***UPDATE*** On August 23, Hermanio Joseph, was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a felony of the 4th degree. He was incarcerated into the Clark County Jail. The crash remains under investigation.
GERMAN TOWNSHIP – The Springfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving a school bus in German Township, Clark County. The crash occurred on state Route 41 (Troy Road) near Lawrenceville Road at 8:16 a.m. this morning.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2016 International school bus from the Northwestern Local School District was traveling westbound on state Route 41 when it was struck by a 2010 Honda Odyssey minivan that was traveling eastbound on state Route 41 and went left of center. The school bus subsequently went off the right side of the roadway and overturned as a result of the crash.
One juvenile passenger of the school bus was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The school bus was operated by Alfred E. Collier, 68, Springfield. Collier suffered minor injuries but was not transported. 22 juvenile passengers were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. One juvenile passenger was transported to Children’s Hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries.
The Honda Odyssey was operated by Hermanio Joseph, 35, Springfield. Joseph and his passenger, Roberto Mompremier, 37, Springfield, were transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Springfield Township Fire Department and EMS, German Township Fire Department and EMS, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Coroner’s Office, Clark County Engineer’s Office, Dan’s Towing and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
The crash remains under investigation at this time.
(DELAWARE, Ohio) — A former chief financial officer for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was sentenced to three years in prison today for his role in a broader scheme that defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced.
“Greg Bell caved to temptation to enrich himself and his family at the zoo’s expense,” Yost said. “Let today’s sentence be a warning to those who would dare to rip off taxpayers.”
In addition to the prison time, Delaware County Common Pleas Judge David Gormley ordered Bell to pay $583,697.44 in criminal restitution. Bell previously agreed to pay separate civil restitution to the zoo.
Bell is among four zoo executives indicted after an investigation by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Ohio Auditor’s Office found that zoo funds were misused for personal gain. Bell pleaded guilty on Oct. 19, 2023, to 14 felony charges, including aggravated theft, conspiracy and tampering with records.
As a part of his plea, Bell agreed to cooperate with the investigation and testify against the other zoo executives. Ultimately, former zoo Chief Executive Officer Tom Stalf, former zoo marketing director Pete Fingerhut, and former zoo purchasing agent Tracy Murnane all pleaded guilty. Their sentencings are still to come.
In Bell’s case, prosecutors emphasized in their sentencing memo the ripple effects that occur when charitable dollars are misused:
“Charities and nonprofits play a crucial role in the state of Ohio, and those entrusted with the operation of these organizations have a unique responsibility to ensure that charitable assets are safeguarded and used to promote the charitable mission of an organization. When these assets are exploited for the personal benefit of executives and high-ranking employees at a nonprofit, particularly a nonprofit that receives taxpayer money, it erodes the trust that the public has in charitable organizations in the state and frustrates the missions of those organizations.”
The Ohio Attorney General’s Special Prosecution Section led the prosecution at the request of Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel.
FOSTORIA – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a non-injury plane crash that occurred today at approximately 4:07 p.m. near the Fostoria Metropolitan Airport.
The preliminary investigation show ed a Mooney M-20, piloted by James W. Van Hook, 66, Sylvania, made an emergency landing in a field after the engine of the plane lost power. The crash happened approximately one-third of a mile north of the approach end of runway 27, near the intersection of Weaver Road and Ecker Road in Jackson Township.
Van Hook was not injured and the single-engine Mooney sustained minor damage.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and the incident remains under investigation.
Sandusky County – The Fremont Ohio State Highway Patrol Post is currently investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on US 20 east of CR 175 in York Township. The crash occurred today, August 19th, at approximately 2:59 pm.
A black 2002 Buick Rendezvous was northwest on US 20 in the right lane. A black 2020 GMC Arcadia was southeast on US 20 in the left lane. The black GMC Arcadia drifted across the grass median and into the westbound lanes of travel striking the black Buick Rendezvous. The Arcadia then ran off the north side of US 20 and struck a mailbox.
The black 2002 Buick Rendezvous was driven by James A. Langley, age 58 of Fremont. Mr. Langley was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries.
The black 2020 GMC Arcadia was driven by Douglas W. Auck, age 67, of Bellevue. Mr. Auck was also wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and also sustained fatal injuries.
Alcohol/drugged driving do not appear to be factors in this crash investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office, Clyde Fire Department, Sandusky County Coroner’s Office, Sandusky County EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Bubba’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation at this time.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — A serial offender who evaded law enforcement for three decades has been sentenced to life in prison and finally brought to justice, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp announced today.
“Two cases believed to be connected yet seemingly unsolvable have led to a life sentence for the offender, thanks to advances in DNA technology and investigators who never gave up,” Yost said. “At the end of the day, there is no such thing as cold case – just a case that we haven’t found the next lead.”
Robert Edwards, 68, was convicted on July 14 of the 1991 murder of Alma Lake and the 1996 murder of Michelle Dawson-Pass. Edwards was sentenced to life in prison today, without the possibility of parole for 45 years. He was also convicted as a sexually violent predator.
“This is a great example of never giving up and law enforcement agencies working together and sharing resources,” said Sheriff Baldwin. “I know this doesn’t bring the person back, but it does give families answers to what happened to their loved ones.”
Lake, 30, was found deceased on June 3, 1991, lying in the grass on the northwest corner of Olive and Craig streets in Urbancrest. Franklin County deputies worked diligently to collect and preserve evidence at the crime scene, submitting and resubmitting the case to the attorney general’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s (BCI) laboratory as DNA technology advanced. An offender’s DNA profile was ultimately developed and researched but did not immediately lead to the identification of an offender.
Dawson-Pass, 36, was found deceased on Nov. 11, 1996, in a remote area near 1740 James Road in Granville, in Licking County. She was last seen in Franklin County walking south of Kelton Avenue heading to a friend’s house. The Licking County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
For years, despite suspicions that the crimes were connected to the same offender, the homicides remained unsolved. The crimes had brutal similarities: The victims had signs of blunt force trauma and sexual assault, were left in a residential area, and died by asphyxiation.
“This case was solved by boots on the ground, directed by scientists in the lab,” Sheriff Thorp said. “I appreciate the collaboration and coordination from BCI to solve this case.”
In 2020, the sheriff’s offices in Franklin and Licking counties enlisted the assistance of BCI’s Cold Case Unit to apply new technology to the case. BCI’s laboratory conducted advanced DNA analysis, which ultimately led investigators to identify Edwards as the offender in both cases.
While today’s sentencing brings resolution to two cases, investigators believe that Edwards likely has additional victims. Known to reside in Ohio, Georgia and Virginia, Edwards traveled for work and was known to engage in drug use and solicit sex. Any law enforcement agencies or individuals with similar cases are asked to contact BCI at 855-BCI-OHIO or Intel@OhioAGO.gov.
Aug. 10th, “Frank Sinatra” (Jim Stoner) will take the stage, tell stories, and sing songs–and then introduce his longtime partners in Hysterics, Dean Martin (Tim Boysel) and “Sammy Davis Junior” (Scott Johnson)!
The audience will be treated to a true “trip to Vegas” as these three will, sing, laugh and relive memories-
This Special Event is sponsored by the Woodward Opera House, in conjunction with our regular partners, North Main Cafe, The Grand Hotel, Living on the Edge, Mount Vernon Players, Ramser Arboretum and Good Impressions Printing. Thanks to all of our patrons, and thank you Woodward Opera House for being a feature sponsor of this event!
Donations accepted at the door ($10 per person suggested.)
Justice Department Advances Proposed Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities
The Justice Department sent to the Federal Register for publication a notice of proposed rulemaking under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that aims to improve web and mobile applications (apps) access for people with disabilities and clarify how public entities – primarily state and local governments – can meet their existing ADA obligations as many of their activities shift online.
Across the United States, people routinely rely on web and mobile apps to access a variety of vital public programs and services like employment and educational resources, voting information, health and emergency services, parking, and transit schedules. The proposed rule is particularly significant in the wake of the pandemic, as public entities have significantly increased the scope of essential services and programs offered through the web and mobile apps. It is critical for these technologies to be accessible for people with disabilities.
“This marks the first time in the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act that the Justice Department has issued a proposed rule on website accessibility,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This proposed rule seeks to ensure that Americans with disabilities have equal access to the websites and apps that connect them to essential services provided by state and local governments.”
“This proposed rule, which is the culmination of years of work and collaboration, is a historic moment for the Justice Department,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “It will help enshrine the right of Americans with disabilities to access critical information needed to lead safe, productive, and prosperous lives.”
“This proposed rule marks a significant milestone in the Justice Department’s efforts to advance accessibility in the digital sphere,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This groundbreaking moment makes clear our commitment to eradicating the barriers faced by people with disabilities and affording equal access to online government programs and services that people around the country depend on every day. We will continue to use every tool available to ensure that people with disabilities are provided full access to the digital town square.”
As state and local governments continue to move more of their programs and activities online – from applying for permits to checking the status of service requests, registering vehicles, and paying taxes and fees – ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to these same services is essential. When websites and mobile apps are not accessible, they can be difficult or even impossible for people with disabilities to use. This can block people with disabilities from readily accessing important government services and programs that others can quickly and easily obtain online.
The Department is eager to hear from the public and get input from relevant stakeholders on the regulatory proposal set forth in our forthcoming proposed rule. The proposed rule will soon be available for review on the Federal Register’s website at www.federalregister.gov
. A fact sheet that provides information about the proposed rule will soon be available on www.ada.gov. The Department invites the public to submit their comments on the proposed rule once it is published. The comment period will be open for 60 days from the date the proposed rule is published. Public comments can be submitted on www.regulations.gov
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the Department’s website. For more information on the ADA, please call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit the ADA website.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A federal grand jury has indicted a Reynoldsburg man for threatening a reproductive health services facility.
Court documents allege that Mohamed Farah Waes, 33, made telephone threats to a clinic operated by Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. He was indicted on July 11 and arrested today.
According to the indictment, on July 5, 2022, Waes allegedly called the clinic and threatened to burn down the facility and everyone inside it.
The indictment charges Waes with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which makes it a federal crime to threaten the use of force to intimidate anyone receiving or providing reproductive health services. He is also charged with making threatening statements through interstate communications, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison, and threatening to unlawfully damage and destroy a building by means of fire and explosive, which is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
“Threatening the life of anyone who seeks any type of health service is a heinous act that is unacceptable in a civilized society,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker. “People must handle their disagreements with services provided by clinics in a more civil way than using the threat of force or any kind of intimidation.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio, and FBI Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers for the Cincinnati Field Office announced the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Rausch for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney urges religious leaders to remain vigilant against attacks on places of worship & their congregants
CINCINNATI – Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, is urging religious leaders to watch for signs of extremism and learn how to report violent threats or incidents against places of worship and their members.
Parker and members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies recently met with church, mosque, temple and synagogue leaders in Columbus and Cincinnati to discuss best practices for protecting places of worship and their congregants, and how federal and state laws are used to prosecute people who threaten or damage those institutions and engage in other acts of religious violence.
“We want to assist the communities we serve by providing information about best practices for preventing targeted violence and guidance for how houses of worship can protect themselves against acts of vandalism and arson,” Parker told the assembled religious leaders.
Parker was joined at the outreach events by J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Division, Darryck Dean with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service, and investigators with the U.S. Secret Service at both meetings. Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers and Anthony Pierson with the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as intelligence officers with the police departments in Cincinnati and Columbus participated.
If you have information about a possible threat to a place of worship or believe you are a victim of or a witness to a hate crime, you can contact your local law enforcement agency, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI- or submit a tip to tips@fbi.gov. You can also report these or any other potential civil rights violations directly to the U.S. Attorney’s Office using a referral form available at the office’s main website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh, or by leaving a voicemail on our Civil Rights Tip Line at 513-684-2055.
“I will continue to meet with groups concerned about hate-motivated attacks and am dedicated to providing faith-based leaders and congregations with resources like threat assessments and safety plans to help protect our places of sanctuary and blessedness from unjust and unprovoked attacks,” said Parker.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is praising the Federal Communications Commission for imposing a record-breaking $299,997,000 fine against a multiplayer robocall enterprise, marking a notable victory in the collaborative battle against such illegal operations.
“This substantial penalty sends an unequivocal message: Those seeking to exploit and deceive will face severe consequences,” Yost said. “I commend the FCC for its unwavering commitment to this pivotal cause and for standing alongside my office and other states in this unyielding campaign.”
Yost’s lawsuit under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which targeted several entities and individuals associated with the robocall enterprise, in tandem with the FCC’s efforts, has led to an unprecedented 99% reduction in fraudulent auto warranty robocalls according to the FCC.
Joe Lyons •
August 23, 2023
GERMAN TOWNSHIP – The Springfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving a school bus in German Township, Clark County. The crash occurred on state Route 41 (Troy Road) near Lawrenceville Road at 8:16 a.m. this morning.
(DELAWARE, Ohio) — A former chief financial officer for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was sentenced to three years in prison today for his role in a broader scheme that defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced.
FOSTORIA – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a non-injury plane crash that occurred today at approximately 4:07 p.m. near the Fostoria Metropolitan Airport.
Van Hook was not injured and the single-engine Mooney sustained minor damage.
Sandusky County – The Fremont Ohio State Highway Patrol Post is currently investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on US 20 east of CR 175 in York Township. The crash occurred today, August 19th, at approximately 2:59 pm.
SINATRA & FRIENDS MadCap Living History Night
Justice Department Advances Proposed Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A federal grand jury has indicted a Reynoldsburg man for threatening a reproductive health services facility.
U.S. Attorney urges religious leaders to remain vigilant against attacks on places of worship & their congregants
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is praising the Federal Communications Commission for imposing a record-breaking $299,997,000 fine against a multiplayer robocall enterprise, marking a notable victory in the collaborative battle against such illegal operations.