April 30, 2001 — Woman to be arraigned for attempting to convey drugs
April 23, 2001 — Three million drug seizure is Patrol's second largest
April 17, 2001 — Columbus woman to be arraigned on felony drug charges
April 17, 2001 — Woman arraigned on felony drug charges
April 16, 2001 — Ohio troopers return to Patrol posts from Cincinnati
April 13, 2001 -- News advisory for 9:00 p.m. briefing at Cincinnati Police Department
April 13, 2001 -- News advisory for 11:00 a.m. briefing at Cincinnati Police Department
April 12, 2001 -- Taft issues statement on Cincinnati unrest
April 11, 2001 -- Inmate slated for arraignment today
April 9, 2001 -- Ex-inmate charged with trafficking
April 5, 2001 -- National Public Safety Telecommunications Week is April 8 - 14
April 5, 2001 -- Church bus inspections slated for Franklin County
April 4, 2001 -- Man arrested for counterfeit check
April 4, 2001 -- Staff Lieutenant Dickey graduates from FBI Academy
April 3, 2001 -- Off-duty incident leads to arrest
April 3, 2001 -- Patrol unveils diversity data for traffic stops
April 2, 2001 -- Professional traffic stops training, release of diversity data
April 2, 2001 -- Arraignment for conveying drugs into Pickaway Correctional Institution
April 2, 2001 -- Two Washington D.C. men arrested for drug trafficking
London – A Dayton woman is scheduled to appear in the Madison County Municipal Court today on felony drug charges after she was found attempting to convey Xanax into the London Correctional Institution, last Friday. Troopers said Debra Teller-Washington, 31, of 656 Wilfred Avenue, will be arraigned on conveying drugs into a detention facility, a third-degree felony.
Troopers were contacted after Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators observed Teller-Washington passing a potato chip bag to an inmate which contained 12 balloons of Xanax during a scheduled visit. Xanax is a prescription pain medicine.
Teller-Washington was incarcerated at the Tri-County Jail. If convicted, 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.
Eaton – Two men are scheduled to appear in the Preble County Court today after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers recovered nearly three million dollars worth of marijuana on Interstate 70 eastbound, near milepost 7, Saturday. Troopers said Tenny O. Chin, 42, of Jamaica, NY, and Anthony Miller, 38, of Miami, FL, were both charged with drug trafficking, a second-degree felony, and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony.
Troopers said the drug seizure was the second largest in the Patrol’s history. At 10:44 a.m. Saturday, a tractor-trailer was stopped for following too close and marked lanes violations. A drug-detecting canine was called to the scene and alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed 1,300 pounds of marijuana in 19 cardboard boxes amongst boxes of cucumbers and peppers.
Chin and Miller were incarcerated at the Preble County Jail. If they are convicted, they both could face up to nine years in prison, and up to a $17,500 fine.
Mansfield – A Columbus woman is scheduled to appear in the Mansfield Municipal Court tomorrow on felony drug charges after she was found attempting to convey marijuana into the Mansfield Correctional Institution. Troopers said Mae E. Ward, 57, will be arraigned on conveying drugs into a detention facility, a third-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Ward planned to convey drugs into the Mansfield Correctional Institution. Ward was stopped by investigators at 12:08 p.m. today, at which time a search revealed 23 balloons of marijuana, weighing approximately 45 grams. Ward concealed the drugs in her clothing.
Ward was incarcerated at the Richland County Jail. If convicted, 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.
Orient – An Athens woman was arraigned in the Pickaway County Municipal Court this morning on felony drug charges after she was found attempting to convey marijuana into the Corrections Reception Center during a visit yesterday. Troopers said Cindy Ann Davis, 28, was charged with conveying drugs into a detention facility, a third-degree felony.
Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Davis planned to convey drugs into the Corrections Reception Center during a visit. Investigators stopped Davis at 12:35 p.m. Monday, at which time she turned over two balloons of marijuana, weighing approximately one and one-half grams.
Davis remains incarcerated at the Pickaway County Jail on a $5,000 bond. If convicted, 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.
Cincinnati - Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are beginning to return to their Patrol posts and assignments after serving Cincinnati residents during the last five days of civil unrest in that city. Troopers were sent by Governor Bob Taft to assist local law enforcement, escort fire and emergency medical services personnel, and assist with building security.
On Thursday, over 120 troopers from 27 of the Patrol’s 57 posts in the state responded. Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol, said because of community support and interagency cooperation, the city is more peaceful.
"As a result of the curfew as well as a collective commitment to resolving the crisis, troopers are leaving a calmer city," Colonel Morckel said.
Troopers should be back to their regular assignments by mid-morning Tuesday.
Lancaster – A Southeastern Correctional Institute inmate is scheduled to appear in the Fairfield County Common Pleas Court for arraignment today on two counts of felony complicity to convey drugs into a detention facility. Antoine T. Matthews, 24, an inmate of the Southeastern Ohio Correctional Institute was indicted March 30, 2001, by the Fairfield County Grand Jury.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Annerayshea V. Jones, 20, of Ashtabula, planned to convey drugs into the Southeastern Correctional Institution. Jones planned to conceal four balloons containing marijuana in her shirt and convey the drugs to Matthews during a scheduled visit. Investigators stopped Jones on February 1, 2001, at which time she turned over the balloons containing eight grams of marijuana.
Jones was indicted on the two counts of felony conveying of drug charges against her but has not received a court date. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Chillicothe – A Columbus man and ex-inmate of the Ross Correctional Institution is scheduled to appear in the Chillicothe Municipal Court today on felony charges of drug conveying and trafficking after he was found attempting to convey marijuana into the Ross Correctional Institution Saturday. Troopers said Dennis J. Peterson, 36, of Columbus will be arraigned on one count of third-degree felony drug trafficking, and one count of third-degree felony conveying drugs into a detention facility.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Peterson planned to convey drugs into the Ross Correctional Institution. Peterson planned to throw a metal pipe containing marijuana over the security fence at the Ross Correctional Institution. Peterson was stopped by investigators at 12:41 a.m. Saturday, at which time he turned over the metal pipe containing 9.0 ounces of marijuana and unidentified pills.
A subsequent search of Peterson’s residence lead investigators to an additional seizure of two pounds of marijuana and drug paraphernalia items.
Peterson was incarcerated at the Ross County Jail. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus -- The Ohio State Highway Patrol is recognizing its dispatchers April 8-14, 2001, during National Public Safety Telecommunication Week. Patrol dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day to answer public calls for emergency assistance and general law enforcement matters.
The Patrol recognized Dispatcher Rhonda J. Goins, from the Wilmington post, as the State Dispatcher of the Year for 2000. Goins, a 16-year Patrol veteran and a previous State Dispatcher of the Year winner, was recently honored at the annual awards banquet in Columbus. The Patrol presently has 278 dispatchers assigned throughout the state to answer calls and dispatch necessary information to troopers on the road.
As a reminder, motorists can call toll free 1-877-7-PATROL to receive highway help, report aggressive drivers, and advise troopers of disabled vehicles.
Columbus – Captain Fred G. Goldstein, Commander of the Highway Patrol’s Columbus District, announced plans for the annual church bus inspection for Franklin County and the surrounding area. Prior to the issuance of registration plates, troopers inspect church buses annually for safety. Buses with seating capacity of 16 or more passengers shall be required to be inspected.
According to Captain Goldstein, the inspection site will remain the same as last year. Inspections will be conducted at the District Headquarters garage located at 2855 West Dublin-Granville Road, which is just west of Beightler Armory on SR 161. Inspections will be conducted April 9-13, 2001 from 8:00 am. to 2:00 pm.
Persons wishing to schedule buses for inspection should call the State Highway Patrol Columbus Communications Center at (614) 466-2660 for an appointment
Columbus – A Columbus man is scheduled to appear in the Franklin County Municipal Court today on felony charges of grand theft, forgery, and possession of cocaine. Troopers said William L. Robinson, 29, was arrested after investigators determined he supplied a counterfeit check to an individual who later cashed the check at an area credit union. Robinson was charged with one count of grand theft, a fourth-degree felony; one count of possession of cocaine, and one count of forgery, both fifth-degree felonies.
Troopers were contacted last week by employees from the State Transportation Employees Credit Union, which is located within the Ohio Department of Transportation headquarters, and had obtained knowledge that a counterfeit check in excess of $5,300 was deposited into the individual’s existing credit union account. Investigators said the funds were then withdrawn from the account prior to the check receiving clearance. Robinson was arrested without incident yesterday, at 12:17 p.m., while attempting to receive the remaining funds from the account. In addition, troopers retrieved three baggies containing crack cocaine at the time of the arrest.
Robinson was taken to the Franklin County Jail. If convicted of the fourth-degree felony, he could face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine and 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine on both fifth-degree felony charges.
The investigation is on-going. Additional charges are possible after further review by the prosecutor and presentation to the Franklin County Grand Jury.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus -- The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today Staff Lt. Jeffrey R. Dickey, of the Office of Field Operations at Patrol General Headquarters in Columbus, recently graduated from the 204th Session of the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. The 10-week National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers advanced legal, investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies.
The National Academy session consisted of officers from all 50 states, 23 countries, three military organizations, and two federal civilian organizations. FBI Academy instructional staff, special agents, and other staff members provided training for the program.
Staff Lt. Dickey joined the Patrol in November 1982 as a member of the 112th Academy Class and earned his commission the following February. Staff Lt. Dickey was originally assigned to Marion, and was honored as Post Trooper of the Year in 1988. He transferred to the Academy in 1989, was promoted to sergeant in 1991, and served at Zanesville and Cambridge at that rank. Staff Lt. Dickey was promoted in 1997 to the rank of lieutenant and transferred to New Philadelphia as post commander. He was promoted to staff lieutenant in March of this year and transferred to the Office of Field Operations at the Patrol’s General Headquarters.
A native of Akron, Staff Lt. Dickey graduated from Garfield High School in 1973, and later earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Akron. He currently resides in Bolivar with his wife Connie and their daughter, Katherine, 9.
Lebanon – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has charged Richard Kelley, 36, of Cincinnati, with a third-degree felony count of abduction, and first-degree misdemeanor counts of assault, domestic violence, and criminal damaging in connection with an incident which began on Interstate 75 in Warren County Sunday morning. Kelley, an 11-year trooper, currently assigned to the Batavia post, was off-duty in his own vehicle when he is alleged to have assaulted a woman with whom he was involved in a relationship.
Patrol investigators said the incident occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. Sunday near Middletown. The 36-year-old woman and Kelley reportedly began to argue and Kelley pulled his car to the berm. After exiting the vehicle, Kelley is alleged to have punched the woman in her face, forced her against her will back into his car, and drove her to her apartment. Later, after he forced his way into her Forrest Park apartment, she apparently dialed 911.
Kelley was incarcerated at the Warren County Jail, but later posted bond, pending an arraignment in the Franklin Municipal Court today. The Patrol said their investigation is continuing.
Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol unveiled diversity data for traffic stops initiated by state troopers including citations issued in 2000 and warnings issued for the first quarter of 2001. For the first time, the Patrol has made the traffic stop data available to Internet users by providing the data to be downloaded from a link on the Division’s Web site at http://www.state.oh.us/ohiostatepatrol/. The Patrol will continue to post similar diversity data on its Web site on a quarterly basis.
"Providing this data on the Internet is a proactive step which will enable citizens to view all aspects of our traffic safety effort," Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent said.
Additionally, a $50,000 training development grant has been provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police through the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Services which funded the "Train-the-Trainer" program.
Agencies statewide selected officers to attend the "Train-the-Trainer" four-day training program at the Patrol Academy which began today. Upon completion, those who have acquired the specific skills and knowledge necessary will then train other officers and law enforcement agencies with the appropriate traffic stop protocols. The Patrol joined other law enforcement agencies across the state in the training program, which concludes on April 6.
"The Ohio State Highway Patrol will continue to take steps necessary to ensure public trust and operational integrity," Colonel Morckel said.
What: Professional Traffic Stops, "Train-the Trainer" program.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol will unveil diversity data initiated by state troopers.
When: Tuesday, April 3, 2001, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy
740 East 17th Avenue (across from the Ohio Expo Center)
Columbus, Ohio, 43211
Who: Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director, ODPS
Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent, OSHP
Chief Patrick Oliver, CLEE, Grandview Heights Police Department
Chief Brad Kunze, CLEE, Bellefontaine Police Department
Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) representatives
Professional Traffic Stops Procedures Committee members
In an effort to stress that "racial profiling" is against the law in Ohio, Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of Public Safety, joined law enforcement leaders across the state and formed a Professional Traffic Stop Procedure Committee.
A $50,000 training development grant was provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the OACP through the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Services. The "Train-the-Trainer" program begins on Tuesday, April 3 at the Patrol’s Training Academy. Upon completion, those who have acquired the specific skills and knowledge necessary will then train other officers and law enforcement agencies with the appropriate traffic stop protocols.
Circleville – A Grove City woman was arraigned in the Circleville Municipal Court today on felony charges of drug conveying after she was found attempting to convey marijuana into the Pickaway Correctional Institution Sunday. Troopers said Cheryl S. Pinney, 38, of Grove City was charged with conveying drugs into a detention facility, a third-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Pinney planned to convey drugs into the Pickaway Correctional Institution. Investigators stopped Pinney Sunday, at which time she turned over one gram of marijuana.
Pinney was taken to the Circleville City Jail and posted a $2,500 bond today. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Eaton – Two Washington D.C. men are scheduled to appear in the Preble County Court today after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers recovered $300,000 worth of cocaine on Interstate 70 eastbound near milepost 13 on Sunday. Troopers said Michael I. Bolden, 45, was charged with drug trafficking, a first-degree felony, and Charles E. Jones, 46, was charged with drug trafficking, a first-degree felony, and possession of cocaine, a fourth-degree felony.
Troopers said at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, a U-Haul truck driven by Bolden was stopped for several traffic violations. A drug-detecting canine was on scene and alerted to the truck. A probable cause search revealed three kilograms of cocaine in a box in the cargo area of the truck.
Bolden and Jones were incarcerated at the Preble County Jail. If Bolden is convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison, and up to a $20,000 fine. If Jones is convicted he could face up to 10 years in prison, and up to a $20,000 fine for the first-degree felony, and an additional 18 months and $5,000 fine for the fourth-degree felony.