(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost continues his fight against robocallers, this time suing six individuals and six companies that relied on illegal robocalls to identify sales leads so they could then pitch purported car warranties to Ohio residents.
“Interestingly, after our initial subpoena, they stopped calling people who have Ohio area codes but continued to call Ohioans with area codes from other states,” Yost said. “There is still work to be done, but robocallers are starting to get the message: Don’t call Ohioans!”
The complaint, filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, alleges that Delaware-based Pelican Investment Holdings was paying for leads to initiate outbound prerecorded calls to consumers to market and sell “vehicle service contracts.” The contracts were then “administered” by Dimension Service, Autoguard Advantage and National Administrative Service, all based in Dublin, Ohio.
The prerecorded messages misrepresented the essence of the call, which violates Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act. The calls failed to properly identify the calling party and falsely claimed that the call was about extending the consumer’s auto warranty and was affiliated with the auto manufacturer.
For the phone calls that resulted in a contract sale, the defendants did not secure a signed written confirmation of a verbal agreement – a violation of Ohio’s Telephone Solicitation Sales Act. They also violated this law by acting as telephone solicitors without having registered as such with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and without having obtained and filed the required surety bond.
Yost’s lawsuit stemmed from the investigative work of his Robocall Enforcement Unit, formed in 2020 within the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Section.
Those named as defendants are:
Pelican Investment Holdings, a company formed in the state of Delaware in November 2020 with its principal place of business in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Dimension Service Corp., an Ohio company formed in June 1994 with its principal place of business in Dublin, Ohio.
Autoguard Advantage Corp, an Ohio company formed in July 1996 with its principal place of business in Dublin, Ohio.
National Administrative Service Co., an Ohio company formed in October 2001 with its principal place of business in Dublin, Ohio.
Falcon Endeavors Inc., a Wyoming company owned by defendant Gustave Renny that was formed in March 2018 with its principal place of business in Sheridan, Wyoming.
MB Holdings Group, a Nevada company owned by defendant Vajira Samararatne that was formed in April 2020 with its principal place of business in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Gustave C. Renny, an actual or de facto owner, officer or member of Pelican who controlled and directed the business activities and sales conduct of Pelican and Falcon Endeavors.
Vajira Samararatne, an actual or de facto owner, officer or member of Pelican and MB Holdings.
Stacey E. Yim, an actual or de facto owner, officer or member of Pelican.
Ronald D. Eddington Jr., an actual or de facto owner, officer or member of Pelican.
Joseph E. Hill Jr., an actual or de facto owner, officer or member of Pelican.
Haytham H. Elzayn, an officer and director of Dimension Service, Autoguard Advantage and National Administrative Service.
Notably, defendant Stacey Yim was named in a federal lawsuit filed in July by Yost’s office also regarding fraudulent auto-warranty plans.
Consumers who receive unwanted calls can complete an Unwanted Call Notification Form at www.OhioProtects.org. That information will be shared with the Robocall Enforcement Unit, which uses the reports to identify trends and protect other Ohioans.
Dinosaur Drive-Thru at the Ashland County Fair Grounds on January 7th at 9 AM and January 8th at 4 PM
Jurassic Wonder: Dinosaur Drive-Thru “The Greatest Little Dinosaur Show on Earth!” Watch life-sized dinosaurs move and make real-life sounds from the safety of your car! $12 Per Car
Ashland Police Division Officers & Detectives, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, along with the Ashland Fire Department & EMS responded to a 911 call saying someone was shot. This later turned out to be a “Swatter” perpetuating an awful hoax.
Press Release reads as follows:
REPORT OF SHOOTING INCIDENT ON OHIO STREET DETERMINED TO BE A HOAX
The Ashland Police Division responded to the report of a shooting today at 2:39 pm. The male caller stated that his dad had shot his mom with a rifle in the living room of 413 Ohio Street. The caller went on to say that he was in an upstairs bedroom and he was unsure if his dad still had the gun, or where he was located in the home.
Police personnel established a perimeter around the home while Fire personnel assisted with shutting down Ohio Street, and EMS staged in the area to provide trauma care to the potential victim. While officers and deputies managed the scene, our detectives began communicating with the caller to gather more information. The caller ultimately admitted that the report was false before disconnecting. The home was found to be vacant. There was no evidence that substantiated a violent crime had occurred inside the house.
This incident will be investigated to determine if the caller can be identified and held accountable for making the false report. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently signed a new law that makes this crime a felony of the fourth degree, and raises the penalty to a felony of the second degree if anyone is seriously injured as a result of these reckless acts.
Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell Announces Trooper Sam Maddox as the December 2022 Officer of the Month
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney, Christopher R. Tunnell, announced today, that Trooper Sam Maddox of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ashland Post has been named the Officer of the Month for December 2022.
Recently, Trooper Sam Maddox had been nominated by his peers at the Ashland Highway Patrol Post for the honor of Post Trooper of the Year. Trooper Maddox then went through and interview process and was selected as the State Highway Patrol, Cleveland District, Trooper of the Year.
Trooper Maddox is a post leader in felony and drug arrests, recently initiating three felony arrests through three different traffic stops during the same shift.
Prosecutor Tunnell stated, “Trooper Maddox is a staple at Grand Jury. Every time the Grand Jury meets, there he is waiting to present another successful investigation. His efforts are making Ashland County a safer place in which to live and work”.
Each month Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell will select an officer of the month to recognize the good work being done in our community by our law enforcement officers.
It is with distinct honor that I send this message to all of you at the start of this new calendar year. Our students and staff are coming to the end of the first semester here at Ashland City Schools and we couldn’t be more excited about the trajectory of our school district. Our staff and students have worked tremendously hard to create learning and extracurricular opportunities that leave a lasting impact on our students and community. We are so proud of all our staff, students, and families for their perseverance, resilience, and commitment to our district’s goals and vision. We will continue to educate and care for our students at a very high level every day. We strive to be the best version of ourselves to bring out the best version of our students. We have had many successes academically, athletically, musically, and artistically in 2022; we are poised to show even more growth and achievement in the coming months. Thank you for the opportunity to educate and love your child, and we will put every ounce of our effort in staying committed to them, to our families, and to Ashland. May 2023 bless each and every one of you. I look forward to leading beside each member of this great organization and creating continual support for The Ashland City School District.
Richard Kiser Age: 56
White / Male / 5’7’’ / 180 / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a failing to provide change of address as sex offender
Ties to the Mansfield, New Philadelphia, Conneaut, Bergholz, Lawrenceburg, TN
Jimmy Kepiro Age: 36
White / Male / 6’2’’ / 245 / Brow Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated possession of drug F-3
Ties to the Mansfield and Cardington areas.
Andrea Lee Reil Age: 33
White / Female / 5’6’’ / 200 / Brown Hair / Green Eyes
Wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for a parole violation on the original charge of burglary F3
Ties to Mansfield and Bellville, OH.
Nichole Meyers
Age: 46
White / Female / 5’6’’ / 250 / Blond Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for escape. She also has warrants out of ODRC, Huron County, and Marrow County
Ties to the Mansfield area
Reward money is available for information directly leading to an arrest. Anyone with information concerning any of these fugitives can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force office at 419-774-3565 or the tip line at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or you can send a web tip at the following webpage http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html.
Tipsters may remain anonymous, and a cash reward may be available. The Task Force’s “Dangerous Dozen” fugitives can be viewed at https://www.usmarshals.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/dangerous-dozen.pdf, which is updated monthly.
The NOVFTF Akron Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:
United States Marshals Service, Mansfield Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Richland County Probation, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Bucyrus Police Department, Galion Police Department, Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Police Department, Loudonville Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ontario Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Willard Police Department and Crestline Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio is cautioning northern Ohio residents about a telephone spoofing campaign where the caller is portraying themselves as an attorney, representative, or law enforcement officer, and the phone number is showing as the Department of Justice or the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
During these calls, scammers may attempt to collect money from victims or threaten arrest or legal action. These calls are bogus and an attempt to use a legitimate law enforcement number to obtain money from victims.
Scammers use many tactics to sound and appear credible. They sometimes provide information like actual names of federal prosecutors and federal office addresses. They also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller IDs as if they are calling from a government agency such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reminds the public to be vigilant and never share personal identifying information with a caller that you have not initiated contact with or have not verified as a legitimate business or organization.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will never ask you to purchase a gift card or give out a credit card number to avoid arrest.
To report a call or message from someone portraying to be a representative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office or Department of Justice, please contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Yesterday Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell released ten (10) felony indictments issued by the Ashland County Grand Jury which met for a day- long session in December.
The Grand Jury issued a total of eighteen (18) indictments, eight of which remain sealed because they have not been served as of today’s date. The following persons were the subject of an indictment and have or will appear before the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas:
• Ahmed Palmer of Mansfield, case no. 22-CRI-217, investigating agency APD
Count One: Aggravated Possession of Drugs/ with three specifications
Count Two: Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs/ with three specifications
Count Three: Possession of Cocaine/ with three specifications
Count Four: Trafficking in Cocaine/ with three specifications
Count Five: Possession of a Fentanyl-Related Compound/ with three specifications
Count Six: Trafficking in a Fentanyl-Related Compound/ with three specifications
Count Seven: Possession of Drugs/ with three specifications
See Copy of Indictment
• Zachary Ross Finchum of Greenwood, IN, case no. 22-CRI-232, investigating
agency ACSO
Count One: Aggravated Possession of Drugs/ with One specification
See Copy of Indictment
• Josephine Mary Richmond of Ashland, case no. 22-CRI-229, investigating agency
ACSO
Count One: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse or a combination of them – OVI
Count Two: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse or a combination of them – OVI
Count Three: Resisting arrest
See Copy of Indictment
• Jeffrey Olmstead of Loudonville, case no. 22-CRI-230, investigating agency APD
Count One: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse or a combination of them – OVI / with one specifications
Count Two: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse or a combination of them – OVI / with one specifications
See Copy of Indictment
• Salia Setser of Mansfield, case no. 22-CRI-236, investigating agency APD
Count One: Theft
Count Two: Possessing Criminal Tools
See Copy of Indictment
• Meghan Dunbar of Brookpark, OH, case no. 22-CRI-235, investigating agency APD
Count One: Complicity (theft) / with one specifications
Count Two: Possessing criminal tools / with one specifications
See Copy of Indictment
• Shawna Davis of Ashland, case no. 22-CRI-158, investigating agency APD
Count One: Complicity (Arson)
Count Two: (Arson)
See Copy of Indictment
• Mark Owens, Jr. of Ashland, case no. 22-CRI-243, investigating agency APD
Count One: Aggravated Possession of Drugs/ with one specification
See Copy of Indictment
• Emery Kopina of Ashland, case no. 22-CRI-247, investigating agency APD
COUNT ONE: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
COUNT TWO: VIOLATING A PROTECTION ORDER
COUNT THREE: INTIMIDATION
See Copy of Indictment
• Connor Nicholas Herevia of Shelby, case no. 22-CRI-231, investigating agency ACSO
COUNT ONE: VIOLATING A PROTECTION ORDER
See Copy of Indictment
Prosecutor Tunnell would like to thank the Grand Jurors for their time and assistance, and the men and women of the investigating agencies for their hard work in protecting Ashland County citizens. Prosecutor Tunnell further stressed that all persons indicted by the December Grand Jury are innocent until proven guilty.
The Sheriff recognized selected employees for their hard work, accomplishments and distinguished service for 2022.
In addition to those listed below, other employees received certificates of Commendations and Merit, lifesaving awards, and letters of Appreciation.
DEPUTY OF THE YEAR: Aaron Frasher. He is a graduate of Ontario HS class of 2008. Served in the Marine Corps from 2009-2012 He earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice from NCState in 2022. He has been employed since 2017.
DETECTIVE OF THE YEAR: Giovanni Masi. He is a graduate of Lexington HS class of 2014. Served in the Army National Guard 2013-2019, He has been employed since 2016.
LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR: Sergeant Amber Alfrey. She is a graduate of Clear Fork HS class of 2002. Associates Degree NC State 2005. Bachelor’s Degree Tiffin University 2012. She has been employed since 2008.
CORRECTION OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Isaiah Morales. He is a graduate of Ontario HS class of 2020. He has been employed since 2020.
CORRECTIONAL SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR: Sergeant Tim Weese. He is a graduate of Madison HS class of 1995. Served in US Army for 3 years. He has been employed since 2013.
DISPATCHER OF THE YEAR: Cara Batten. She is a graduate of the Ohio Virtual Academy Class of 2017. She has been employed since 2020.
CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR: Maggie Liggett. She is a graduate of Galion HS class of 2004. She has been an employee since 2017.
Joe Lyons •
January 5, 2023
