenses must do so every five years.
On June 13, 2022, changes to the law allowed qualifying Ohioans to carry a concealed handgun without a permit while also preserving the permitting system.
Under Ohio law, county sheriffs are responsible for issuing concealed-carry licenses and renewing them, as well as suspending and revoking licenses. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office compiles this annual report, as required by law, about the number of licenses issued each year.
Each sheriff must report concealed handgun license statistics quarterly to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission within the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Ohio county sheriffs began issuing concealed-carry licenses in 2004.
To learn more about Ohio’s concealed-carry laws or to view this year’s report and other statistics, please visit Ohio Attorney General Concealed Carry.
Scammers have recently intensified their efforts in Ashland and Richland Counties, prompting the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office to issue a SCAM ALERT.
Reports have surfaced indicating that individuals are calling residents in the Ashland area, impersonating various members of the Sheriff’s Office. One of the callback numbers provided was 419-558-6546, which is not associated with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. The recorded message delivered through this number is not from any legitimate source within the ACSO.
These scammers possess alarming capabilities to gather personal information, enabling them to craft convincing narratives. It’s crucial not to rely solely on caller ID, as it can be easily manipulated. Moreover, scammers may exploit the identities of current or former deputies and officers, making their calls appear genuine. These deceptive tactics aim to unsettle recipients, making them more susceptible to compliance with fraudulent demands.
It is imperative to remain vigilant and remember the following: Phone Scams
Genuine deputies or officers will never threaten immediate arrest unless fines are paid.
Legitimate law enforcement personnel will never request payment via prepaid money cards or gift cards.
Warrants will never be resolved over the phone in exchange for payment.
To safeguard against such scams, refrain from disclosing any personal information to the caller, including financial details. Refuse to comply with their demands and promptly terminate the call.
For comprehensive information on recognizing and combating phone scams, visit the provided link.
Captain Donald Sims of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the prevalence of scams in the community, resulting in financial losses and emotional distress for citizens. Recognizing the warning signs is crucial; demands for payment in gift cards or immediate transactions should raise suspicion. Legitimate government agencies do not engage in such practices and do not solicit payments over the phone.
Common phone scams to be wary of include spoofing, blackmail, tax scams, false arrest warrants, social security scams, and more. To protect yourself:
Strengthen privacy settings on social media platforms.
Never share sensitive information like debit card PINs.
Avoid carrying your Social Security card.
Exercise caution with peer-to-peer payment apps like CashApp and Venmo.
Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is.
Furthermore, refrain from withdrawing large sums of money without verifying the legitimacy of the request. Face-to-face transactions are advised when in doubt, and individuals are encouraged to visit the Sheriff’s Office or other local authorities for assistance.
The Mansfield Division of Police issued a similar warning, cautioning residents about potential telephone scams involving impersonation of law enforcement officers. Residents have reported receiving calls demanding payment for fines, under threat of arrest. The Mansfield Police Department stresses that they never solicit fine payments via phone calls. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to the Division’s non-emergency line and cooperate with ongoing investigations.
Together, let’s remain vigilant and united against scammers, ensuring the safety and security of our communities.
“Oh, how I longed to introduce Joseph to my friend John,” I reminisce. With John residing in a pet-friendly apartment, the opportunity for a puppy rendezvous presented itself, and off we ventured. Joseph, intuitively sensing his new companion, wasted no time in making himself at home. He gracefully maneuvered onto John’s substantial wheelchair, showered him with affectionate licks, and nestled snugly into his lap for a serene morning nap.
Our adventures didn’t end there. Eager to spread joy beyond our circle, we decided to pay a visit to a local nursing home. Maneuvering through the labyrinthine hallways, replete with wheelchairs and stretchers bearing the weight of elderly and infirm residents, felt like navigating a challenging obstacle course. Adjusting Joseph’s leash, we commenced our journey down the corridor. Suddenly, a clamor erupted, “A dog! A dog!” In an instant, we found ourselves encircled by wheelchair-bound patients, each eager to make the acquaintance of Joseph.
Squatting down, I enveloped Joseph in a protective embrace. He leaned into me reassuringly as a young man, his eyes gleaming with excitement, hastened toward us. With an awkward yet endearing gesture, he extended his hand to tenderly pat Joseph, erupting into fits of joyous laughter. Soon after, an elderly lady approached, her eyes brimming with nostalgia. “May I pet him too?” she inquired softly. Joseph, ever the gentle soul, obliged, eliciting fond memories from the lady. “He’s so soft,” she mused, “I once had a dog named Joy.”
As Joseph continued his rounds, more residents joined in, each sharing their own tales and laughter. With each interaction, Joseph’s demeanor seemed to elevate, his spirits soaring as he pranced about, his head held high, basking in the adoration he received.
Upon our departure, a profound sense of contentment enveloped us. I made a silent vow to return and witness those radiant smiles more often, reflecting on the invaluable lesson my furry companion had imparted. Back home, Joseph retreated to his bed, his weary yet satisfied frame a testament to the joy he had spread. What a remarkable companion he was! I couldn’t help but wonder who we would encounter on our next excursion.
“Oh, how I longed to introduce Joseph to my friend John,” I reminisce. With John residing in a pet-friendly apartment, the opportunity for a puppy rendezvous presented itself, and off we ventured. Joseph, intuitively sensing his new companion, wasted no time in making himself at home. He gracefully maneuvered onto John’s substantial wheelchair, showered him with affectionate licks, and nestled snugly into his lap for a serene morning nap.
Our adventures didn’t end there. Eager to spread joy beyond our circle, we decided to pay a visit to a local nursing home. Maneuvering through the labyrinthine hallways, replete with wheelchairs and stretchers bearing the weight of elderly and infirm residents, felt like navigating a challenging obstacle course. Adjusting Joseph’s leash, we commenced our journey down the corridor. Suddenly, a clamor erupted, “A dog! A dog!” In an instant, we found ourselves encircled by wheelchair-bound patients, each eager to make the acquaintance of Joseph.
Squatting down, I enveloped Joseph in a protective embrace. He leaned into me reassuringly as a young man, his eyes gleaming with excitement, hastened toward us. With an awkward yet endearing gesture, he extended his hand to tenderly pat Joseph, erupting into fits of joyous laughter. Soon after, an elderly lady approached, her eyes brimming with nostalgia. “May I pet him too?” she inquired softly. Joseph, ever the gentle soul, obliged, eliciting fond memories from the lady. “He’s so soft,” she mused, “I once had a dog named Joy.”
As Joseph continued his rounds, more residents joined in, each sharing their own tales and laughter. With each interaction, Joseph’s demeanor seemed to elevate, his spirits soaring as he pranced about, his head held high, basking in the adoration he received.
Upon our departure, a profound sense of contentment enveloped us. I made a silent vow to return and witness those radiant smiles more often, reflecting on the invaluable lesson my furry companion had imparted. Back home, Joseph retreated to his bed, his weary yet satisfied frame a testament to the joy he had spread. What a remarkable companion he was! I couldn’t help but wonder who we would encounter on our next excursion.
Blessings,
Dianne Hammontree
Secretary of Homeward Bound, Inc.
WASHINGTON ― Arrests by the Drug Enforcement Administration for fentanyl offenses exceeded those for heroin offenses for the first time in fiscal year 2021, according to a new Bureau of Justice Statistics report, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Other Opioid Offenses in Federal Courts, 2021. During FY 2021, the DEA made 3,138 arrests for fentanyl, 2,591 arrests for heroin and 676 arrests for other opioid offenses. From FY 2020 to FY 2021, there was a 36% increase in arrests made by the DEA for fentanyl and a 29% decrease in arrests for heroin.
The DEA also reported an increase (1,528 arrests, or 6%) in total drug arrests from FY 2020 to FY 2021. Fentanyl arrests made up 11% of that total; heroin, 9%; and other opioids, 2%. The majority (55%) of drug arrests were for methamphetamine (33%) and cocaine (22%).
Arrests for heroin, fentanyl and other opioids increased from 4,830 in FY 2001 to a peak of 8,258 in 2015, then declined to 6,405 in FY 2021. Of the 6,405 total persons arrested by the DEA for opioids as the primary drug in FY 2021, 52% were ages 21 to 34, while 11% were age 50 or older and 5% were age 20 or younger. Males made up 80% and females 20% of persons arrested for opioids.
In FY 2021, 1,679 persons were sentenced for drug offenses involving fentanyl—a 45% increase from FY 2020.
“Beyond the overall increase in fentanyl sentences from FY 2020, looking at regional patterns in FY 2021, sentences imposed for drug offenses involving heroin, fentanyl and other opioids made up a larger share of drug sentences imposed in northeastern states than in other regions,” said Kevin M. Scott, Ph.D., BJS Acting Director. “Most persons sentenced for heroin, fentanyl and other opioids (97%) were sentenced for drug trafficking.”
Males accounted for 82% of persons sentenced for a drug offense involving opioids in FY 2021 and females accounted for 18%. The majority (77%) of persons sentenced in FY 2021 for drug offenses involving heroin, fentanyl or other opioids as the primary drug were Hispanic (39%) or black (38%), with white (21%); American Indian (1%); and Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (1%) comprising the remainder.
Most (86%) persons sentenced for opioid-related drug offenses were U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens comprised 14% of persons sentenced for a drug offense involving opioids, with 7% being citizens of Mexico, followed by 4% with citizenship in a Caribbean country.
Of those individuals sentenced for an opioid-related offense, 89% received a prison term. Most persons sentenced for drug offenses involving heroin (89%) or fentanyl (87%) had a prior criminal history at sentencing and received a median prison term of 46 months. Persons sentenced for oxycodone received a median prison term of 26 months, and those sentenced for hydrocodone received a median term of 24 months. Among individuals sentenced for any opioid-related offense, 67% received a shorter sentence than the guideline range.
These and other findings are from BJS’s Federal Justice Statistics Program, which collects data from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, Federal Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Sentencing Commission.
Heroin, Fentanyl, and Other Opioid Offenses in Federal Courts, 2021, written by BJS Statistician Mark Motivans, Ph.D.; related documents; and additional information about BJS’s statistical publications and programs are available on the BJS website at bjs.ojp.gov.
WASHINGTON ― In 2021, about 23.9 million U.S. residents age 16 or older (9% of the population) had experienced identity theft in the past 12 months, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ new report Victims of Identity Theft, 2021. As of 2021, about 1 in 5 persons (22%) had experienced identity theft in their lifetime.
In 2021, almost 4% of people had their credit card misused, while 3% had their bank account misused. Two percent experienced misuse of their email or social media account. Nearly 1% had their personal information misused for fraudulent purposes, such as getting medical care or applying for a job or government benefits. Less than 1% had their personal information misused to open a new account.
Consequences of identity-theft victimization varied by the type of crime victims experienced. A majority of victims (56%) spent 1 day or less resolving financial or credit problems associated with their most recent identity theft. About 7% of identity-theft victims reported the incident to law enforcement, and 67% of victims contacted a credit card company or bank. On average, victims sustained direct financial losses of $880. Victims of new account misuse ($3,430) had higher direct losses on average compared to victims of bank account ($670) and credit card misuse ($620).
“While about 6 in 10 (59%) victims of identity-theft incidents in 2021 had financial losses of $1 or more, those losses totaled $16.4 billion” noted Kevin M. Scott, PhD, Acting Director of BJS. “In addition, 10% of identity-theft victims in 2021 were severely distressed as a result of the crime.”
Findings are from the 2021 Identity Theft Supplement (ITS) to the National Crime Victimization Survey. From July through December 2021, the ITS collected data from persons about their experience with identity theft during the 12 months before the interview. The 2021 ITS featured a redesigned questionnaire, aimed at improving the quality of data collected and modernizing the survey content. These changes include excluding attempted incidents of identity theft, collecting the month and year of the most recent occurrence of each type of identity theft and adding the misuse of an existing email or social media account as a separate type of identity theft.
“These changes resulted in several improvements to the ITS questionnaire,” Dr. Scott explained. “For example, the new questionnaire allows for reducing the number of incidents reported that occurred outside the survey window. It also decreases respondent burden by streamlining the information requested.”
BJS is also releasing the complementary third-party report, Assessing the Measurement of Identity Theft through the Identity Theft Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey, produced for BJS by RTI International, which describes efforts to assess potential sources of measurement error in the ITS.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Terrence Ison. Ison is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Adult Parole Authority on a parole violation on the original charge of aggravated burglary and weapons under disability. Ison 40, is described as a black male with black hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall. Ison has ties to the city of Mansfield.
Terrence Ison
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.
Devin Cramer
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Seth Hinton. Hinton is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for illegal conveyance of drugs. Hinton, 24, is described as a white male with blond hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. Hively has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Ashland, and Columbus.
Seth Hinton
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.
Quinness Howell
If you have any information in reference to Terrence Ison, Devin Cramer, Seth Hinton, 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.
On Sunday, February 25th, 2024, the Shelby Police Department received a report of a fight with possible shots fired in the area of 35 Walnut Street.
Officers were advised that there was possibly one victim and that the suspect had fled the area.
After receiving treatment at OhioHealth Shelby, the victim was released.
The victim also indicated that the he had been in a fight with the suspect and that the suspect fired a shot at him with a handgun. The suspect was located and surrendered without incident.
After consultation with the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office, the suspect was charged with Felonious Assault and subsequently incarcerated in the Richland County Jail.
No one was struck or injured as a result of the suspect’s discharge of the firearm.
The suspect has been identified as Darrell Hall age 62, of Shelby. He is incarcerated pending appearance in Shelby Municipal Court
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(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Attorney General Dave Yost today issued Ohio’s annual report on concealed handgun licensing, showing that a total of 90,582 permits were issued in the state in 2023.
Scammers have recently intensified their efforts in Ashland and Richland Counties, prompting the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office to issue a SCAM ALERT.
WASHINGTON ― Arrests by the Drug Enforcement Administration for fentanyl offenses exceeded those for heroin offenses for the first time in fiscal year 2021, according to a new Bureau of Justice Statistics report, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Other Opioid Offenses in Federal Courts, 2021. During FY 2021, the DEA made 3,138 arrests for fentanyl, 2,591 arrests for heroin and 676 arrests for other opioid offenses. From FY 2020 to FY 2021, there was a 36% increase in arrests made by the DEA for fentanyl and a 29% decrease in arrests for heroin.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for information which would lead to the capture of fugitive Seth Hinton. Hinton is wanted U.S. Marshals Service and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for illegal conveyance of drugs. Hinton, 24, is described as a white male with blond hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. Hively has ties to the cities of Mansfield, Ashland, and Columbus.
On Sunday, February 25th, 2024, the Shelby Police Department received a report of a fight with possible shots fired in the area of 35 Walnut Street.