Former Holmes County Chief Probation Officer Indicted, Pleads Guilty in Unauthorized Database Access Case
MILLERSBURG, Ohio — A former top official within the Holmes County probation system has been convicted following a lengthy investigation into unauthorized access of confidential records.
According to a press release from the Holmes County Adult Probation Department, former Chief Probation Officer Roger Estill was indicted on February 2, 2026, following a 13-month investigation. The indictment charged Estill with four counts of Unauthorized Use of Property involving computer and telecommunications systems, all fifth-degree felonies.
Fake Profile Used to Access Confidential Data
The investigation began on January 3, 2025, when probation staff discovered irregularities within the Ohio Community Supervision System (OCSS) — a statewide case management database used to store sensitive probation and supervision records.
Officials determined Estill had created a fake user profile under the name “Todd Rowe” in early May 2024. Records show the profile was first used to access the system on May 5, 2024 — just days before Estill publicly announced his resignation, which became effective July 5, 2024.
After his departure, his legitimate system access was terminated on July 8, 2024. However, authorities say Estill immediately began using the fake profile to continue accessing restricted data without authorization.
Hundreds of Illegal Searches
Investigators found that between July 8, 2024, and January 2, 2025, Estill conducted 926 unauthorized searches within the OCSS database. These searches allowed him to view confidential information related to individuals currently or previously under probation supervision in Holmes County.
Concerns escalated after officials learned Estill had taken a job as a private investigator shortly after leaving his position. Authorities feared the sensitive information may have been used or shared outside official channels.
State Investigation and Court Proceedings
Holmes County officials referred the case to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to ensure transparency and avoid any conflicts of interest. The Attorney General’s Office gathered what officials described as substantial evidence, ultimately presenting the case to a grand jury.
Due to a conflict, Judge Sean M. Warner recused himself from the case. The Ohio Supreme Court then appointed retired Judge Edward E. O’Farrell to preside.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
On March 10, 2026, Estill appeared in court with his attorney, Jeffrey Kellogg, for a pre-trial hearing. During the proceeding, he entered guilty pleas to two of the four charges. The remaining two counts were dismissed.
Judge O’Farrell proceeded immediately to sentencing, ordering:
1 year of community control (probation)
$2,500 fine, due by May 15, 2026
Supervision Transferred to Avoid Conflict
To maintain transparency and prevent any potential conflicts of interest, supervision of Estill during his community control period has been transferred. The Guernsey County Adult Probation Department will oversee his probation at the request of Holmes County officials.
Holmes County Chief Probation Officer Dominic Palmucci stated the department took swift action once the misconduct was discovered and emphasized the importance of protecting confidential information within the justice system.
