(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Artificial intelligence threatens a new kind of sexual abuse of children, and Attorney General Dave Yost—and every state attorney general in America—are urging Congress to act swiftly.
In a letter sent today to congressional leaders, Yost and his counterparts raise concerns about the many ways that AI technology can be misused to exploit children, particularly by creating child sex abuse material.
“One day in the near future, a child molester will be able to use AI to generate a deepfake video of the child down the street performing a sex act of their choosing,” Yost predicted. “The time to prevent this is now, before it happens.”
Citing concerns that AI is creating a “new frontier for abuse,” the attorneys general ask Congress to establish an expert commission to study how the technology can be misused at the expense of children. They request that Congress consider the commission’s recommendations and take action to address the problem, such as by expanding restrictions on child sex abuse material to cover AI-generated content.
Ill-intentioned users of AI technology can create images of child sex abuse by simply typing a short description of what they want to see. The technology can superimpose the face of one person onto the body of another, creating deepfake images that combine photos of victimized children with photos of otherwise unvictimized children.
In other cases, the technology can generate images of sex abuse depicting children who do not actually exist. This is equally problematic, the attorneys general write, because some AI technology relies on images of real victims as source material for the fabricated images. Such images also “support the growth of the child exploitation market by normalizing child abuse and stoking the appetites of those who seek to sexualize children,” the letter says.
“Graphic depiction of child sexual abuse only feeds evil desires,” Yost said. “A society that fails to protect its children literally has no future.”
The attorneys general draw attention to additional concerns that misuse of AI technology can jeopardize the safety and privacy of children by predicting their location or mimicking their voices.
The letter stresses the urgent need for congressional action, saying “the proverbial walls of the city have already been breached. Now is the time to act.”
It’s a challenge that law enforcement officers often face — how to help military veterans who are homeless or addicted to drugs or battling psychological demons, or all the above.
With the ongoing support and encouragement of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, more law enforcement agencies in the state are now considering how to better help veterans in crisis by using the vets they have on staff and the resources in their communities.
In one case, in Stark County, more than 20 agencies are teaming with government and community partners to launch a veterans response program in the next several months. Meanwhile, other agencies across the state are in the early stages of discussion with the Attorney General’s Office.
All these efforts, in one way or another, are the outgrowth of programs that have already taken root — programs that are uniquely adapted to the needs and resources of their communities.
The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, for example, has focused on vets locked up in the county jail. The Cincinnati Police Department, which started its Military Liaison Group in 2014, emphasizes outreach by cops on the beat. And the Dayton Police Department works with the Dayton VA Medical Center to incorporate veteran-specific training for its crisis intervention team, which dates to 2002.
“My office is here to help law enforcement agencies understand how this concept can work for their situation,” Attorney General Dave Yost said. “This is not a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach. In the end, the best way to help vets in crisis is to involve the key players in a community.”
The push to expand local veterans response programs has been a collaborative effort involving Yost and Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy, a former police officer. Regional directors from the Attorney General’s Office work directly with law enforcement agencies to find out whether they operate veterans response programs and, if not, how they can help them start one.
The AG’s team has created a quick reference guide for starting a veterans response program. To that end, regional directors also frequently sit in on the initial organizational meetings. Additionally, the AG’s office offers military pins for veterans response programs so officers can indicate their branch of military service — a small detail that often opens the door to better communication with struggling veterans. Training is another important area, so the team is working with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy to provide a free video course on dealing with vets in crisis.
Ohio has the fifth-largest veteran population in the United States — nearly 730,000. Research shows that troops of the post-9/11 era have had more frequent and longer deployments, higher levels of exposure to combat, and a higher incidence of serious disability, including post-traumatic stress, than did their predecessors. It follows, then, that veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have significantly higher rates of suicide and mental illness, homelessness, and drug and alcohol dependence than the civilian population.
Tragically, this is true despite the government and non-government services that exists for veterans — a safety net that also includes 29 veterans treatment courts in Ohio that collaborate with local Veterans Affairs offices.
The problem is, a lot of veterans don’t know what resources exist or how to access them. And many have no idea about the health care benefits they’re entitled to.
Law enforcement agencies are a logical means of connecting with veterans, both to direct them to resources and help defuse crisis situations.
Officials in Lucas and Stark counties developed their programs in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office and after consulting other agencies, including the Cincinnati PD’s Military Liaison Group.
Dave Corlett, who helped start the group nine years ago as a patrol sergeant, served in the military and knew firsthand that vets in crisis respond better to fellow vets.
“I’d tell them, ‘I’m not here as the police. I’m here as your brother veteran,’ ” he said.
Corlett’s first order of business was to connect with the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Hamilton County Veterans Treatment Court, where he came to know the presiding judge and the Veterans Justice Outreach worker. All were instrumental to the success of the Military Liaison Group.
Corlett also knew that he needed help from outside the VA community.
“We found we were dealing with a lot of veterans who weren’t eligible for VA care,” he said. “So we had to develop a network of nonprofits that were willing to help any veteran regardless of their circumstances.”
All officers underwent training to learn about the Military Liaison Group’s purpose, how to recognize post-traumatic stress, how to de-escalate volatile situations, what information to pass out, and how to get in touch with the 10-person team.
In Lucas County, deputy sheriffs, like their counterparts in Cincinnati, wear military insignia and provide information on mental health, substance abuse and housing services. Because the sheriff’s office runs the county jail, though, they also work with vets who end up behind bars.
For starters, the jail’s technology team revised the booking process so that names of inmates who served in the military are automatically sent to the county Veterans Services Commission, the Toledo Veterans Treatment Court, and the VA health center in Ann Arbor, Michigan — ensuring that they don’t fall through the cracks.
To hammer home the message, three sergeants — all veterans — meet one-on-one with incarcerated vets every two weeks.
“What our sergeants are trying to get across is, ‘Yes, I have a badge and you’re in an inmate jumpsuit, but we both come from the same place,’ ” said Maj. Tricia White, who oversees the program started by Sheriff John Tharp before he left office in 2020.
In Stark County, meanwhile, Andrew Turowski, the police chief and assistant city manager of Louisville, is leading a countywide coalition of 20+ law enforcement agencies.
The initiative began slightly more than a year ago after representatives of the Attorney General’s Office met with Judge Taryn Heath of the Stark County Honor Court to discuss veterans response programs. Judge Heath then broached the idea to the county Police Chiefs Association, citing the success of the Military Liaison Group in Cincinnati. The collaboration now includes the county’s Veterans Service Commission, Criminal Justice Information System, and the Mental Health and Addiction Services Board, as well as the Attorney General’s Office.
In addition to issuing military pins and training officers to deal with veterans in crisis, the program will work closely with the county Criminal Justice Information System. The system integrates data from all courts of record in Stark County into one database, which the Veterans Service Commission can then access to reach out to vets and provide services.
Turowski said law enforcement agencies are enthusiastic, and he expects the program to roll out fully in the next several months.
“We’re full steam ahead,” he said. “We want our veterans to get the support they need to be productive members of society. We owe them that.”
(Castalia) – Earlier today, a portion of two state routes in Erie and Huron counties were dedicated to two Ohio State Highway Patrol patrolmen who died in the line of duty more than 80 years ago.
The eastbound and westbound lanes of state Route 113, between State Routes 4 and 99 in Erie and Huron counties were dedicated as the Patrolman Leroy S. Bedell Memorial Highway.
Patrolman Bedell was killed in a motorcycle crash on August 20, 1935, when a dog lunged at his motorcycle on state Route 113, which was formerly state Route 59. Patrolman Bedell attempted to take evasive action to avoid striking the animal, which resulted in him losing control of the motorcycle and crashing. He was the second person in Patrol history killed in the line of duty.
The northbound and southbound lanes of state Route 269, between Potter and Parker roads in Erie County were dedicated as the Patrolman Paul L. McManis Memorial Highway. Patrolman McManis was killed in a crash on September 28, 1941, while responding to a call. He was the ninth line-of-duty death in Patrol history.
Today’s highway dedications are a fitting tribute to two men who made the ultimate sacrifice to the state of Ohio,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — A pilot program that helps law enforcement track and solve crimes in real time using live-video feeds has been extended through June 2024, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
The program, called TALEN (Technology Anonymized Law Enforcement Notification), was launched in August of 2022 and now has five partner law enforcement agencies in the Miami Valley. Fusus was selected as the vendor of the web-based tool, which streamlines public and private video feeds for law enforcement use.
“TALEN is like a supercharged, technology-enabled neighborhood watch,” AG Yost said.
“When a call comes into police, there may be information available already from a video feed somewhere in the area. You may be able to see the bad guy leaving, catch a license plate, get a description – or sometimes you might even see the bad guy doing the bad thing right on camera.”
The program – being piloted by Yost’s office through the police departments in Dayton, Miamisburg, Trotwood and West Carrollton, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office – is designed to speed the rate at which law enforcement can solve crimes. The program extension, Yost said, will allow for more data to be collected and for additional feedback from law enforcement, businesses and the community.
TALEN works by utilizing both public and private video feeds already present in the communities. The video footage might come from cameras monitoring schools, traffic, parks, or shopping areas. Personal doorbell cameras can be added to the network with permission from residents in the pilot area.
TALEN has been successfully used in investigations of a homicide, a felonious assault and a juvenile drowning, and in a school-safety response exercise.
“I’m grateful for the commitment and cooperation of our pilot partners,” Yost said. “TALEN is going to make our streets safer.”
In a move towards sustainable and equitable use of natural resources, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) has announced a policy shift regarding duck blinds.
Effective immediately, the use of seasonal duck blinds will no longer be permitted, and only daily-use duck blinds will be allowed.
This decision is rooted in our commitment to promote fair access to our natural resources for all members of the community. By transitioning to daily-use duck blinds, we aim to reduce the environmental impact of permanent structures while ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our wetlands and the thrill of waterfowl hunting.
Hunters must be aware of local hunting regulations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sets the frameworks for waterfowl and other migratory game birds. Migratory bird hunting is governed by both state and federal regulations.
For further information about hunting on MWCD property, and links to ODNR hunting rules and regulations, visit www.mwcd.org/hunting.
***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.
Joe Lyons •
September 5, 2023
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Artificial intelligence threatens a new kind of sexual abuse of children, and Attorney General Dave Yost—and every state attorney general in America—are urging Congress to act swiftly.
It’s a challenge that law enforcement officers often face — how to help military veterans who are homeless or addicted to drugs or battling psychological demons, or all the above.
(Castalia) – Earlier today, a portion of two state routes in Erie and Huron counties were dedicated to two Ohio State Highway Patrol patrolmen who died in the line of duty more than 80 years ago.
The eastbound and westbound lanes of state Route 113, between State Routes 4 and 99 in Erie and Huron counties were dedicated as the Patrolman Leroy S. Bedell Memorial Highway.
Patrolman Bedell was killed in a motorcycle crash on August 20, 1935, when a dog lunged at his motorcycle on state Route 113, which was formerly state Route 59. Patrolman Bedell attempted to take evasive action to avoid striking the animal, which resulted in him losing control of the motorcycle and crashing. He was the second person in Patrol history killed in the line of duty.
The northbound and southbound lanes of state Route 269, between Potter and Parker roads in Erie County were dedicated as the Patrolman Paul L. McManis Memorial Highway. Patrolman McManis was killed in a crash on September 28, 1941, while responding to a call. He was the ninth line-of-duty death in Patrol history.
Today’s highway dedications are a fitting tribute to two men who made the ultimate sacrifice to the state of Ohio,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent.
In a move towards sustainable and equitable use of natural resources, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) has announced a policy shift regarding duck blinds.
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.