June 29, 2001 — Columbus woman to be arraigned on conveyance charges
June 29, 2001 — Grove City woman charged with bribery, unauthorized use of a computer
June 28, 2001 — Designate a Driver. It’s about Safety!
June 26, 2001 — Patrol announces PrePass
June 25, 2001 — Columbus woman to be arraigned for conveyance
June 22, 2001 — Patrol to hold sobriety check in Miami County
June 22, 2001 — Green County sobriety checkpoint to be held on U.S. Route 35
June 21, 2001 — Sobriety Checkpoint slated for Greene County
June 21, 2001 — Basic Peace Officer graduation to be held June 22, 2001
June 18, 2001 — Patrol to conduct two sobriety checkpoints this weekend
June 18, 2001 — Athens County man charged with three felonies
June 18, 2001 — Drug conveyance suspect to be arraigned
June 14, 2001 — Patrol to hold sobriety checkpoint Saturday in Lorain County
June 11, 2001 — Patrol to hold sobriety checkpoint this weekend
June 11, 2001 — Knox County man charged with impersonating a police officer
June 11, 2001 — Drug trafficking suspect to be arraigned
June 11, 2001 — Law enforcement administrators attend seminar
June 8, 2001 — Law enforcement administrators to attend identity crimes seminar
June 5, 2001 — Central Ohio Law Enforcement and Public Safety Career Exposition
June 4, 2001 — "Roadcheck 2001" begins June 5
June 4, 2001 — Attempted-conveyance suspect to be arraigned
June 1, 2001 — "Share the Road Safely"
Lancaster – A Columbus woman is scheduled to appear in the Lancaster Municipal Court today on felony charges after she was found attempting to convey marijuana into the Southeastern Correctional Institution today at 8:20 a.m. Troopers said Bronshay Barnes, 20, was charged with conveying drugs into a correctional institution, a third-degree felony, and possession of criminal tools, a fourth-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Barnes planned to convey the drugs into the institution during a scheduled visit this morning. After being confronted by investigators, she produced three balloons filled with marijuana that had a combined weight of approximately one-quarter of an ounce.
Barnes was incarcerated at the Fairfield County Jail. If convicted of the third-degree felony, she could face up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine, and up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine on the fourth-degree felony. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus – A Grove City woman is scheduled to appear in the Franklin County Municipal Court today on felony bribery charges after she was found accessing Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) computers to obtain personal information from license plates. Troopers arrested Linda L. Summer-Teets, 54, of Grove City, yesterday at 7:45 p.m. and charged her with bribery, a third-degree felony, and unauthorized use of a computer, a fifth-degree felony.
Troopers developed information that Summer-Teets had obtained license plate information from accessing BMV computers to gain knowledge of select individuals. Summer-Teets is an account clerk 2 cashier at the BMV.
Summer-Teets was incarcerated at the Franklin County Jail. If convicted of the third-degree felony, she could face up to five years in jail, and a $10,000 fine, and up to 12 months and a $2,500 fine for the fifth-degree felony. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus – In an effort to reduce impaired driving, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will once again be handing out something drivers will be happy to receive. Ohioans who contribute to a safe Independence Day by choosing to be a designated driver can receive a free travel coffee mug.
Troopers will distribute free mugs as part of a holiday educational effort entitled, Designate a Driver. It’s about Safety! During the Independence Day travel period, in association with Ohioans for Responsible Drinking, Clear Channel Ohio, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety administration will join in the kickoff safety effort. The mugs can be taken to any participating Ohio BP location from June 28 through July 4 to receive free coffee refills.
"These organizations have taken tangible steps that will directly impact highway safety," Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel Patrol superintendent, said. "Law enforcement must be accompanied by education and awareness components in order to be effective and save lives."
Last year, the designated driver program significantly contributed to the reduction of alcohol-related fatalities over the July 4th holiday. Even with a longer holiday reporting period than the previous year, Ohio experienced a decrease in traffic fatalities over the 2000 Independence Day holiday, as compared with 1999. This upcoming 4th of July, state troopers will increase patrols targeting impaired drivers, in an effort to prevent alcohol-related crashes.
The three major summer travel holidays, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are traditionally among the deadliest times of the year on Ohio roadways. Last year, 31 people were killed on Ohio roads during these three holiday periods, which marked the lowest number of fatalities for the three summer holidays combined in more than a decade.
Columbus -- The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced its decision to deploy PrePass, a sophisticated technology that enables qualified commercial motor carriers to comply electronically with Ohio safety and credential requirements at highway speed. According to Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, "PrePass will bring Ohio trucking companies and shippers improved efficiency, while simultaneously working to enhance highway safety for all motorists. Because the system is deployed using private sector funds that are repaid only by participating motor carriers, it is an ideal way for the state to offer improved services."
Only motor carriers with proven safety records qualify to participate in PrePass, and participation is voluntary. As qualified trucks approach a PrePass-equipped inspection facility, an in-cab transponder identifies the vehicle to a computer, which verifies compliance with state requirements. Vehicles in compliance receive a green light on the in-cab transponder instructing them to bypass the inspection facility at highway speed. Over the next 12 months, Ohio will deploy PrePass at 16 locations, many of which are expected to be operational by year-end.
According to Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol, "PrePass will enable Ohio Highway Patrol enforcement to focus on those carriers most likely to be non-compliant. That means everyone benefits as we get more bad trucks and unsafe drivers off the road." Ohio is the nineteenth state to deploy PrePass. The Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) applauded the state’s decision to deploy PrePass. "PrePass will provide Ohio carriers and shippers with important productivity and safety benefits," said OTA president Larry Davis.
Additional information on PrePass is available at www.prepass.com.
Lancaster – A Columbus woman is scheduled to appear in the Lancaster Municipal Court today on felony charges after she was found attempting to convey marijuana into the Southeastern Correctional Institution yesterday at 12:10 p.m. Troopers said Heather Crowley, 24, was charged with conveying drugs into correctional institution, a third-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Crowley planned to convey the drugs into the institution during a scheduled visit Sunday afternoon. After being confronted by investigators, she produced eight balloons filled with marijuana that had a combined weight of approximately one-ounce.
Crowley was incarcerated at the Fairfield County Jail. If convicted, she could face up to five years in jail, and a $10,000 fine. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Piqua - The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Tipp City Police Department, and the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Miami County on Saturday, June 23, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lieutenant Dan Lay, commander of the Piqua Patrol Post, said that officers will be conducting a roadside check of drivers for alcohol and drug impairment.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Lt. Lay said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Saturday afternoon. Support in operating the upcoming checkpoint will be supplied by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Xenia - The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed today that troopers, deputies from Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and police officers from Beavercreek Police Department, Fairborn Police Department, Xenia Police Department, and Bellbrook Police Department, will be operating a sobriety checkpoint on U.S. Route 35, between Factory Rd. and North Fairfield Rd., in Greene County, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. tonight.
Lieutenant Chris Colbert, commander of the Xenia Patrol Post, said that sobriety checkpoints are designed to encourage those who plan to consume alcoholic beverages to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements.
"That is our ultimate goal. We want to discourage potential drinking drivers. However, the checkpoint is designed to remove impaired drivers from the road and that is what we intend to do," Lt. Colbert added.
Xenia — The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Xenia Police Department, Bellbrook Police Department, Fairborn Police Department, Beavercreek Police Department, and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Greene County on Friday June 22, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lieutenant Chris Colbert, commander of the Xenia Patrol Post, said that officers will be conducting a roadside check of drivers for alcohol and drug impairment.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Lt. Colbert said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday afternoon. Support in operating the upcoming checkpoint will be supplied by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
| What: |
Graduation of the 104th Basic Peace Officer Training Class. |
|
|
When: |
Friday, June 22, 2001, 1:00 P.M. | |
|
Where: |
Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy | |
| 740 East 17th Avenue (IS71 @ 17th Avenue) | ||
| Across from Ohio Expo Center | ||
|
Who: |
Lt. Colonel Ernest Howard, assistant superintendent, | |
| Ohio State Highway Patrol | ||
| Sheriff John J. Nye, president, Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association | ||
| Vernon C. Chenevey, director, Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission | ||
| 28 members of the 104th Basic Peace Officer Training Class | ||
| Officer Neil P. Schmitz, West Chester Police Department, Class Speaker | ||
Twenty-eight members of the 104th Basic Peace Officer Training Class, representing 14 Ohio law enforcement agencies, will graduate and receive Basic Peace Officer certification and a Certificate of Completion from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy.
Officers from the following police departments will participate: Upper Arlington; Westerville; Broadview Heights; Strongsville; Findlay; Wickliffe; Washington; Greenville; Miamisburg; Defiance; West Chester; Richmond Heights; Lima; Moraine; and the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office.
Columbus -- Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, announced today that troopers will operate two checkpoints to deter and intercept drinking drivers this weekend. Currently, the locations of the upcoming checkpoints is undisclosed. The counties in which the checkpoints will be held will be announced the day prior to each checkpoint, and the exact locations will be announced the morning of each checkpoint.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those that will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements. Increasingly it appears that is just what they are doing. Often people are taking the responsible course and planning not to drive if they are drinking," Colonel Morckel said.
Lt. Governor, Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Department of Public Safety, feels very strongly that checkpoints are effective in preventing the most deadly highway practice; driving under the influence. "Our ultimate goal is to reduce the number of highway deaths and injuries due to drunk and drugged driving. The combination of sobriety checkpoints, heightening public awareness and strictly enforcing laws is making the difference," Director O’Connor added.
Support in operating the upcoming sobriety checkpoints will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.
Jackson – An Athens County man is scheduled to be arraigned in the Vinton County Municipal Court today on charges of safecracking, breaking and entering, and possession of criminal tools stemming from a burglary last Wednesday at the Lake Hope State Park Lodge. Larry Nelson II, 22, of The Plains, was arrested Friday night and charged with a fourth-degree felony of safecracking, and fifth-degree felony counts of breaking and entering, and possession of criminal tools.
Troopers said an investigation began after a worker at the Lake Hope State Park Lodge reported a break-in early Wednesday morning. A small safe containing miscellaneous checks was stolen from the lodge and a cash register was damaged during the burglary. Following up on a tip, troopers arrested Nelson at his residence and incarcerated him at the Vinton County Jail.
If convicted, Nelson could face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine on the fourth-degree felony and up to 12 months and a $2,500 fine on each fifth-degree felony. 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.
Lebanon – A Cincinnati woman is scheduled to appear in the Lebanon Municipal Court today on felony drug charges after she was found attempting to convey marijuana into the Warren Correctional Institution last Thursday. Troopers said Tara K. Tate, 22, will be arraigned on conveying drugs into a detention facility, a fifth-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Tate planned to convey drugs into the Warren Correctional Institution. Tate was stopped by investigators at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, at which time a search revealed a balloon containing approximately 1.5 grams of marijuana concealed in her clothing.
Tate was incarcerated at the Warren County Jail. If convicted, she could face up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Elyria - - The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Lorain Police Department announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Lorain County on Saturday, June 15, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lieutenant Chris Zurcher, commander of the Elyria Patrol Post, said that officers will be conducting a roadside check of drivers for alcohol and drug impairment.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Lt. Zurcher said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Saturday afternoon. Support in operating the upcoming checkpoint will be supplied by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Columbus -- Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, announced today that troopers will operate a checkpoint to deter and intercept drinking drivers this weekend. Currently, the location of the upcoming checkpoint is undisclosed. The county in which the checkpoint will be held will be announced Friday and the exact location will be announced Saturday.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those that will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements. Increasingly it appears that is just what they are doing. Often people are taking
the responsible course and planning not to drive if they are drinking," Colonel Morckel said.
Lt. Governor, Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Department of Public Safety, feels very strongly that checkpoints are effective in preventing the most deadly highway practice; driving under the influence. "Our ultimate goal is to reduce the number of highway deaths and injuries due to drunk and drugged driving. The combination of sobriety checkpoints, heightening public awareness and strictly enforcing laws is making the difference," Director O’Connor added.
Support in operating the upcoming sobriety checkpoint will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.
Mt. Vernon – A Knox County man is scheduled to appear in the Mt. Vernon Municipal Court today on misdemeanor charges after he was found impersonating a state trooper. Investigators said Jeremy E. Henthorn, 20, was charged on Friday, June 8, with impersonating a police officer, a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
Troopers initiated an investigation after developing information that Henthorn had been posing in the community as a state trooper and accepting gratuitous meals at local fast food chain restaurants. The acceptance of any gratuities is in violation of Patrol policy.
Henthorn was incarcerated at the Knox County Jail. If convicted, he could face up 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Lancaster – A Columbus woman is scheduled to appear in the Fairfield County Municipal Court today on felony drug trafficking charges after she was found attempting to convey marijuana into the Southeastern Correctional Institution. Troopers said Kimberly A. Williams, 31, will be arraigned on drug trafficking, a third-degree felony; conveying drugs into a detention facility, a third-degree felony; and forgery, a fifth-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Williams was mailing boxes of food to inmates which contained marijuana concealed in jars of peanut butter. The drugs were intercepted on Saturday afternoon and Williams was subsequently charged. Williams was charged with forgery on the packing slips used to mail the food packages.
Williams was incarcerated at the Fairfield County Jail. If convicted, she could face up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 for each third-degree felony charge and up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine for the fifth-degree felony charge. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus – Several federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies from across Ohio, along with three local banks, gathered today at the Ohio Identity Crimes Seminar, sponsored by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The seminar began today and will conclude tomorrow afternoon.
The Patrol’s mission includes investigating criminal activity involving the interest of the state. In this capacity, troopers and multi-agency task forces work together to detect and apprehend criminals involved in identity crime.
Identity crime occurs when someone obtains important personal information, such as an Ohio driver’s license or Social Security, banking, or credit card numbers, to commit fraud or theft.
"Identity crime is unique because individuals often do not realize they are victims of identity crime for several months or even years," Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent said. "Education will be the key to reducing this pervasive crime."
The Ohio Identity Crimes Seminar will include sessions on preventing, detecting, and investigating identity crime, as well as enforcing Ohio’s new identity crime law, which went into effect August of 2000.
In 1999, the Ohio State Highway Patrol began a partnership with a number of banking, retail, credit card, and various companies aimed at reducing the epidemic of identity and financial fraud hitting Ohio and the rest of the country.
Seminar sessions will be instructed by representatives from the following agencies: Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, United State Postal Inspection Service, Columbus Police Department, United States Secret Service, United States Immigration Service, United States Attorney’s Office, Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Huntington Bank, Key Bank, and Fifth Third Bank.
| What | First Ohio Identity Crimes Seminar |
| When | Monday, June 11, 2001, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. & Tuesday, June 12, 2001, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Where | Ohio Department of Public Safety Headquarters ODOT auditorium, 1970 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43223 |
| Who | Ohio State Highway Patrol Ohio Department of Public Safety |
In response to the rising problem of identity crime in Ohio, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Public Safety are sponsoring the first-ever Ohio Identity Crimes Seminar on Monday, June 11 and Tuesday, June 12, 2001. More than 200 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from across Ohio are expected to attend.
Ohio State Highway Patrol superintendent Col. Kenneth Morckel will address identity crime in Ohio at the opening session on Monday, June 11 at 9:00 am in the ODOT auditorium.
Seminar sessions will be instructed by representatives from the following agencies: Ohio State Highway Patrol, Office of Investigative Services; Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles; Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General; United State Postal Inspection Service, Columbus Office; Columbus Police Department, Fraud / Forgery Unit; United States Secret Service; United States Immigration Service; United States Attorney’s Office; Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Economic Crime Unit; Huntington Bank; Key Bank; and Fifth Third Bank.
| What: | The inaugural Central Ohio Law Enforcement and Public Safety Career Exposition |
| When: | Saturday, June 9, 2001, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Where: | The Ohio Building – Ohio State Fairgrounds Columbus, Ohio, 43211 |
| Who: | Ohio State Highway Patrol U.S. Secret Service U.S. Marshals Service Attorney General’s Office/BCI Ohio Investigative Unit Columbus and Worthington Fire Departments Franklin and Licking County Sheriff’s Office Representatives from: Columbus, Worthington, Westerville, Newark, Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Dublin, The Ohio State University, Grandview Heights, and Port Columbus Police Departments |
The Ohio State Highway Patrol will join other law enforcement and public safety agencies, in the inaugural Central Ohio Law Enforcement and Public Safety Career Exposition. Representatives from local agencies are looking for qualified young men and women seeking a career in public safety. Applications will be distributed on site at the job exposition. Applicants can receive salary and benefit information at that time.
Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today plans to join other law enforcement agencies throughout North America in the International Roadcheck 2001 safety effort, which involves commercial truck and bus inspections. The campaign is sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), and assisted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and the Research and Special Programs Administration.
The campaign is a 72-hour vehicle/driver inspection effort. Troopers and motor carrier enforcement inspectors will be performing roadside commercial truck and bus inspections along major highways. The effort which runs begin June 5 –7, will include roving patrols which will inspect commercial vehicles traveling other highways.
"This is an extension of the Patrol’s proactive safety effort involving commercial trucks and motor coach bus inspections for safer vehicles on Ohio roadways," Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent said.
Nationwide during Roadcheck 2000, more that 42,000 vehicles were inspected. Of those inspections, 26.2 percent of vehicles and 5.7 percent of drivers were placed out-of-service because of serious safety violations.
Lebanon – A Wood County woman is scheduled to appear in the Lebanon Municipal Court today on felony drug charges after she was found attempting to convey marijuana into the Warren Correctional Institution. Troopers said Sheila A. Thompson, 26, will be arraigned on conveying drugs into a detention facility, a fifth-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Thompson planned to convey drugs into the Warren Correctional Institution. Thompson was stopped by investigators at 11:45 a.m. yesterday, at which time a search revealed two oval shaped packages wrapped in electrical tape, which contained approximately 59 grams of marijuana. Thompson concealed the drugs in her clothing.
Thompson was incarcerated at the Warren County Jail. If convicted, she could face up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol will begin a statewide educational campaign today to raise the safety awareness of the motoring public when it comes to cars and trucks sharing Ohio roadways safely. The effort is funded by a federal educational grant as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan.
Beginning June 1, 2001, motorists throughout Ohio will see the billboards located on interstate and U.S. highways outside urban areas, with large volumes of both commercial and passenger vehicle traffic. The 12-month billboard campaign will feature a photograph of a Highway Patrol plane flying over a four-lane highway with both passenger and commercial vehicles safely travelling the highway. The words, "Share the Road Safely," will be at the top of the billboard, with the Ohio Trucking Association and Patrol logos, along with the 1-877-7-PATROL number.
"This is a proactive step to reduce the number of crashes involving automobiles and commercial vehicles. Awareness is a key element to make Ohio roads safe and these large highway safety reminders will certainly help reach that goal," Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent said.
The Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) has joined the Patrol in the campaign. "We are glad to join efforts with the Patrol in this educational promotion. The Ohio Trucking Association and the Ohio State Highway Patrol have a long history of working together to promote safety," said Larry Davis, president of the OTA.
Based on preliminary statistics for 2000, Ohio recorded 13,054 crashes involving commercial vehicles compared to 16,148 crashes in 1999. The Patrol wants to continue to see the decline in crashes and believes this campaign can play a vital role in obtaining that goal.