Location: I – 71 Northbound at mile post 190. North of US-250, Ashland, Ohio
Subject: Trooper James R. Gross, age 27, a graduate of the 124th cadet class June 25, 1993.
Shooter: Maxwell D. White Jr., age 30, 7635 Coronado Blvd., Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Events leading up to the shooting:
According to Doug Miller Former Lieutenant of Ohio State Highway Patrol, at 5:00pm on January 18, 1996, Maxwell White advised his mother that he was not going to work. He was employed by Kroger and worked at their warehouse in Columbus, Ohio.
White left the house and did not return home until midnight. He was intoxicated which led to a loud lengthy argument. His mother was concerned neighbors would call the police on her son, knowing he had been convicted of carrying a concealed weapon and was still on probation.
His mother also knew he was angry with police because he believed that they had harassed him on prior occasions. When White learned that his mother had called his sister Dorothy to come to the house, he became so angry that he began destroying things in the house.
Due to his prior conviction, White knew, he was not permitted to have a gun, but he went to his cabinet and grabbed a handgun.
When his sister arrived, he forced both of them downstairs at gun point and tied them up, but in the process, White accidentally shot his mother in the right ankle/foot. As he left, he stated, that “I am not going back to jail, it would be better going to the morgue.”
When White got in his vehicle and left, his Mother and Sister were able to free themselves, and call the Reynoldsburg Police Department.
Local Law Enforcement Agencies in Central Ohio were advised of the event and were given a description of the vehicle. However, it was unknown where he would go.
The Shooting Of Trooper Gross:
January 19, 1996, at approximately 3:00 am, at the Ashland Post (while giving the dispatcher a break), Trooper Gross overheard CB radio traffic of a possible drunk driver.
Truck drivers reported, the driver was heading northbound on I-71 approaching the Ashland exit. Trooper Gross immediately left the Ashland Post, and located the vehicle with assistance of commercial drivers using CB radio.
Unfortunately, Trooper Gross was not aware of the events, that transpired at White’s mothers house hours earlier in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Trooper Gross, believing he was just stopping a possible drunk driver, made the stop in the Northbound Lane of I-71, at milepost 190.
Trooper Gross approached the driver’s side of the vehicle to make contact with the driver. It is unclear whether the driver’s window would not roll down, the driver decided to open his door, or Trooper Gross told the driver to open the door.
A witness stated that the driver’s door was opened by the driver. It is believed that Gross was standing just a few feet from the driver, and Trooper Gross must have observed the gun. At this point, Trooper Gross turned to move away, and the driver fired a single round from a .45 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun.
This bullet struck Trooper Gross in the left elbow area, traveled down his arm, exiting at his wrist. Later this bullet was located stuck to the liner of his jacket.
Trooper Gross being left-handed, and now without use of his gun hand, retreated away from the vehicle.
A witness stated, “Trooper Gross slipped and fell, got back up, and had started running back toward the patrol vehicle bent forward, when they saw, and heard two more shots being fired.”
One of the two rounds fired, struck Trooper Gross just above the belt line, and below the soft body armor he was wearing.
According to the Coroner’s report, the bullet traveled upward, and severed his aortic arch, most likely killing him instantly. Trooper Gross fell at the rear of his patrol car. At this point, White left the scene and drove off going Northbound on I-71.
With the shooting observed by a number of commercial vehicle drivers, who then transmitted the events on their citizen band radios, the Highway Patrol Units were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle. A high-speed pursuit covering 29 miles ensued.
White wrecked his vehicle while trying to exit the interstate at SR-18, Medina exit. White was then subsequently captured without incident.
The Trial Of White:
Maxwell White was convicted of Capital Murder in Ashland County Court and was sentenced to death for the murder of Trooper Gross.
On February 3, 2005, while confined at the Mansfield Correctional Facility inmate White along with another death row inmate, Richard Cooley attempted to escape. Both were captured before they breached the outside wire. White was convicted of escape and received the maximum sentence, eight years in prison.
According to an Ashland Times-Gazette (ATG) article, written by Irv OslinIn. “On December 2005, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court vacated White’s death sentence and ordered him resentenced. The ruling was based on statements a juror made indicating she would take personal pleasure in recommending the death penalty. White is incarcerated at the Ohio State Penitentiary in Youngstown.”
(ATG) “June 19, 1996 — A Common Pleas Court jury found White guilty of aggravated murder and other charges.”
(ATG) “July 12, 1996 — Accepting a jury’s recommendation, late Common Pleas Judge Robert E. Henderson sentenced White to death for aggravated murder. He also sentenced him to consecutive prison sentences of three years for a firearms specification to the murder charge, five to 10 years for abduction, three more years for a firearms specification pursuant to the abduction charge and 18 months for having weapons under disability. (At the time he shot Gross, White was on probation for carrying a concealed weapon. In that case, White attempted to pull a loaded pistol from under his car seat after being pulled over by a police officer.) White will not be eligible for parole until he is at least 81 years old.”
The Life of Trooper Gross:
James Robert Gross was born January 12, 1969, to Robert and Barbara Gross. He graduated from Brunswick High School in 1987, then attended Akron University where he received an associate degree in criminal justice, in 1991.
While working his way through college as a restaurant manager, Jim Gross met Veronica Watson, the future Mrs. James Gross. James and Veronica were married on August 21, 1993, two months after graduating from the 124th Academy Class. During his brief career, he served at Mt. Gilead and Ashland.
Trooper James Gross Graduated with the 124th Academy Class on June 25, 1993.
Trooper Gross had served with the Ohio Highway Patrol for 2 years prior to the shooting.
Sergeant LaRue said, “Prior to Jim’s death, he had originally been assigned to the Mt. Gilead Patrol post where he was trained by Trooper Dave Schultz as his training officer. Once released from his training period, he had been granted a transfer to the Ashland Post, so that he could be closer to his home in Brunswick.”
“While at Ashland he had worked on my shift, or a good portion of the time,” Sergeant LaRue recalled, “and it was there that he investigated his first fatal traffic crash. The crash involved a commercial semi-truck driver that had left his disabled truck, and as he was walking for aide, he was struck and killed by another vehicle.”
Sergeant LaRue told me, “After his death, Lieutenant Bob Ferguson and I found six copies of his completed fatal crash report in his uniform locker that he had kept as mementos.”
At the time of his death, Jim was working the midnight shift under the supervision of Sergeant Tim Dreisbach.
The Profound Effects Of The Shooting:
I recently had a phone conversation with Dale LaRue a retired former Sergeant at Ohio State Highway Patrol a friend, and co-worker, of Trooper Gross.
We were talking about the profound effects this shooting had and the changes that have been made since then. Sergeant LaRue said, “as a result of the death, of Trooper James R. Gross, Unit 1413, a new program was instituted within Law Enforcement in the State of Ohio.”
The following is an entry from (A History of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.)
“In the summer of 1996, the Division and Colonel Davies launched a new officer safety tool, dubbed the COP (Caution Ohio Police) Initiative, created to offset a communications deficiency which hindered the communication of critical information among agencies. The COP Initiative was an early warning system that alerted officers to potentially dangerous suspects.
When law enforcement suspected a person of fleeing a crime, police officials could make a COP entry in Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) to assure that if an officer contacted the suspect before obtaining and placing on-line a proper warrant, the officer would be aware of the potential danger.
Although officers could not use a COP entry as a basis to detain or arrest, it did help assure that officers did not blindly approach a potentially deadly situation.”
Asking Chief Marcelli of the Ashland Police Division about some of the effect that this had on APD then and now, Chief Marcelli commented, “Coming just a year after the tragic loss of Lt. John Gisclon, Trooper Gross’s death had a profound effect on everyone at the Ashland Police Division. The COPs bulletins became a regular part of every shift. These bulletins alone became a daily reminder of Jim’s sacrifice. Law Enforcement tactics training changed as a result of this incident and have probably saved lives as well. Trips to Trooper Gross’s memorial have become a permanent part of our FTO program. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
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Trooper Gross Memorial Along I-71:
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“What about that memorial I see every time I drive on I-71?” I ask Sergeant LaRue, “Who maintains it? Can you tell me a little about it?”
“The memorial that is in place today at the site of Jim’s death started off as just an American flag posted on the right of way fence for the highway.” Sergeant LaRue remarked, “When the flag and the fence began to deteriorate, myself and Trooper David Keener, an academy classmate of Jim, decided a more permanent memorial should be constructed.”
Sergeant LaRue continued, “Because the widening of the freeway from 2 lanes to 3 was being conducted, and the instillation of a permanent memorial within the right of way and on a new fence might not be appreciated, the property owner at that location was contacted, and gave permission for the memorial to be placed on their property, outside of the highway right of way. This was their way of paying tribute to the fallen officer.”
“The pine tree, that is present at the site, was a gift presented and planted by the owner of Simcak’s Spruce Farm who had coached Jim when he played softball,” Sergeant LaRue recalled.
Members of the Gross family joined Governor Bob Taft when he signed Senate Bill 153 on February 12, 2002 designating a portion of Interstate 71 in Ashland County as the “Trooper James R. Gross Memorial Highway.” The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Armbruster of North Ridgeville, went into effect 90 days after Gov. Taft’s signature and filing with the Secretary of State.
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Reflections Web-Site:
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In researching for this story I came across a web-site; https://www.odmp.org/…/refl…/14709-trooper-james-r-gross I started to read some of the posts. I couldn’t help but feel some tears starting to swell up in my eyes. Although I had never met Jim Gross, I was amazed at how much his life and death has profoundly touched so many people.
One of the post really stood out to me, and I would like to share it. The post was from an Ashland Police Officer, now Detective Curt Dorsey, his following remark on this site reads as follows:
“I didn’t know you sir. I didn’t know of you until I started at Ashland PD in 2006. My Lieutenant at the time took me to the site of your memorial on the last day of field training. We visited other sites in the county of other fallen officers as well. I cannot express the gratitude that is felt for your sacrifice throughout Ashland Police Division. Your name is mentioned often and will never be forgotten. I’m now a field training officer myself and have had the privilege of taking several new officers to your memorial on their last day before solo patrol. Today is one of those days. Our prayer will be for your family and loved ones that they might have found some sort of comfort in knowing they will see you again one day. Our prayer is that your sacrifice will not be forgotten and will motivate us to battle evil in this world. Thank you for what you have done.”
Patrol Officer Curt Dorsey
Ashland Police Division
May 14, 2016
One more posted on November 17, 2005:
“Fallen but not forgotten! Thanks for your service, Jim. To the family of Trooper Gross, when I travel to Columbus I always remember to salute as I go by the 190 milepost. It is a reminder of the sacrifice Jim and his family gave on a cold January midnight shift.
Dear Lord, please bless this family especially Jim’s children and give them peace and understanding in the years to come. May we all as State Troopers remember Jim and his sacrifice. May we lean not to our own understanding but acknowledge God in all our decisions and surely he will direct our paths. May God continue to bless and protect the Ohio State Troopers and their families as well as Officers all across Ohio.”
SERGEANT M. E. HILL U-896
OSHP CANFIELD
Sergeant LaRue remarked, “With the date of Jim’s death being just after the 1-year anniversary of the death of Sheriff Lieutenant John Gisclon the entire community as well as all Law Enforcement were deeply stricken with the loss.” “Jim’s funeral was held in Medina with internment in Valley City Ohio. Because of my association with the post and with Jim, I was honored to lead the funeral procession to the cemetery and direct the folding of the flag and presentation to Colonel Warren Davies who then presented it to Jim’s widow, Veronica. There was not a dry eye on that field that day,”
Lieutenant, Raymond Durant of the Ashland Post of the Highway Patrol said, “we still have a moment of silence every shift on January 19th, here on post, for Trooper Gross.” “As the new Troopers are assigned to this post, Jim’s name is brought up in remembrance.”
When speaking with Ashland County Sheriff E. Wayne Risner, Wayne commented, “I’ve always told people that if you wanted to envision what a State Trooper was, all you had to do is look at Trooper Gross. He was a sharp looking, he carried and conducted himself like a true professional.”
Trooper Gross was the 33rd State Trooper to die in the line of duty in Ohio.
Trooper Gross is the 3rd State Trooper to be killed by gunfire in Ohio.
The first State Trooper, George Conn, who was killed outside of Freeport, Ohio, on September 27, 1937.
The second State Trooper was Robert Karmizki was killed near Bucyrus, Ohio, on March 31, 1957.
God Bless Trooper Gross’ family and Rest in Peace Trooper Gross, you will never be forgotten.
Thanks to the Ashland Post of the Highway Patrol, Ashland Police Division, and Ashland Sheriff’s Office.
Thanks to Retired Sargent Dale L LaRue (Ohio Highway Patrol) for the maintenance of the Memorial along I-71.
Thanks to Lieutenant Raymond C. Durant of the Ashland Post of the Highway Patrol for your help in this story. Also, special thanks to Sargent Dale L. LaRue and Doug Miller (Former Lieutenant of Ohio State Highway Patrol) for providing a photographs and information.
End of Watch (EOW) Saturday, January 14, 1995, Age 47.
WARNING: This story contains a graphic, detailed description of the events that transpired on Saturday, January 14, 1995.
The shooting happened at approximately 3:00 a.m. on January 14, 1995. By the early morning hours of Monday, January 16, 1995, information coming in, began to paint the heartbreaking picture of the shooting death of Lt. John Gisclon, a 21-year veteran of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. The shooter, Bobby Staton Jr., age 25, was dead, and Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Lee Sredniawa was shot twice.
WHO WAS LT. JOHN PAUL GISCLON?
John Paul Gisclon was born on January 20th, 1948, in San Francisco California to Paul & Edna Gisclon. John grew up in New London, Ohio, and was a 1967 graduate of New London High School.
John was married to Renee Gisclon at the time of his death. He was the father of two daughters.
John was a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He served during the Vietnam Conflict, from 1968 to 1971. He later served in the Ohio Military Reserve, attaining the rank of second lieutenant.
John was a 21-year veteran Law Enforcement Officer. He was a Huron County Sheriff’s Deputy and a Patrolman with the Monroeville Police Department, prior to joining the Ashland County Sheriff’s Department in 1973. He was promoted to lieutenant, in July of 1976.
During his years in law enforcement, he was certified in numerous training courses, including crime scene search and evidence, street drugs: recognition and identification, narcotics investigation, and crack houses.
John was also the recipient of numerous awards, including the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association Lifesaving Award for two separate incidents in 1991, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Lifesaving Award in 1992.
Lt. John Gisclon was the shift commander for the Ashland Sherriff’s Office for 2nd shift, 4p.m.-12p.m.
EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE SHOOTING
A burglary call, at the Fin Feather Fur Outfitters sporting goods store around 2a.m., on State Route 250 East set things in motion, that would forever change the lives of John’s family, the law enforcement community, and the Ashland community.
SHOOTER:
Bobby Staton Jr., age 25, was a resident of Ashland, Ohio.
Bobby Staton Jr. had previously been hospitalized for alleged mental health problems and had previously made several threats against police officers.
EVENTS OF THE MORNING OF JANUARY 14, 1995
According to Ashland County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) records, Ohio Highway Patrol (OHP) records, Press Releases and Ashland County Coroner records, the following events transpired in the early morning hours, of January 14, 1995.
Note: Lt. John Gisclon was working overtime, this was one of his days off.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office was investigating a breaking and entering at the Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, located on US-250, east of I-71, that occurred at 2:00am. Captain Roger Martin, Lt. Ted Conley, and Deputy George Staley were on scene with Lt. John Gisclon, checking the area.
Trooper Lee Sredniawa, of the Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol was on station processing a DUI from a previous traffic stop.
The Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol and the Sheriff’s Office had received reports of a subject that fit the description of a person involved in the burglary, walking along US-250, in the area of Bailey Lakes. The description came out as a W/M, (White Male) long hair, dressed in black.
Lt. Gisclon was dispatched to check on the subject. Leaving the Fin Feather Fur area, it didn’t take long for Lt. Gisclon to reach the Bailey Lakes area. Radio reports indicate that Lt. Gisclon drove up to the 250/60 split and found nothing, even making a radio call that he passed the post vehicle which was coming North on 250.
Lt. Gisclon’s duty weapon was an AMT Hardballer .45ACP (At that time, there was no standard issue, the officers bought their own duty weapon).
At approximately 3:02 a.m., Lt. Gisclon radioed that he was at Lee’s Family Inn, on SR 250 North, in Bailey Lakes. Approximately 30 seconds later, John requested that Trooper Sredniawa meet him at that location. That was the last communication anyone had with Lt. Gisclon.
Throughout the investigation, it was determined that Lt. Gisclon spotted Bobby Staton and pulled his cruiser into the Southbound Lane of SR 250, but facing Northbound, and exited his cruiser. It is believed that Lt. Gisclon and Bobby Staton engaged in a physical struggle, and when Bobby Staton pulled a 9mm Stallard Arms Pistol, Lt. Gisclon is believed to have ducked while moving to the rear of his cruiser for cover.
One of Bobby Staton’s shots hit Lt. Gisclon in the lower back, just under his beltline, and traveled up and exited out the front of his chest, and the other shot went through the front wall of Lee’s Family Inn.
Note: Lt. Gisclon was not wearing his vest; it was found in the trunk of his cruiser.
At 3:03:33a.m. Trooper Sredniawa advises that he is at the restaurant. According to an OHP report, Trooper Sredniawa stated that when he arrived, he observed Lt. Gisclon’s cruiser parked in the Southbound Lane of SR 250, but the cruiser was facing Northbound. At that time, Trooper Sredniawa said that he did not see Lt. Gisclon, either in his cruiser, or in the immediate vicinity.
Trooper Sredniawa immediately exited his own vehicle and began approaching Lt. Gisclon’s cruiser.
Trooper Sredniawa would later describe the horrifying details. The report stated, as Trooper Sredniawa approached the cruiser, a male subject later identified as Bobby Staton Jr. “popped up” from behind the rear of the Sheriff’s car, and began firing at Trooper Sredniawa, which turned into a violent physical confrontation.
Trooper Sredniawa drew his weapon and returned fire, as he sought cover between the two cruisers.
Note: Trooper Sredniawa’s service weapon was a Berreta 96D .40 caliber with 10 in the magazine, and 1 in the chamber.
Bobby Staton Jr. charged at him, screaming as he fired his weapon.
Bobby Staton and Trooper Sredniawa continued to exchange gunfire, until Bobby Staton Jr. grabbed the Trooper by the jacket, and pushed him into a grassy area at the side of the road. Bobby Staton was fighting to kill, and Trooper Sredniawa was fighting for his life!
The fighting had become so intense in those few seconds, that Trooper Sredniawa had Staton by the hair of the head with his left-hand, and his weapon in his right hand, just inches from Staton’s head. In a desperate attempt to stop the madness, Trooper Sredniawa fired two rounds into Bobby Staton Jr.’s head. As the last shot rang out, the bullet from the Berreta 96D .40 Caliber, shot through the webbing of Trooper Sredniawa’s left-hand, into Bobby’s head, ending Bobby’s attack.
Trooper Sredniawa then moved to the rear of the Sheriff’s cruiser, where he observed Lt. Gisclon for the first time. Lt. Gisclon was lying on the ground having suffered a gunshot wound. Trooper Sredniawa then crawled to the front of Lt. Gisclon’s Sheriff’s cruiser, to cover Bobby Staton. At that time, the trooper was not sure Bobby was dead.
Note: Trooper Sredniawa had fired 10 rounds, striking Bobby Staton 8 times!
It was later discovered that Trooper Sredniawa’s badge was torn off his jacket and was found in Staton’s hand.
3:09:57am: Deputy Gene Pence arrives and radios that Lt. Gisclon and Trooper Sredniawa have been shot, and that he began administering CPR aid to Lt. Gisclon.
3:14:00am: Savannah EMS arrived at the scene and began administering aid to Lt. Gisclon.
When the emergency squad arrived and began administering aid to Lt. Gisclon, they found a weapon under his body. It was determined that the gun belonged to Bobby Staton Jr., and it was the one that that was used to kill Lt. Gisclon. The weapon used to assault Trooper Sredniawa was Lt. Gisclon’s duty weapon, a .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun.
Retired Chief Deputy, Carl L. Richert, who was a Captain at the time of the shooting and investigated the shooting, said he believes that Bobby Staton’s gun malfunctioned after the second shot, but by then Lt. Gisclon was down and Staton took Gisclon’s gun, disregarding his, by Gisclon’s body. However, there are only two people that know what happened for sure, and they are both dead.
One officer’s first observation at the scene was that of Lt. John Gisclon lying on his back, behind his own Patrol Car (3-26). Lt. Gisclon appeared to be unconscious and non-responsive, as Deputy Pence administered CPR assisted by another, not identified.
As this officer began walking to the front of Lt. Gisclon’s cruiser this officer observed a white male subject, lying beside the road in a ditch, covered in blood. The subject appeared to be deceased.
Laying on the hood of Lt. Gisclon’s cruiser, was OSP Officer Lee Sredniawa. Trooper Sredniawa was on his back, appeared to be fully conscious and aware of his surroundings and in obvious pain. Trooper Sredniawa appeared to have a serious injury to the bottom part of his right leg. Sgt. Pressler stood with Trooper Sredniawa for reassurance and comfort, until he could be moved to an ambulance.
03:21:00am: Savannah Squad left the scene enroute to Samaritan Hospital arriving at Samaritan Hospital Emergency Room by 3:28:00am.
03:24am: Detective Larry A. Martin arrived at the scene.
At 0346 hours Captain Roger Martin instructed an officer to begin keeping a log of all persons entering and leaving the crime scene. Persons present within the crime scene at 0346 hours were Captain Roger Martin, Captain Carl Richert, Sgt. Mike Deaton, Deputy Gene Pence, and Deputy Rich Dittrich.
Entering the scene at 0348 hours was Detective Larry Martin. Entering the scene at 0351 hours were Lt. Robert Ferguson and Sgt. Pressler of the Highway Patrol.
At 0352 hours Detective Russ Crossen, Coroner Dr. Emery and Coroner assistant Karen Emery arrived at the scene.
0358am: Sgt. Larry Goon arrived at the scene.
At 0407 hours Fireman Chip Poland, of Savannah Fire Department, was at the scene assisting Dr. Emery and Karen Emery with the body of Bobby Staton Jr.
Note: It was later determined that Bobby Staton Jr. was not involved in the earlier burglary.
Note: It is believed that John knew Bobby from the truck stop where Bobby worked.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Department investigated the shooting, assisted by the Ohio State Patrol, the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ashland County Coroner’s Office.
Officials stated that three different caliber weapons were found at the shooting scene and preliminary tests reveal that all three weapons were fired during the shooting.
OHP NOTE: A check with the Ashland County Sheriff Department at 08:34:26 by the Ashland Post recorder showed that their recorder was 2 seconds behind and showed 08:34:24. This indicates a 2 second time difference between the recorders with the Post recorder being before the Sheriff’s information and units referred to in the tape.
Sheriff E. Wayne Risner commented, “Losing a Law Enforcement Officer in the line of duty is absolutely devastating for not only the Sheriff’s Office, but for all surrounding police and public safety agencies throughout the State and beyond. Losing Lt. Gisclon had an immediate and lasting impact on the entire Ashland Community. Words cannot describe the feelings of sadness, numbness, and pure anger everyone was feeling after this tragic event! During and after losing Lt. Gisclon the work still had to go on. I can assure you that no one working that day has ever forgotten any details from that terrible day January 14, 1995!”
Retired Chief Deputy, Carl L. Richert, who helped with the investigation reflects his experience at the time of the shooting. “The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office dispatch called me on the telephone that morning and advised me that Lt. Gisclon had been shot and killed and the suspect was also shot and killed, and a Trooper had been wounded after being shot twice by the suspect in Bailey Lakes, on Rt. 250 north. I responded and met Sheriff Larry E. Overholt and Captain Roger Martin on the scene. The investigation was started, and evidence was collected at the scene.”
“Lt. John Paul Gisclon was my second shift supervisor and was working overtime when this incident occurred,” Carl Richert recalled. “His family had to be notified and the suspects family had to be notified and this difficult task was completed.”
Retired Chief Deputy, Carl L. Richert recounts, “I remember, John always made his job fun to do and attempted to train others in proper precursors in Law Enforcement. He liked to joke around with the other deputies and would sometime meet them for lunch when he wasn’t tied up on calls, he worked closely with Sheriff Larry E. Overholt.”
“Johns’ family, a wife and two daughters were the most important part in Johns’ life, the Sheriff’s Office was second,” Carl Richert continued. “I had the job of setting up the funeral with the family and the Law Enforcement family. Being the second Deputy at the Ashland County Sheriff’s office killed in the line of duty since 1982 (remembering Sgt. Glenn Sturgill August 02,1982), I knew it would also be a large funeral and everything had to be set up correctly to show respect to Lt. John Gisclon and his family. With hundreds of local, state and out of state officers, local Firefighters and EMTs attending, and their cruisers and fire trucks for the funeral procession to the cemetery, the funeral route had to be set up, with deputies and police officer manning the intersections, and where the citizens could line the funeral route to pay their respects to the fallen deputy.”
Carl Richert concluded, “I know John is up in heaven looking down, watching over his friends and the deputies he worked with and trained. John, we all miss you and pay our respects to you and Sgt. Glenn Sturgill every May, since 1982, at the Annual Police Officers’ Memorial service held by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Division, and Ohio Highway Patrol Ashland Post. Rest in peace.”
I recently spoke with retired Ashland County Coroner’s Investigator, Karen Emery. She spoke of the memories that haunt her to this day. Karen Emery retells her experience as follows:
“Having worked in the medical field and 25 years as a Coroner’s Investigator you have those experiences that haunt you, ones that wake you in the night with a pounding heart in your chest. Lt Gisclon’s passing was and is still one of those. I relive it, even though I try my hardest to not think about it, it still pops up unexpectedly. Little did Dr. Emery and I know that night that we would be attending two deaths.
Doc was rushed to the ER to attend to the Lt. as he was the surgeon on call. Both the scene on US 250, and at Samaritan Hospital ER was horrific. The adrenaline was flowing through myself and all the first responders. Everyone was shocked, hurt, and angry. We all had an unpleasant job to do, and we knew how very, very important it was to do it correctly.
I had to shut down all emotions, put it on the back burner and get to work. It was days of hard work, stress, and much sadness. You learn that you have to disconnect a little in order to do your job, but it most definitely hits you later again and again. I never wanted to go through something like that again, but I did. John was a friend and colleague; we worked on a few cases together. He was always helpful, kind, and respectful.”
In researching this story, I saw in the Detectives report, who was in the crime scene area, and one of the names I recognized was Chip Poland, who was a Fireman & EMT with the Savannah Fire Department. I told him I saw his name in the reports and asked him what he remembered about it.
Chip Poland told me, “Yes, I remember about the night Lt. Gisclon was killed. So many years ago, and honestly, I taught my brain to forget all the EMS calls and the terrible things my eyes saw over all those years. Had to stay sane. I remember being a scared to death 20-year-old EMT. A cop was shot, someone I knew in Ashland County. That stuff doesn’t happen here, only in the big cities. I remember being scared about who, what, where was the gunman?”
Chip went on to say, “When we got there it was dark, the roads were wet and shiny, and there were cop car lights flashing everywhere. Most of the details of the call have been erased from my brain. I remember how the whole community came together afterwards. Again, this was our friend, a loved and respected member of our community. This was big city stuff, not supposed to happen here. I think the feelings are hard to put into words for many of us, who chose careers in Fire Service or law Enforcement: Losing a good friend, a great guy, one of us, feelings of fear, of not understanding of the senselessness of it all.”
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy David Blake told me, “The night that Lt. John Gisclon was killed was a devastating loss to law enforcement and his family. I was a close friend of his, and I learned a lot from him. He is always in my thoughts and it’s just a reminder of the seriousness of the oath that we have taken as Peace Officers.”
Retired Captain Mike Kyle commented, “John was my training officer when I was a Special Deputy with the Sheriff’s Office. We would ride together every weekend. Later, when I became full time in Corrections/Dispatch, I was assigned to 2nd shift and worked even more with John. John had a good sense of humor, as we would prank him occasionally, from his exploits (The drag pursuit shoes was one of those pranks). When I got word, that John was shot, I dressed so fast that I forgot socks. I took our crime scene truck to the scene where I helped document the crime scene and collected evidence. The night, pretty much, passed in a blur. I think the sense of loss set in about the 2nd day, when I had to attend the autopsy. John was a friend and a mentor. I am proud to have known him.”
Retired Lieutenant Smart said, “We were called in because of the shooting. It was cold and there were Law Enforcement from everywhere. John was very highly thought of.”
According to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, on average—one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty, somewhere in the United States every 57 hours. Since the first known line-of-duty death in 1791, more than 19,000 U.S. law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice.
According to Ohio COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors), Ohio ranks 5th in the nation for the number of police officers killed in the line of duty.
The Ohio Fallen Officers Memorial Wall, on the grounds of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, bears the names of all 814 law enforcement officers who have died on the job since 1823.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS STARTING AT MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY JANUARY 13, 1995, INTO THE AM HOURS OF JANUARY 14, 1995:
12:00:00am: Ashland Police Division receives call of intoxicated male walking Northbound on Cottage Street. APD Officer, Super stops Bobby Staton. The report said Bobby Staton did not appear to be intoxicated, and Staton had his hand in his right front jacket pocket but removed it when requested to do so by Super. Staton told Officer Super he was walking to friends.
12:22am: Gisclon radios Code 86 (Traffic stop) on 250 North of the Ridge.
12:36am: Gisclon radios Signal 35 (Back in Service) with 1 citation issued.
1:05am: Trooper Sredniawa of the Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol radios, he is East of the Post, on SR 250 handling a DUI.
Note: Ashland Post Trooper Sredniawa, had only graduated six months earlier, on July 8, 1994, as a member of 126th Academy class.
1:15am: Gisclon radios mark time.
1:16am: Gisclon Code 86 (Traffic stop) with a car from North Carolina on the North side of Bailey Lakes.
1:27am: Gisclon radios Signal 35 (Back in Service) with 1 citation issued.
1:29am: Trooper Sredniawa on post with DUI for test.
2:00am: Gisclon radios Signal 13 (Special Detail) in Bailey Lakes.
2:08am: OHP Post receives CB report ref burglar alarm going off at Fin Feather Fur; Trooper Sredniawa to respond, as soon as he completed DUI processing.
2:10am: OHP Post 3 notifies Sheriff’s Office of Fin Feather Fur situation.
2:13am: Gisclon radios Signal 35 (Back in Service) and enroute to Fin Feather Fur.
2:18am: Trooper Sredniawa enroute to Fin Feather Fur.
2:21am: Gisclon radios Signal 33 (In the Area) checking 63.
2:24am: OHP Post advises drivers to BOLO (Be on the lookout) for hitchhikers on I-71, in reference to burglary; driver advises just saw a hitchhiker Westbound on 250, 5 min. ago, 2 mi. West of 250 and 71, W/M, (White Male) long hair, dressed in black.
2:50am: Trooper Sredniawa dispatches to check report of W/M, long blond hair, black jacket, walking North, out of Ashland, on 250 towards Bailey Lakes; Sheriff’s Office reports they have one in custody, unknown how many more are involved.
2:50:24am: Gisclon dispatches to check NB on 250 towards Bailey Lakes for subject walking NB, wearing black jacket.
2:51am: Trooper Sredniawa enroute to Bailey Lakes area; Post dispatcher talks to Sheriff’s Office dispatcher who advised Gisclon is also enroute.
2:51am: Gisclon dispatched to check area of 250 NB near Bailey Lakes,
2:57:08am: Fin Feather Fur situation on cleared – end emergency radio traffic.
3:00:01am: Trooper calls in a disabled vehicle on 250, and then states disregard.
3:01:21am: Gisclon radios that he checked area to 250/60 split and found nothing.
3:01:38am: Gisclon radios that he passed the post vehicle which was coming North on 250.
3:02:01am: Trooper Sredniawa states he checked Savannah and Bailey Lakes area and has seen no sign of the suspect.
3:02:11am: Gisclon radios that he is at the restaurant in Bailey Lakes.
3:02:47am: Gisclon requests the Sheriff’s Office Dispatcher to contact the post Dispatcher to have 17 (Trooper Sredniawa) to come to his location.
3:03:19am: ACSO calls post and requests trooper meet with Gisclon at restaurant in Savannah.
3:03:33am: Trooper Sredniawa advises he is at the restaurant.
3:04:07am: Trooper Sredniawa radios that he has been shot.
3:04:14am: OHP Post dispatcher radios check up to Trooper.
3:04:43am: Sheriff’s Office dispatcher radios check- up on Gisclon – no response.
3:04:45am: Trooper Sredniawa radios he needs an ambulance; states he has been shot; states he does not know Gisclon’s location; send units – send units.
3:04:58am: Sheriff’s Office dispatcher check- up on Gisclon again – no response.
3:05:15am: OHP Post dispatcher calls ACSO and advises Sheriff’s Office dispatcher that officer has been shot, Sheriff’s Office dispatcher advise will call ambulance.
3:05:34am: Sheriff’s Office dispatcher advise Code 40 (Person with Gun) to all units.
3:05:44am: OHP Post dispatcher radios check -up on Trooper.
3:05:47am: Trooper Sredniawa responds to check-up – “do you copy, right?”
3:05:52am: Trooper Sredniawa advises that Gisclon is down and bleeding profusely.
3:06:03am: Trooper Sredniawa advises again that Gisclon is bleeding severely.
03:06:29am: Post to Post 39 advising sig 88 250 in Savannah.
3:07:04am: Sheriff’s Office dispatcher advises all units that Gisclon is shot also.
03:07:15am: Post to P-47 advising sig 88 request units restaurant in Savannah.
3:08:00am: Savannah Volunteer Fire Department receives call “Officers Down.”
03:08:00am: 634 to post to check with Richland County to see if they have a unit in the area.
3:08:10am: OHP Post dispatcher notifies Lt. Ferguson of “Shots Fired” and “Officers Down.”
3:09:57am: Deputy Pence radios that Gisclon and the Trooper have been shot; contact U-l.
03:10:10am: Post to 390 advising 284 has been advised.
03:10:25am: Mansfield Post to post advising U-128 is enroute scene.
03:11:30am: Norwalk Post to post advising Huron County SO has a unit in New London who will be enroute.
03:11:45am: post advising suspect still at large.
3:14:00am: Savannah Squad arrives at the scene.
3:21:00am: Savannah Squad enroute to Samaritan Hospital.
3:28:00am: Savannah Squad arrives at Samaritan Hospital Emergency Room.
ASHLAND COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY CHRISTOPHER R. TUNNELL ANNOUNCES INDICTMENT AGAINST LOUDONVILLE MAN FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell announced a Grand Jury has issued a nine count Indictment against Robert Shane Haudenschild, age 35 of Loudonville following an extensive investigation into allegations he sexually abused two female children aged 13 and 15. Charges include endangering children, corrupting another with drugs, rape, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, sexual battery, importuning, and gross sexual imposition. Haudenschild faces a maximum indefinite prison term of thirty-nine to forty-four and a half years (39-44.5) if convicted of all the charges.
Each count in the indictment alleges the offense occurred over a period of months and as part of a course of conduct in various Ohio counties, West Virginia and Kentucky. Prosecutor Tunnell explained, “The State alleges that the victims, the 15-year-old in particular, were subjected to multiple instances of abuse, over a period of time. The Defendant is further alleged to have travelled with his victims while continuing to abuse them. The result is offenses occurring in multiple jurisdictions. Ohio law allows, in certain circumstances, for one jurisdiction to consolidate charges which are alleged to have occurred as part of a course of conduct.”
The investigation was led by Sgt. Sean Gorrell of the Loudonville Police Department and involved multiple agencies which included the Loudonville Police Department, Ashland County Department of Job and Family Services, Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, and Ashland Police Department.
Tunnell added, “Every instance of child abuse is a tragedy and this situation is no exception. Ashland County citizens, however, should take heart that the coordination and teamwork between agencies is outstanding. We can’t always prevent these situations, but the men and women charged with protecting our children have, and will, put the work in to bring perpetrators to justice.”
Robert Shane Haudenschild is innocent until proven guilty. He has plead not guilty and is scheduled for trial in the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas on March 21, 2023
Robert Shane Haudenschild, 36, of Loudonville, Ohio was Indicted on the following charges:
Count One: Endangering Children, a felony of the second degree/Specification.
Count Two: Trafficking in Persons – Commercial Sex Acts, a felony of the first degree.
Count Three: Corrupting Another with Drugs, a felony of the fourth degree.
Count Four: Rape, a felony of the first degree.
Count Five: Disseminating Matter Harmful to Juveniles, a felony of the fifth degree.
Count Six: Sexual Battery, a felony of the third degree.
Count Seven: Sexual Battery, a felony of the third degree.
Count Eight: Sexual Battery, a felony of the third degree.
Count Nine: Importuning. a felony of the fifth degree.
Count Ten: Gross Sexual, a felony of the fourth degree.
Indictment reads as follows:
INDICTMENT
THE STATE OF OHIO ASHLAND COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Of the 2nd Partial in the year two thousand twenty-three
THE JURORS OF THE GRAND JURY OF THE State of Ohio, within and for the body of the County aforesaid, on their oaths, in the name and by the authority of the State of Ohio, do find and present that ROBERT SHANE HAUDENSCHILD (IA: Loudonville Police Department) did:
COUNT ONE: ENDANGERING CHILDREN (Section 2919.22(B)(5), 2919.22(E)(4) of the Ohio Revised code), a felony of the second degree.
In that on or about January 1, 2022 through October 31, 2022, in Ashland County, Ohio, Robert Shane Haudenschild, did entice, coerce, permit, encourage, compel, hire, employ, use, or allow “Jane Doe” (DOB: XX-XX -2007), a child under eighteen years of age, DOB: XX-XX-2007, to act, model, or in any other way participate in, or be photographed for, the production, presentation, dissemination, or advertisement of any material or performance that the offender knew or reasonably should have known was obscene, was sexually oriented matter, or was nudity-oriented matter, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2919.22(B)(5), 2919.22(E)(4) ENDANGERING CHILDREN, a felony of the second degree.
SPECIFICATION ONE TO COUNT ONE: (Section 2941.1422(A) of the Ohio Revised code)
The Grand Jurors further find and specify that the offense as stated in Count One was committed while the said Robert Shane Haudenschild knowingly committed the offense in furtherance of human trafficking.
Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Holmes County, Ohio and/or Knox County, Ohio and/or Brown County, Ohio and/or any other unknown county in Ohio and/or the state of Kentucky and/or the state of West Virginia
COUNT TWO: TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS – COMMERCIAL SEX ACTS (Section 2905.32(A)(1), 2905.32(E) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the first degree.
In that on or about January 1, 2022 through October 31, 2022, in Ashland County, Ohio, Robert Shane Haudenschild, did knowingly recruit, lure, entice, isolate, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, or maintain, or knowingly attempt to recruit lure, entice, isolate, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, or maintain, another person, to wit: “Jane Doe” (DOB: XX-XX -2007), when the offender knew that the other person would be compelled to engage in sexual activity for hire, engage in a performance that is obscene, sexually oriented, or nudity oriented, or be a model or participant in the production of material that is obscene, sexually oriented or nudity oriented, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2905.32(A)(1), 2905.32(E) TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS – COMMERCIAL SEX ACTS, a felony of the first degree.
Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Holmes County, Ohio and/or Knox County Ohio and/or Brown County, Ohio and/or any other unknown county in Ohio and/or the state of Kentucky and/or the state of West Virginia
COUNT THREE: CORRUPTING ANOTHER WITH DRUGS (Section 2925.02(A)(4)(a), 2925.02(C)(3) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the fourth degree. In that on or about January 1, 2022 through October 31 , 2022, in Ashland County, Ohio, Robert Shane Haudenschild, did knowingly, by any means, furnish or administer a controlled substance to a juvenile, “Jane Doe” (DOB: XX-XX-2007), XX-XX-2007, who is at least two years Robert Shane Haudenschild’s junior, when the offender knew the age of the juvenile or was reckless in that regard and the drug involved is marihuana, I-Pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole, 1 -Butyl3-(1 -naphthoyl) indole, 1-2-(4-morphoIinyl)ethyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole, 5-(1 ,1-dimethylheptyl)-2-(1 R,3S)-3hydroxycyclohexyl-phenol, or 5-(1 , R,3S)-3-hydroxycyclohexyl-phenol, to wit: Marihuana, a Schedule I drug, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section CORRUPTING ANOTHER WITH DRUGS, a felony of the fourth degree.
Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Holmes County, Ohio and/or Knox County Ohio and/or Brown County, Ohio and/or any other unknown county in Ohio and/or the state of Kentucky and/or the state of West Virginia
COUNT FOUR: RAPE (Section 2907.02(A)(1)(a), 2907.02(B) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the first degree.
In that on or about January 1, 2022 through October 31 , 2022, in Ashland County, Ohio, Robert Shane Haudenschild, did engage in sexual conduct with “Jane Doe” (DOB: XX-XX-2007) who was not the spouse of the offender, and, for the purpose of preventing resistance, substantially impaired her judgment or control by administering a drug, intoxicant, or controlled substance to her surreptitiously or by force, threat of force, or deception, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.02(A)(1)(a), 2907.02(B), RAPE, a felony of the first degree.
FURTHERMORE, the offender substantially impaired the other person’s judgment or control by administering a controlled substance, as defined in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code, to the other person surreptitiously or by force, threat of force, or deception.
Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Holmes County, Ohio and/or Knox County Ohio and/or Brown County, Ohio and/or any other unknown county in Ohio and/or the state of Kentucky and/or the state of West Virginia
COUNT FIVE: DISSEMINATING MATTER HARMFUL TO JUVENILES (Section 2907.31 2907.31 (F) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the fifth degree.
In that on or about January 1, 2022 through October 31, 2022, in Ashland County, Ohio, Robert Shane Haudenschild, did recklessly sell, deliver, furnish, disseminate, provide, exhibit, rent, or present to “Jane Doe” (DOB: XX-XX–2007), a juvenile, material or performance that is obscene with Robert Shane Haudenschild having knowledge of the character or content of said material or performance, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.31 (A)(l ), 2907.31 (F), DISSEMINATING MATTER HARMFUL TO JUVENILES a felony of the fifth degree.
Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Holmes County, Ohio and/or Knox County Ohio and/or Brown County, Ohio and/or any other unknown county in Ohio and/or the state of Kentucky and/or the state of West Virginia
COUNT SIX: SEXUAL BATTERY (Section 2907.03(A)(5), 2907.03(B) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the third degree.
In that on or about December 1, 2020 through October 31, 2022, in Ashland County, Ohio, Robert Shane Haudenschild, did engage in sexual conduct, to wit: vaginal intercourse, with “Jane Doe” (DOB: XX-XX-2007), not his spouse, Robert Shane Haudenschild being the father of “Jane Doe”, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.03 (A)(5), 2907.03(B), SEXUAL BATTERY, a felony of the third degree.
Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Holmes County, Ohio and/or Knox County Ohio and/or Brown County, Ohio and/or any other unknown county in Ohio and/or the state of Kentucky and/or the state of West Virginia
COUNT SEVEN: SEXUAL BATTERY (Section 2907.03(A)(5), 2907.03(B) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the third degree.
In that on or about December 1, 2020 through October 31, 2022, in Ashland County, Ohio, Robert Shane Haudenschild, did engage in sexual conduct, to wit: fellatio, with “Jane Doe” (DOB: XX-XX-2007), not his spouse, Robert Shane Haudenschild being the father of “Jane Doe”, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.03(A)(5), 2907.03 (B), SEXUAL BATTERY, a felony of the third degree.
Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Holmes County, Ohio and/or Knox County Ohio and/or Brown County, Ohio and/or any other unknown county in Ohio and/or the state of Kentucky and/or the state of West Virginia
COUNT EIGHT: SEXUAL BATTERY (Section 2907.03(A)(5), 2907.03(B) of the Ohio Revised code), a felony of the third degree.
In that on or about December 1, 2020 through October 31, 2022, in Ashland County, Ohio, Robert Shane Haudenschild, did engage in sexual conduct, to wit: cunnilingus, with “Jane Doe” (DOB: XX-XX-2007), not his spouse, Robert Shane Haudenschild being the father of “Jane Doe”, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.03 (A)(5), 2907.03(B), SEXUAL BATTERY, a felony of the third degree.
Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Holmes County, Ohio and/or Knox County Ohio and/or Brown County, Ohio and/or any other unknown county in Ohio and/or the state of Kentucky and/or the state of West Virginia
COUNT NINE: IMPORTUNING (Section 2907.07(D)(1), 2907.07(F)(3) of the Ohio Revised Code), a felony of the fifth degree.
In that on or about December 1, 2020 through October 31, 2022, in Ashland County, Ohio, Robert Shane Haudenschild, did recklessly solicit “Jane Doe” (DOB: XX-XX-2007) by means of a telecommunications device, as defined in section 2913.01 of the Revised Code, to engage in sexual activity with Robert Shane Haudenschild who was eighteen years of age or older and “Jane Doe” was thirteen years of age or older but less than sixteen years of age, to wit: DOB: XX-XX-2007, and Robert Shane Haudenschild knew that the victim was thirteen years of age or older but less than sixteen years of age or was reckless in that regard, and Robert Shane Haudenschild was four or more years older than the victim, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.07(D)(1), 2907.07(F)(3) IMPORTUNING, a felony of the fifth degree.
Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Holmes County, Ohio and/or Knox County Ohio and/or Brown County, Ohio and/or any other unknown county in Ohio and/or the state of Kentucky and/or the state of West Virginia
COUNT TEN: GROSS SEXUAL IMPOSITION (Section 2907.05(A)(1), 2907.05(C)(1) of the Ohio Revised code), a felony of the fourth degree.
In that on or about January 1, 2022 through October 31 , 2022, in Ashland County, Ohio, Robert Shane Haudenschild, did have sexual contact with “Mary Doe” (DOB: XX-XX-2009), not his spouse, when Robert Shane Haudenschild purposely compelled such person(s) to submit by force or threat of force, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.05(A)(1), 2907.05(C)(1) GROSS SEXUAL IMPOSITION, a felony of the fourth degree.
Furthermore, by virtue of Section 2901.12 (H) of the Ohio Revised Code, the offense was committed in Ashland County, Ohio and/or Holmes County, Ohio and/or Knox County Ohio and/or Brown County, Ohio and/or any other unknown county in Ohio and/or the state of Kentucky and/or the state of West Virginia and against the peace and dignity of the State of Ohio.
Loudonville Police Department responded to a complaint of animal abuse, on 05/18/2022. When Officers arrived, they found the caller’s dog, “Luna,” had been beaten and abused so badly, that the dog had to be sent to the Ark Veterinary Hospital in Wooster, Ohio.
Loudonville Police Department Sergeant, Sean Gorrell, said in a report, “We soon learned that the injuries to Luna had been so severe that Luna had to be euthanized.”
On July 14th, 2022, the Ashland County Grand Jury indicted Spencer Thomas Spreng, age 21, of Oberlin, Ohio, on one count of Cruelty to Companion Animals (a felony of the fifth degree).
On November 7th, of 2022, Spencer changed his plea from “Not Guilty” to Guilty by remote videoconferencing.
A Bench Warrant for Spencer’s arrest was issued on 11/21/2022, and his bond was revoked, and he was ordered to be remanded to the custody of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
Sergeant Sean Gorrell stated, “We would like to thank the Ashland County Dog Warden’s Office for their assistance with this case. We would also like to thank all Loudonville Police employees who worked diligently on the case, the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office, and all involved witnesses for their helping in securing justice.”
In a Sentencing Hearing by remote videoconferencing, on January 4, 2023, Spencer appeared with his attorney Robert Rolf Whitney, and the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office represented by Michael Joseph Callow. Judge Ronald Forsthoefel sentenced Spencer Thomas Spreng to the following:
A one hundred fifty (150) days term of incarceration at Ashland County Jail with work-release participation permitted and Community Control for 2 years.
The Court imposes the following nonresidential sanction(s) pursuant to R.C. 2929.17:
• Pursuant to R.C. 2929.17(A) the defendant must follow all local, state, and federal laws and ordinances, and may not leave the state without the permission his/her supervising officer.
• The defendant SHALL NOT use, possess, or consume any alcoholic beverages, mood altering chemicals or drugs of abuse. The use of medical marijuana is prohibited while the Defendant is subject to community control sanctions.
• The defendant shall obtain both a substance abuse assessment and mental health
assessment from licensed service providers approved by his/her supervising officer; and shall thereafter participate in and successfully complete all substance abuse and mental health treatment recommendations of their respective service providers.
• The defendant shall report all prescription medications to his/her supervising officer within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving a prescription from a licensed physician or other appropriately licensed health care provider, and he/she shall not possess or use any prescription medication which has not been prescribed for the defendant by a licensed physician or other appropriately licensed health care provider.
• The defendant shall execute all necessary and/or appropriate waivers to permit the Adult Parole Authority and the Court to monitor the defendant’s compliance with Court’s orders, as well as any counseling or treatment recommendations.
• The defendant is ORDERED to abide by the following curfew: defendant to be at approved residence between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless in conflict with verified employment or granted permission by his/her supervising officer to do otherwise.
• The defendant is ORDERED to obtain and maintain gainful employment. The defendant shall not lose his/her employment for cause.
• The defendant SHALL abide by and follow general rules, regulations and/or special condition recommendations of his/her supervising authority, and he/she shall obey all laws and all orders of the Court.
• The defendant shall complete 24 hours of community service work in the manner and form approved by his/her supervising officer
• The defendant SHALL keep his/her supervising officer informed of his/her residence and place of employment.
• The defendant SHALL NOT enter the grounds of any correctional facility, nor attempt to visit any prisoner without the written permission of his/her supervising officer, and SHALL NOT communicate with any prisoner in any manner without obtaining permission from his/her supervising officer.
• The defendant SHALL report any arrest, citation for a violation of law, conviction, or any other contact with a law enforcement officer to his/her supervising officer within 24 hours of the arrest, citation, conviction, or other law enforcement contact.
• The defendant SHALL NOT associate with persons having a criminal background and/or persons who may have gang affiliation, or who could influence Defendant to engage in criminal activity, without the prior permission of his/her supervising officer.
• The defendant SHALL give all information regarding his/her financial status to his/her
supervising officer, to assist in determining defendant’s ability to pay specific financial
obligations.
The defendant shall pay the court costs in this case, including a sum of $30.00. taxed as costs pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 2949.091 and a sum of $30.00, to be paid over to the Treasurer of the State of Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 2743.70.
Having held a restitution hearing pursuant to R.C. 2929.18 and having considered the defendant’s present and future ability to pay, the defendant is ordered to make restitution in the amount of two thousand four hundred twenty-nine and 75/100 dollar(s) ($2429.75) to Mahlin Hawkins, Loudonville, OH 44842. All payments shall be made to and distributed by the Ashland County Clerk of Court.
This order of restitution by the Court can be converted to a civil judgement and collected by the victim through a civil action.
The defendant is remanded to the custody of the Ashland County Sheriff to complete the residential sanction imposed above.
The Court informed the Defendant that under federal law, a person convicted of a felony cannot lawfully possess a firearm pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1).
Lyme Township – The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on January 14, 2023 at 4:57 PM. The crash occurred on State Route 547 at Section Line 30 in Lyme Township, Huron County.
Lacey Gerich, age 28, of Norwalk, was driving a blue 2016 Hyundai Tucson southbound on Section Line 30. Charlotte Jagel, age 1, of Norwalk was the right rear passenger. Thomas Eaton, age 44, of Bellevue, was driving a white 2023 Peterbilt 567 northeast on State Route 547. Ms. Gerich failed to yield from a stop sign and pulled into the path of Mr. Eaton. Mr. Eaton struck Ms. Gerich on the passenger side. Both vehicles came to rest off the southeast corner of the intersection.
Lacey Gerich was not wearing a safety belt and was pronounced dead at the scene by North Central EMS. Charlotte Jagel was in a child seat and was transported by North Central EMS to Fisher Titus Hospital for minor injuries.
Ms. Gerich’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Wilcox Towing. Thomas Eaton was wearing a safety belt and sustained no injuries.
Mr. Eaton’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Wilcox Towing.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Bellevue Fire Department, North Central EMS and Wilcox Towing.
UPDATE:, The 2011 Ford Escape has been recovered. Found in a field in Holmes County. It was trashed on the inside, and missing the catalytic converter.
Around 5pm this evening a 2011 Ford Escape was stolen from the Dollar Store in Perrysville.
Anyone with any information is ask to call the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office
Pursuit Into Ashland, on January 6th 2023, around 4:30 pm, that came off I-71 Southbound Lane, turning right on US Route 250, to Commerce Parkway and into the parking lot of Aldi’s, at 1033 Commerce Parkway, through the yard, and into the parking lot of Hampton Inn & Suites, back out on US Route 250, going East to I-71, back to the Southbound lane where the car stopped after having the right side tire go flat.
Little to no information has been released, it hasn’t be clarified what agencies were involved.
Today, Ashland Municipal Court Magistrate, Fred M. Oxley heard eight Amish responses to their fines and costs hearings.
Magistrate Oxley explained that these hearings were to determine a person’s ability to pay a fine and develop a payment plan, if necessary, or the court could order community service, asset forfeiture, wage garnishes or even jail time. If jail is ordered, a $50.00 per day credit would be assessed against the fines.
Elmer Hershberger, Mosie Shetler, Andy Swartzentruber, Eli L. Swartzentruber, Henry Swartzentruber, Susan Troyer, Eli J. Yoder, and Levi Yoder all reported that they understood their rights and understood what could happen.
Most of the Amish in court today said that they would not pay their fines, because it is against their religious beliefs, but they would take jail time. The next court date for the eight Amish is on April 14th, at 1pm.
According to a Sheriff’s Office report, 73 Amish have been cited with the violation of 4513.114 – Lights on Horse Drawn Buggy from 10/10/2022 to 01/03/2023.
Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff E. Wayne Risner commented “We don’t make the laws; we only enforce the laws, and we fully support this law, because it creates a safer environment on our Ashland roadways. As far as negotiating, we can’t. That is not within our power to negotiate. Just like if an English individual would have no lights on their vehicle, we would issue a citation, no difference.”
Sheriff Risner pointed out “The Sheriff’s Office has met with the Amish Bishops numerous times, before and after the law came into effect. We made flyers, and made sure they all had the information. The Sheriff’s Office has gone above and beyond, working to educate and explain this new law. An overwhelming population of the Amish are in compliance with this law.”
The Sentinel Warriors LEMC in Ashland County, has announce an Ashland County K-9 Fundraiser called “Soup for K-9’s” on February 11th, 2023 at 2293 State Route 603 in Mifflin, Ohio.
Ashland County K-9 units will there to do a demonstration.
Bill Bauer said. “We are looking for local companies to donate items for our silent auction.”
If anyone is interested in Donating, please email Bill Bauer at Billbauer88@gmail.com
Joe Lyons •
January 19, 2023
