The Truth
Joe Lyons •
February 18, 2024
Joe Lyons
Joe Lyons •
February 18, 2024
Amado Herrera Reyes sentenced to twenty-one and a half years of incarceration
Joe Lyons •
February 17, 2024
On February 12, 2024, Hon. David R. Stimpert, Judge of the Common Pleas Court of Ashland County, Ohio, presided over the sentencing of Amado Herrera Reyes, who had previously pleaded guilty to several sexual offenses on Monday, November 20, 2023. Reyes faced charges including gross sexual imposition, pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, endangering children, and tampering with evidence.
The sentencing hearing, conducted remotely via video, the Defendant represented by Attorney Liz Jones, with Assistant Prosecutor Michael Callow representing the State of Ohio.
After considering statements from both the defense and prosecution, along with any relevant investigation reports and victim impact statements, Judge Stimpert made several determinations regarding Reyes’ sentencing:
Residential Sanctions:
Gross Sexual Imposition (18 months): Reyes was sentenced to eighteen months incarceration under the authority of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (8-12 years): Reyes received a sentence ranging from a minimum of eight years to a maximum of twelve years incarceration.
Illegal Use of a Minor or Impaired Person in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance (6-9 years): Reyes was sentenced to a term ranging from a minimum of six years to a maximum of nine years incarceration.
Endangering Children (6-9 years): Reyes received a sentence ranging from a minimum of six years to a maximum of nine years incarceration.
Tampering with Evidence (30 months): For this offense, Reyes was sentenced to thirty months incarceration.
Sentencing Considerations:
The court deemed consecutive sentences necessary for Counts One, Three, Nine, and Thirteen, citing the seriousness of the conduct and the danger posed by the defendant.
Reyes’ aggregate sentence totaled twenty-one and a half years to a maximum of twenty-four and a half years.
Reyes’ will be classified as a Tier II Sex Offender and is required to register his residence, place of employment and higher education every 180 days for Twenty-Five (25) years.
Post-release control terms were outlined, along with sex offender registration requirements and financial sanctions.
Reyes was granted credit for time served and was remanded to the custody of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office for transportation to a state penal receiving institution.
Previous Published Story: Felony Indictment issued by the Ashland County Grand Jury on Ashland Man
Ashland County Resident Faces Fifty-Count Indictment for Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor
Joe Lyons •
February 17, 2024
Leo Timothy Hoffman Jr., 43, a Ashland County resident, finds himself in the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Jail after a grand jury handed down a fifty-count indictment for Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person.
Hoffman is no stranger to Law Enforcement, having been charged and convicted in November 2021 for Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor or Impaired Person, a felony of the 4th degree, which resulted in him being designated as a Tier II Sex Offender. Represented by Attorney R. Rolf Whitney during his previous case, Hoffman was sentenced to seven months of incarceration.
According to court records, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Detective Crites initiated an investigation following reports of Hoffman possessing child pornography. Hoffman’s parole officer, Chad Campbell, provided Detective Crites with Hoffman’s tablet and phone, which were subsequently analyzed. Detective Crites documented the presence of child pornography on these devices, leading to the filing of fifty counts against Hoffman.
The charges, allege that Hoffman knowingly solicited, received, purchased, exchanged, possessed, or controlled material depicting minors engaging in sexual activity, masturbation, or bestiality. These actions, as outlined in Section 2907.322(A)(5), 2907.322(C) of the Ohio Revised Code, constitute a felony of the fourth degree. The indictment specifies that the offenses occurred on or about January 16, 2023, within Ashland County, Ohio.
With a bond set at $25,000.00, Hoffman faces the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence. A trial date has been scheduled for May 7, 2024, at 08:30 AM, Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors continue to prioritize investigations and prosecutions aimed at safeguarding vulnerable individuals from harm.
A Night to Remember: Vietnam Era Veterans Reunion and Dinner with Patrick McLaughlin
Joe Lyons •
February 17, 2024
Are you ready to step back in time and honor the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War? If so, mark your calendars for the Vietnam Era Veterans Reunion and Dinner, taking place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Ashland Eagles located at 400 Eastlake Drive in Ashland. This special event is set to welcome guest speaker Patrick McLaughlin, a Vietnam Veteran from the 1st Infantry Division who served in 1966-1967.
Guest Speaker: Patrick McLaughlin
Patrick McLaughlin, the author of “Cheerful Obedience,” will be sharing his experiences and insights during the Vietnam Era Veterans Reunion and Dinner. As a Vietnam Veteran who bravely served his country, McLaughlin’s perspective is not only informative but also deeply moving. His book, “Cheerful Obedience,” chronicles his time in Vietnam and offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced by those who served during this tumultuous era.
Cheerful Obedience by Patrick McLaughlin
“Cheerful Obedience” by Patrick McLaughlin is a gripping account of his time serving in Vietnam. Navigating the stormy seas of the 1960s was no easy feat, especially with the looming presence of the Vietnam War. Against all odds, Conor Patrick McKall volunteered for the draft, ultimately finding himself immersed in the chaos and uncertainty of war.
Experience the Unforgettable
McKall’s journey takes readers on a emotional and unforgettable ride through jungles, rice paddies, and rubber plantations. As he assumes the role of an infantry squad leader, responsibility weighs heavy on his shoulders. The camaraderie forged in the face of danger, particularly with fellow soldier Jack “Red” Sheridan, highlights the bonds that were formed and the sacrifices made during this turbulent time.
A Glimpse into History
From encounters with black panthers to the challenges of navigating the complexities of war, McKall’s experiences offer a raw and unfiltered look at life during the Vietnam War. The heart-wrenching moments and the resilience displayed by those who served paint a vivid picture of a time marked by both tragedy and triumph.
Tickets and Reservations
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this unforgettable evening. Tickets for the Vietnam Era Veterans Reunion and Dinner are available for $10. With limited seating available, it’s essential to call early to secure your spot. For reservations and more information, please contact 419-289-1454.
The Vietnam Era Veterans Reunion and Dinner is a unique opportunity to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War. With guest speaker Patrick McLaughlin and his book “Cheerful Obedience” taking center stage, attendees are in for a night filled with stories of courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie. Don’t miss this chance to honor our veterans and gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices they made. Join us on March 30, 2024, for an unforgettable evening of remembrance and celebration.
Is Ohio Governor DeWine Just Making Excuses for Issuing Reprieves Blaming Drug Supplies
Joe Lyons •
February 16, 2024
Today, Governor DeWine of Ohio has once again issued a reprieve, this time for Timothy L. Hoffner. Hoffner was scheduled to be executed on June 18, 2024, but his execution date has now been moved to July 14, 2027. The reprieve comes after a similar action taken Oct 13 2023 by Governor DeWine for another inmate, Archie J. Dixon, who was previously sentenced to death for his involvement in a brutal murder.
Timothy L. Hoffner
Governor DeWine’s reprieve
Governor DeWine’s claims his decision to issue a reprieve to Archie J. Dixon, and now to Timothy L. Hoffner, stems from the ongoing challenges faced by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) in obtaining the necessary drugs for executions. According to Governor DeWine, pharmaceutical suppliers have been reluctant to provide drugs to the DRC, citing concerns about the safety of Ohioans.
The struggle with pharmaceutical suppliers
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) protocol requires specific drugs for executions. However, securing these drugs has become increasingly difficult. Pharmaceutical suppliers are hesitant to provide the necessary drugs for execution, fearing backlash from the public and potential damage to their reputation. This unwillingness to supply the drugs has created a roadblock for the DRC, leading to reprieves being issued by Governor DeWine or so he says.
The impact on victims’ families
The ongoing struggle to obtain the necessary drugs for executions not only affects the justice system but also has a profound impact on the families of the victims. The families of the victims have been waiting for justice to be served for years, only to face delays and uncertainty due to these ongoing issues. The emotional toll on the families cannot be understated, as they are forced to relive the trauma of their loved ones’ murder with each reprieve.
The Murder of Christopher Hammer
The story behind the brutal murder of Christopher Hammer is one that shocks the conscience.
According to My Crime Library, Hammer was a friend and former housemate of Archie J. Dixon. On September 22, 1993, Dixon and his partner, Timothy Hoffner, brutally beat Hammer, tied him to a bed, and stole his wallet and car. The duo then drove Hammer to a remote area, where they buried him alive in a shallow grave, leaving him to die a horrific death.
Dixon was subsequently convicted of aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, and kidnapping of Hammer, and was sentenced to death. His partner Hoffner received the same sentence. However, Governor DeWine later issued a reprieve to Dixon, citing the ongoing challenges in acquiring the necessary drugs for executions as the reason.
Archie J. Dixon
Read about the Crime here.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Issues a Level 1 Snow Emergency
Joe Lyons •
February 16, 2024
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff E. Wayne Risner has just Issues a Level 1 Snow Emergency for Ashland County
LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways
Level 3: Snow Emergency, all roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. ODOT says no one should drive during these condition unless absolutely necessary or in the case of a personal emergency. Individuals should call their employers to see if they should report to work
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Dollar General settlement brings help to Ohioans
Joe Lyons •
February 15, 2024
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced that the bulk of a $1 million settlement with Dollar General would go to food banks or other hunger-relief organizations in each of the state’s 88 counties.
Under an agreement reached between Yost’s office and Dollar General, $750,000 of the settlement money was distributed to food banks for the purchase and distribution of food and/or personal-care items. Each county auditor chose the beneficiaries in his or her county to receive the funds.
Dollar General, a Tennessee-based discount retail chain with more than 980 stores in Ohio, charged more for some items at the register than the price marked on the shelves, and failed to adjust for the lower price when customers pointed it out.
County auditors conduct inspections at retail businesses to make sure products ring up at the correct price. The Dollar General case originated in Butler County, and many other auditors eventually uncovered similar errors upon inspecting Dollar General stores in their counties.
In addition to monetary relief, the settlement requires Dollar General to make various changes to ensure that its products ring up at the correct price:
It must staff its stores sufficiently to keep shelf tags updated.
If a consumer points out that the register price is higher than the shelf price, the checkout clerk must adjust the price to match the shelf tag; in addition, the shelf tag must corrected within 24 hours.
District managers must conduct random price checks every 45 days.
Stores that receive three “failed” auditors reports within six months must complete a full-store assessment and check the price of every item in the store to ensure accuracy.
The company also must educate all employees about this policy and post signs in its Ohio stores informing customers of the same.
Ohioans who suspect unfair business practices should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
Applications for SHF Scholastic Awards Available Now
Joe Lyons •
February 15, 2024
The Board of Directors of Samaritan Hospital Foundation is pleased to again offer scholastic awards to persons residing in Ashland County or UH Samaritan Medical Center employees or immediate family members. To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted in an accredited program in the areas of nursing, medicine or allied medical studies.
Completed applications must be returned with appropriate grade transcripts by April 19, 2024, to the Samaritan Hospital Foundation, Attn: Mona Campbell, at 663 East Main Street in Ashland, Ohio.
Scholastic Award applications for the 2024-25 academic year are available at www.samaritanhospitalfoundation.org and at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center, 1025 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio, at the main lobby reception desk.
Applications are also available at Samaritan Hospital Foundation at 663 E. Main Street, Ashland, Ohio, or by contacting the Foundation office at 419-207-7900. Recipients will be notified in late May.
Columbus man sentenced to more than 14 years in prison for attempting to support terrorist plot to murder former President
Joe Lyons •
February 15, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Iraqi citizen living in Columbus was sentenced in federal court here today to 178 months in prison for attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization as part of a plot to murder former United States President George W. Bush.
Shihab Ahmed Shihab Shihab, 53, believed the former President was responsible for killing many Iraqis and breaking apart the entire country of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The defendant’s own life changed during and after the war and he proudly assisted in this plot.
Shihab originally entered the United States in September 2020 and primarily resided in Columbus from December 2020 until his arrest in May 2022. Throughout much of that time, Shihab attempted to provide material support to terrorists in furtherance of a plot to assassinate former President George W. Bush.
Shihab hoped to smuggle at least four Iraqis associated with ISIS into the United States with the goal of completing the assassination. In fact, in the fall of 2021, Shihab believed he successfully smuggled an ISIS member into the United States for a fee of $40,000. Shihab accepted tens of thousands of dollars for the purported smuggling. In reality, the individual was fictitious, and the interaction was coordinated under the direction of the FBI.
In furtherance of the assassination plot, Shihab traveled to Dallas in February 2022 to conduct surveillance of locations associated with the former President. For example, he recorded videos of the front access gate and surrounding area leading into the neighborhood of the former President’s home.
In March 2022, Shihab met with others in a hotel room in Columbus to look at sample firearms and law enforcement uniforms.
Shihab required the use of burner phones, encrypted communication applications and code names as plans evolved.
Shihab was arrested by FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force agents in May 2022. He pleaded guilty in March 2023 to attempting to provide material support to terrorists. Shihab was also sentenced today to a lifetime of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, National Security Division; Cheryl Mimura, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Yvonne Dicristoforo, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Deputy Criminal Chief Jessica W. Knight and Trial Attorney Frank Russo from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division are representing the United States in this case.
MWCD Accepts First Place Award for Trails Program
Joe Lyons •
February 15, 2024
Staff from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) recently attended the Ohio Park and Recreation Association (OPRA) annual conference in Sandusky, Ohio. During the conference, the OPRA Annual Awards of Excellence were presented at a banquet hosted by the association on February 6, 2024.
The MWCD was proud to accept a 1st place award in the health and wellness category for a new initiative in 2023, “Capture the Canvas”. The awards are judged by a panel of parks and recreation professionals from around Ohio.
“Parks and recreation professionals throughout Ohio work every day to improve the quality of life of the people they serve,” said OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward. “This effort is a shining example of that kind of work, and we are pleased to be able to present this award.”
Capture the Canvas was created with the intention to bring artwork to MWCD trails and increase awareness of the trail system. MWCD also sought participation from local schools to strengthen community partnerships and showcase the artwork of area students.
“I am immensely proud of our organization’s dedication to creating and maintaining a trail system throughout the Muskingum Watershed district for the betterment of residents and guests to our area,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “Receiving this award not only recognizes our hard work, but also underscores the profound impact our trails have on communities, recreation, and conservation.”
Once on the trail, users were encouraged to find the canvas, capture a “selfie”, and upload it to the MWCD website for a chance to win one of three prizes including $1,000 cash donated by Encino Energy, a weekend stay a deluxe log cabin at Pleasant Hill Lake Park, and a full-day pontoon rental from an MWCD operated marina. Counters on the trails documented 6,702 people between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The prize winners included Robert Calhoun, Stephanie Brinkman, and Kimberly Kress.
Five high schools created original pieces for this program. The canvases were beautiful pieces of art ranging from nature, birds, bears, and outdoor fantasy.
The MWCD has committed to increase trail accessibility to all people in the coming years by not only building new trails on MWCD property, but also through a partnership with the Buckeye Trail Association. Public surveys and feedback from neighboring communities and park guests have consistently emphasized the importance of trails. The MWCD has invested over a million dollars in trail development over the last five years.
Capture the Canvas 2024 will kick-off on May 24 and conclude on Monday, September 2, 2024. Follow MWCD online at www.mwcd.org and on Facebook and Instagram for more information about how to register and prize opportunities the upcoming promotion.
Photo Award Photo: Woody Woodward, OPRA Executive Director, Eric Stechschulte, Dylan Sayre, Aaron Stump, and Nate Eppink, OPRA Board President
Prize Winner “Selfies” submitted from the promotion: 1st place – Robert Calhoun, 2nd Place- Stephanie Brinkman, 3rd Place- Kimberly Kress
