February 27, 2001 - Man arrested for possession of stolen credit cards
February 26, 2001 - Man arrested for inducing panic at Statehouse
February 26, 2001 - Arizona man charged with possession of marijuana
February 26, 2001 - Canton woman charged with conveying drugs
February 23, 2001 - 103rd Basic Peace Officer class graduates
February 20, 2001 - Troopers seize marijuana on Turnpike
February 16, 2001 - Trooper of Year, annual awards announced
February 15, 2001 - Ashtabula woman charged with conveying marijuana into prison
February 14, 2001 - Drug-detecting canine alerts to $10 million cocaine cache
February 12, 2001 - Troopers recover marijuana valued at almost $1 million
February 9, 2001 - Safety Inspection program initiated for motor coach buses
February 8, 2001 - Motor Coach Bus Safety Inspection program
February 2, 2001 - Youngstown man indicted for e-mail threats to Louisiana governor
Columbus – A Columbus man is scheduled to appear in the Franklin Municipal Court today on charges of receiving stolen property and possession of criminal tools after he was found attempting to use stolen personal credit cards from state offices. Troopers said Daryl L. Chapman, 47, of Columbus was arrested yesterday at the CVS Pharmacy in downtown Columbus and charged with four, fifth-degree felony counts of receiving stolen property and four, fifth-degree felony counts of possession of criminal tools.
Troopers said an investigation began after several state employees reported personal credit cards had been stolen from different state office buildings. Yesterday at 8:15 a.m., investigators said Chapman was attempting to use the stolen cards at the downtown CVS Pharmacy where he subsequently was arrested without incident.
Chapman was incarcerated at the Franklin County Jail. If convicted, he could face up to 12 month in prison and a $7,500 fine on each count. The Patrol said additional charges are possible and the investigation is ongoing. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus -- Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers arrested a man today after he threatened to enter the Statehouse and induce harm. Troopers said Willie John Feaster, 42, was charged with one count of inducing a panic, a first-degree misdemeanor.
Troopers initiated an investigation today after several Columbus television and radio stations received telephone calls early this afternoon from Feaster threatening harm as he planned to enter the Statehouse. As a result of the investigation, Feaster was arrested and taken into custody at 1:40 p.m. by Columbus Police Department officers in downtown Columbus.
Feaster was incarcerated in the Franklin County Jail. If convicted, the maximum penalty is six months in jail, and $1,000 fine. No court date has been set.
Eaton – An Arizona man is scheduled to appear in the Preble County Court today after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers recovered nearly $90,000 worth of marijuana on Interstate 70 near milepost 8 on Saturday. Troopers said George Henry Jr., 26, was charged with possession of marijuana, a second-degree felony.
Troopers said at 11:34 a.m. Saturday, Henry was stopped in a 1989 Acura Legend for a speeding violation. A drug-detecting canine was on scene and alerted to the rear of the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed five packaged bricks of marijuana, weighing approximately 90 pounds, in the trunk under a blanket.
Henry was incarcerated at the Preble County Jail. If convicted of the second-degree felony, he could face up to eight years in prison, and a maximum $15,000 fine.
Circleville – A Canton woman was arraigned in the Circleville Municipal Court this morning on a felony drug conveying charge after she was found attempting to convey marijuana and pain killers into the Pickaway Correctional Institution yesterday. Troopers said Carrie Masaklo, 38, of Canton was arraigned on one count of third-degree felony conveying drugs into a detention facility.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Masaklo had planned to convey marijuana into the Pickaway Correctional Institution during a visit Sunday. Masaklo was stopped by investigators at 1:30 p.m., at which time she turned over approximately one ounce of marijuana and 10 Percoset pills.
Masaklo was incarcerated at the Circleville City Jail, and bond was set this morning at $5,000. If convicted of the third-degree felony, she could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus -- Members of the 103rd Basic Peace Officer Class graduated and received certificates in ceremonies held today, Friday, February 23, 2001, at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. The 29 class members will assume duties as peace officers for 22 different Ohio agencies.
The 14-week basic course began in November 2000. It was developed by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council and offers comprehensive instruction in over 150 topics, including criminal law, community relations, physical training, and patrol car operation.
Officer Michael J. McRill, Sidney Police Department, was selected class speaker by his fellow class members, and addressed the assembly. Officer McRill also received top scholastic honors; Officer Jeffrey F. Grosjean, Miamisburg Police Department, received top honors in marksmanship; and Officer Shari J. Hall, Wilmington Police Department, was honored for superior achievement in physical training.
Chief Gene P. Rowe, CLEE President, from the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, was the featured speaker for the ceremony and addressed an audience of graduates, friends, relatives, and law enforcement officers.
Lt. Colonel Michael R. Everhart, assistant superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Gary F. Joseph, assistant director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, joined Chief Rowe in presenting certificates of training to the graduates.
A complete listing of graduates and their agencies follows:
Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy
103rd Basic Peace Officer Class - Friday, February 23, 2001Name Department
Justin B. Alloway - Westerville Police Department
Jon A. Blasko - Marietta Police Department
Christine H. Chase - Perrysburg Police Department
Gordon W. Cole, Jr. - Centerville Police Department
Ronald L. Cravens - Wilmington Police Department
James D. Cress - Washington Courthouse Police Department
Christopher W. Dubay - Chillicothe Police Department
Andre L. Eley - Findlay Police Department
Keith A. Elliott - Bexley Police Department
Jeffrey F. Grosjean - Miamisburg Police Department
Steven R. Grubbs - Westerville Police Department
Shari J. Hall - Wilmington Police Department
Bernard R. Hanna - Bexley Police Department
Juston D. Herning - Delaware Police Department
Bradley J. Hoover - East Liverpool Police Department
Jeffrey W. Jones - Brunswick Police Department
Kenneth P. Lloyd, Jr. - Moraine Police Department
Michael A. Lopez - West Chester Police Department
Scott T. Lovett - West Chester Police Department
Ronald W. McMillin - Westerville Police Department
Michael J. McRill - Sidney Police Department
Aaron M. Nedeff - Marietta Police Department
Ryan W. Parsons - Findlay Police Department
Daniel M. Siwinski - Brecksville Police Department
Matthew S. Skiver - Defiance Police Department
Brian W. Strawser - Grove City Police Department
Christopher J. Thomas - Gahanna Police Department
David C. Thompson - Lancaster Police Department
Dewolfe R. Turpeau - Forest Park Police Department
Toledo – Two out of state men are scheduled to appear in the Lucas County Court today after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers recovered nearly $183,000 worth of marijuana on Ohio Turnpike on Sunday. Troopers said Leonel Alvarez, 26, of Chicago, and Ruben Hernandez, 31, of Novato, California, were both charged with possession of marijuana, a second-degree felony.
Troopers said at 4:38 p.m. Sunday, Alvarez was stopped near milepost 62 in a 1988 Lincoln Mark 7, for a marked lane violation. During a probable cause search, troopers found five bricks of marijuana, weighing approximately 83 pounds, in the trunk.
Both were incarcerated at the Lucas County Jail. If convicted of the second-degree felony, they could face up to eight years in prison, and a maximum $15,000 fine.
Columbus -- Outstanding employees of the Ohio State Highway Patrol received recognition today at the Patrol’s 2000 Annual Awards Luncheon, at Villa Milano. Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent, and Lt. Gov. Maureen O'Connor, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, presented the awards, which included:
| Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year -- Tpr. Joshua M. Swindell, Sandusky post, was selected from among the 10 District Troopers of the Year. A 1995 graduate of the 127th Academy Class, he has been assigned to Sandusky throughout his career. He resides in Oak Harbor with his wife, Stephanie, and their two children: Tayler and Adam. |
| Ohio State Highway Patrol Dispatcher of the Year -- Dispatcher 2 Rhonda J. Goins, Wilmington post, was selected the State Dispatcher of the Year for the second time in her career; the first was in 1995. On three previous occasions she was selected to receive post honors. She is a 16-year veteran of the Patrol and has previously been assigned to various posts in the Wilmington district, as a clerk, driver examiner, and dispatcher. She and her husband, Jackie, are Blanchester residents. They have three children: Gregory, Jack, and Joshua. |
| O. W. Merrell Meritorious Service Award -- Tpr. Paul E. Appleman and Tpr. Richard C. Chesar, Cambridge post, received the Patrol’s highest award for valor for their heroic, lifesaving efforts under life-threatening circumstances. In the early morning hours of September 30, 2000, Tpr. Appleman and his coach, Tpr. Chesar, observed a vehicle driving erratically. Tpr. Appleman turned around, but did not immediately catch up to the vehicle. After following the vehicle onto State Route 146, the troopers discovered the car on its top in a ditch. The doors were jammed shut and all four occupants were trapped inside. As the troopers began work to free the vehicle occupants, Tpr. Chesar noticed that the car’s engine was on fire. Tpr. Appleman retrieved his fire extinguisher, but was unable to extinguish the flames. Meanwhile, Tpr. Chesar broke the vehicle’s rear window and helped the rear seat occupants from the car. One of the occupants was combative and made attempts to reenter the car before Tpr. Chesar restrained him. Tpr. Appleman then assisted the driver from the burning vehicle. The final passenger remained trapped in her seat as flames engulfed the front of the car. Tpr. Appleman climbed into the vehicle, freed the passenger, and pulled her from the burning car. |
| Blue Max Award (Patrol’s top auto larceny enforcer) - Tpr. Frank P. Clayman, Ashtabula, is honored with the Blue Max award for recovering 17 stolen vehicles and making on-the-spot apprehensions of 18 suspects. The recovered vehicles had a total value of $244,150. He lives in his hometown of Ashtabula with his wife, Sandra, and their two children: Michelle and Frank. |
| Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award - Tpr. Jeffrey A. Conley, Findlay post, received the Patrol’s RMC Humanitarian award for his public service to the community, especially the teens and handicapped. A November 1997 graduate of the Patrol Academy, he has been stationed at Findlay throughout his career. He resides in Upper Sandusky with his wife, Jill. |
Superintendent’s Award of Excellence in Auto Larceny Investigation - Tpr, Michael J. Giuliano, Cleveland Investigations, earned his first award as top auto larceny enforcer among Patrol investigators, although he is a three-time winner of the Superintendent's Proficiency Award. During 2000, he recovered 24 stolen vehicles valued at $283,500 and apprehended 10 suspects. A 20-year veteran of the Patrol, he resides in Lakewood with his wife, Barbara Ann, and children: Benjamin, Toni, Emily, and Valerie.
Superintendent’s Proficiency Award in Auto Larceny Investigation - This year two troopers tied for stolen car recoveries and making arrests through follow-up investigations. Tpr. Frank P. Clayman, Ashtabula post, earned 10 proficiency points by recovering eight stolen vehicles valued at $22,600 and making two arrests. Tpr. James D. Foltz, Defiance post, earned 10 points by recovering five vehicles valued at $5,500 and making five arrests.
Criminal Patrol Award - Tpr. Steven V. Duteil is the first winner of this award given to the officer with the most investigations of felony cases that lead to felony arrests. In connection with his 11 qualifying cases, Tpr. Duteil made 12 felony arrests.
Electronic Technician Team of the Year - Jackson district. Presented yearly to the top electronics technician team, the Jackson District team includes:
Ohio Trooper Recognition Award - Tpr. Michael J. Giuliano, Cleveland Investigations, received the award after being selected from among 10 regional Trooper Recognition recipients. The award recognizes excellence among troopers who are assigned to specialty positions. Trooper Giuliano is a Patrol investigator.
OSHP Employee Recognition Award - Research Administrator 1 Suzan H. Cogswell, general headquarters, Office of Planning and Information Services, received the award after being selected from among 17 regional winners of the Employee Recognition Award, presented annually to recognize excellence in employees who are not troopers or dispatchers. She resides in Columbus with her husband Chip and her daughters Kari and Katie.
Regional winners from throughout the state of Ohio also received district level honors. Listed below are those winners in this order: District Trooper of the Year, District Dispatcher of the Year, District Trooper Recognition, District Employee Recognition.
Findlay District - Tpr. Felix A. Rosario, Van Wert; Disp. 2 T. Suzanne Kreischer,
Van Wert; Tpr. Brian R. Cupp, Findlay; MCES Mark A. Fowler, Findlay.
Bucyrus District - Tpr. Joshua M. Swindell, Sandusky; Disp. 2 Ruth A.
Emerick, Norwalk; Tpr. Kevin J. Smith, Bucyrus; Secy. Mary S. Peppard, Marion.
Massillon District - Tpr. David A. Norman, Wooster; Disp. 2 Deborah
J.
Feichter, Massillon; Tpr. Richard P. Wells, Massillon; Secy. Susan L. Cambarare,
Elyria.
Warren District - Tpr. Frank P. Clayman, Ashtabula; Disp. 2 Lynnette
B.
McCaffrey, Chardon; Tpr. Richard C. Baron, Warren; DX 1 Sharyl L. King, Chardon.
Piqua District - Tpr. Richard T. Albers, Dayton; Disp. 2 John T. Rammel,
Wapakoneta; Tpr. Gary E. Mitchell, Piqua; MRW 2 Michael L. Boyd, Dayton.
Columbus District - Tpr. John T. Conomy, Granville; Disp. 2 C. Elaine
Singleton, Columbus; Tpr. Mark A. Hensley, Columbus; Secy. Brenda S. Amison,
Mt.
Gilead.
Cambridge District - Tpr. Charles T. Merryman, Zanesville; Disp. 2 Diane
L. Holubeck, St. Clairsville; Tpr. James W. Kilgore, Cambridge; Secy. Tina M.
Saffell, St. Clairsville.
Wilmington District - Tpr. Charles R. Scales, Batavia; Disp. 2 Rhonda
J.
Goins, Wilmington; Tpr. Nelson J. Holden, Wilmington; Secy. Lisa A. Roberts,
Lebanon.
Jackson District - Tpr. Christopher R. Smith, Ironton; Disp. 2 Rodney
D.
Robinson, Athens; Tpr. Rebecca P. Leach, Jackson; DX 1 Betty L. Dickerson,
Jackson.
Berea District - Tpr. Michael A. Harmon, Hiram; Disp. 2 Tracey A. Cooper,
Berea DHQ; Tpr. Michael J. Giuliano, Berea; DX Supv. Portia L. Butterfield,
Berea.
GHQ - Brenda S. Miller, Academy; Jeanie M. Kelly, Facility Management;
Eric H. Erlanger, Fiscal; Peggy L. Belli, Human Resource Management; Criminalist
Tammy R. Bonner, Investigative Services; James R. Feddern, Licensing & Commercial
Standards; William R. Moore, Operations; Thomas I. Ball, OTIS; Suzan H. Cogswell,
Planning.
Columbus Dispatch
Reporter: Eileen Dempsey, Tim Revell
Story title: 135th Academy Class
This 11-story series covered numerous training aspects of the Patrol’s 135th
Academy Class. It is the most in-depth coverage of the division’s cadet
training program ever undertaken
Madison Press
Reporter: Steve Smith
Story title: Watch your speed in the zone
This story detailed the stepped up Patrol enforcement efforts along the
Interstate 70 construction zone.
Mansfield News Journal
Reporter: Jeff Brumley, Mike Shearer, Misti Crane, Jason Maddux
Story title: Ohio fatal crashes
This five-day series examined the fatal crash problem in Ohio. The series appeared
in eight newspapers and involved numerous reporters and photographers to complete.
Jeff Brumley now works in Florida, Mike Shearer is employed by the Newark Advocate,
and Misti Crane works for the Columbus Dispatch.
WYTV (Youngstown)
Reporter: Patrick Center
Story title: White out
This story covered winter driving problems frequently encountered in the
Youngstown area. Patrick, who also received a media recognition award last year,
currently works as a reporter for WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
WHIO (Dayton)
Reporter: Christian Farr, Jeff Guerini
Story title: Dangerous Roads
This story informed area motorists of the roads law enforcement professionals
considered to be the most dangerous. The story also covered changes which had
already been made to make some of the roads safer. Christian Farr currently
works as a reporter in Philadelphia, PA.
WSYX (Columbus)
Reporter: Mike Bettes, Mike Warner
Story title: 135th Academy Class
This multi-part story covered numerous training aspects of the Patrol’s
135th Academy Class. The coverage included Mike Bettes, who currently works
in for WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina, spent the first 48-hours of the 135th
Class as a cadet as part of the coverage.
WOGF/WOHI Radio (East Liverpool)
Reporter: Lizz Randolph
Story title: Move over/slow down signs
This story covered the Patrol’s partnership with the Ohio Department of
Transportation, and local law enforcement agencies, regarding permanent signs
posted on all major highways that describe the law requiring motorists to move
over or slow down for stopped law enforcement and public safety vehicles.
Lancaster – An Ashtabula woman is facing a felony drug conveying charge after she was found attempting to convey marijuana into the Southeastern Correctional Institution this afternoon. Troopers said Annerayshea Jones, 20, of Ashtabula was charged with one count of third-degree felony conveying drugs into a detention facility.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Jones had planned to convey marijuana into the Southeastern Correctional Institution during a visit today. Jones was stopped by investigators at 2:45 p.m., at which time investigators found four balloons that were concealed in her clothing containing eight grams of marijuana.
Jones was incarcerated at the Fairfield County Jail. If convicted of the third-degree felony, she could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Toledo – The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported today that over $10 million worth of cocaine was seized on the Ohio Turnpike in Lucas County yesterday after a traffic stop. The Patrol said this is the fourth largest cocaine seizure after a traffic stop in the Division’s 67-year history.
Troopers said at 5:09 p.m. Tuesday, a 1991 Chevy pickup was stopped near milepost 57 on Interstate 80 for a speeding violation. A drug-detecting canine was summoned to the scene and alerted to the vehicle. During a search, troopers found 90 packages of cocaine in a hidden compartment under the bed of the pickup truck.
The Drug Enforcement Administration responded to the scene and will charge both suspects federally. Agent in charge Mark Murtha, Toledo office, can be contacted at 419-259-3726 for additional information.
Eaton – An Arizona man is scheduled to appear in the Preble County Court today after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers recovered nearly $1 million worth of marijuana on Interstate 70 east of the Indiana state line in Preble County yesterday. Troopers said Anthony Nunes, 35, of Phoenix, was charged with possession of marijuana, a second-degree felony.
Troopers said at 1:12 p.m. Sunday, Nunes was stopped near milepost 13 in a rented 2000 Chrysler Sebring, for a following too close violation. A drug detecting canine was summoned to the scene and alerted to the vehicle. During a search, troopers found five packaged bricks of marijuana, weighing approximately 97 pounds, under a blanket in the trunk.
Nunes was incarcerated at the Preble County Jail. If convicted of the second-degree felony, he could face up to eight years in prison, and a maximum $15,000 fine.
Columbus -- The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today a safety inspection program involving motor coach buses based in Ohio, which determines whether the bus is safe and lawful for passengers. Recently enacted legislation mandates the Patrol conduct annual bus inspections for equipment, and other safety related conditions before license plates will be issued. This is the first type of program in the country.
Legislation became effective on September 1, 2000, which created the mandatory bus inspection program. The Patrol will conduct the safety inspection on an annual basis. Upon successfully passing an inspection, decals are issued and displayed on the bus. Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, said, "Ohio is a pioneer, we are the first state to enact legislation which addresses motor coach buses with mandatory law enforcement safety inspections tied to license registration."
Effective March 1, 2001, applications for registration of buses must be accompanied by a safety inspection report. Effective July 1, 2001, the law prohibits any person from operating certain classes of buses unless they display valid safety inspection decals issued by the Patrol. Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol, said "The Patrol has dedicated its efforts to setting the standard towards highway safety for over 67 years. This inspection program sends a positive message to our commitment in saving lives."
The Ohio State Highway Patrol partnered with the Ohio Bus Owners Association after bus owners contacted officials about initiating mandatory safety inspections. Executive Vice President of the Ohio Bus Owners Association Norm Murdock said, "We are determined to offer the safest mode of transportation to the general public. This effort with the Patrol will enhance and ensure a higher level of bus safety and also establishes Ohio as the national leader."
The inspection process begins with submitting an application and fee of $100. The receipt is mailed and an inspection date in scheduled. Upon successfully passing the inspection, a bus safety inspection report is issued. The inspection report then will be taken to a deputy registrar with the purchase of the license plates.
What: Motor Coach Bus Safety Inspection Program
When: Friday, February 9, 2001, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Lakefront Lines’ Bus Terminal
3152 East 17th Avenue (near Port Columbus)
Columbus, Ohio 43236
Who: Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent, OSHP
Ohio Bus Owners Association Executive
(OBOA)
Vice President Norm Murdock
Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspectors
The Ohio State Highway Patrol in conjunction with the Ohio Bus Owners Association will unveil an inspection program for Ohio based motor coach buses after recently enacted legislation. The inspection program is the first in the country, which links the successful completion of a safety inspection prior to the issuance of license plate.
Youngstown – A Youngstown man was indicted yesterday by the Mahoning County grand jury on felony charges stemming from a case in which he gained unlawful access to the Youngstown State University computer network and sent a threatening e-mail to Louisiana Governor Michael Foster. Troopers said Jeffrey C. Nelson, 23, of 226 Phelps Street in Youngstown, was indicted for breaking and entering, a fifth-degree felony, unauthorized access to a computer, a fifth-degree felony, and aggravated menacing, a first-degree misdemeanor.
Troopers said a joint investigation with the Youngstown State University Police Department began on January 29 after information was received from the Louisiana State Police. During the investigation it was learned that Nelson, who is not a Youngstown State University student, had gained unlawful access to the Youngstown State University computer network, and on January 22, 2001, sent a threatening e-mail to Governor Foster. The e-mail threatened injury to Governor Foster if he moved the New Orleans Saints football team.
If convicted, Nelson faces a maximum 12 months in jail and maximum $2,500 fine on each felony charge, and maximum six months in jail and maximum $1,000 fine on the misdemeanor charge.