Mansfield – An Akron woman will appear in the Mansfield Municipal Court today on felony charges after she was arrested for conveying drugs into the Richland Correctional Institution Saturday. Troopers charged Apryl Edwards, 43, with conveying drugs into a correctional facility, a third-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Edwards might attempt to deliver drugs into the Richland Correctional Institution. She was confronted by troopers Saturday morning as she arrived at the facility to visit an inmate. A search revealed Edwards had four balloons, containing approximately ten grams of marijuana.
Edwards is currently 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.
Portsmouth – A Scioto County man was charged today with two counts of aggravated murder after being indicted by a Scioto County grand jury last Friday. Billy Joe Ogg, 41, was indicted in a 1990 Christmas Eve murder, and the October 26 murder of David Howard.
Troopers, working in conjunction with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, and the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office, in their investigation of the October 26 murder of Howard in Scioto County, were able to obtain evidence linking a 1990 Christmas Eve murder to Ogg. In that case, investigated by the Patrol, a call was received at the Portsmouth Patrol Post at 9:00 p.m. regarding a one-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 52. Troopers responded to the area, and determined Alvin Corrieal, 50, of Wheelersburg, had been murdered.
Ogg is currently incarcerated at the CRC facility at the Orient Correctional Institution. If convicted, he could face a maximum of life in prison.
Columbus – Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will be working vigilantly this weekend and throughout the new year to reduce DUI in Ohio.
"Start your new year off right by designating a driver if you plan to drink," Col. Kenneth Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said. "Getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not a mistake, it is a crime."
Last year, five people were killed over the New Year’s holiday weekend in traffic crashes on Ohio roads. Four out of the five killed were not wearing their available safety belts at the time of the crash. At least two of the five were alcohol-related crashes.
One in every four traffic fatalities in Ohio in 2000 was a result of an alcohol-impaired driver.
Nationally, fatalities caused by impaired drivers increased in 2000 for the first time in five years. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, there were more than 16,500 impaired driving related deaths in 2000, which was an increase of more than 800 deaths from 1999.
Troopers throughout Ohio continue to participate in the MADD Red Ribbon campaign to remind Ohioans to designate a driver.
Remember to call toll-free 1-877-7-PATROL to report aggressive and impaired drivers, disabled vehicles, or to receive highway assistance.
Maumee – For the second consecutive Thursday, Ohio State
Highway Patrol troopers have made a significant marijuana seizure on the Ohio
Turnpike in Lucas County. Yesterday afternoon, troopers recovered 234 pounds of
marijuana, valued at $530,000, on eastbound Interstate 80 near milepost 53. Last
Thursday troopers recovered 79 pounds of marijuana valued at $179,330.
Troopers said Manuel Ortiz, 55, of Illinois, Salvador Negrete, 46, of California, and Charlene Crosby, 34, of Massachusetts, are each charged with second-degree felony possession of marijuana, and fifth-degree felony possession of criminal tools. They were incarcerated at the Lucas County Jail, and are scheduled to be arraigned in the Maumee Municipal Court today.
At 3:38 p.m. Thursday, a motor home driven by Ortiz was stopped for following too closely. Troopers determined Ortiz had an expired Illinois driver’s license, and was not the owner of the vehicle. A Patrol drug-detecting canine was summoned to the scene and alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed a false wall located behind the closet in the bathroom. The vehicle was taken to the Swanton Patrol Post where troopers discovered 12 bundles of marijuana behind the wall, weighing a total of 234 pounds, wrapped in cellophane, and hidden within liquid detergent, and dryer sheets.
If convicted of the second-degree felony, they could each face up to eight years in prison, and up to a $15,000 fine, and if convicted of the fifth-degree felony they could face up to 12 months in jail, and a maximum $2,500 fine.
Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has winter driving tips to combat the increased driving dangers on our roadways caused by snow and ice.
"Attention to safety while driving is even more important during the difficult winter weather conditions we face in Ohio," Col. Kenneth L Morckel, Patrol superintendent said. "The Patrol has a few suggestions for drivers to help keep Ohio roadways safe in the winter months to come."
Greater following distances and slower speeds are important in winter weather because icy roadways can triple stopping distances. On ice or snow-covered roads, be sure to accelerate slowly to prevent traction loss.
Ice on the roads may not always be visible. If your vehicle begins to skid on ice, resist the temptation to hit the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the gas pedal and steer into the direction of the skid.
Always wear a safety belt to reduce the risk of a serious injury or death in a crash.
Keep a winter car kit in your vehicle including: jumper cables; flares or roadway reflectors; flashlight and extra batteries; windshield washer fluid; small shovel; ice scraper; antifreeze; instant tire inflater; blanket; non-perishable foods; candle; matches; "help" sign; and a first-aid kit.
Check the Patrol's toll-free road and weather conditions hotline at 1-888-2OH-ROAD (1-888-264-7623) for current travel conditions for major routes and all Ohio counties.
Portsmouth – A Lorain woman will appear in the Portsmouth Municipal Court today on felony charges after she was arrested for attempting to convey drugs into the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility (SOCF) on Saturday. Troopers charged Michele C. Schmidt-Laws, 40, with conveying drugs onto the grounds of a correctional facility, a third-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Schmidt-Laws might attempt to deliver drugs to an SOCF inmate during a scheduled visit. She was confronted by troopers at 10:30 a.m. Saturday as she arrived at the facility, and was found to be in possession of three small cellophane balls containing marijuana, four methadone pills, and several other prescription pills.
A Patrol canine also alerted to her vehicle, and a probable cause search revealed six baggies of marijuana, 30 methadone tablets, and other pills. In total, marijuana taken from Schmidt-Laws in the prison and from her vehicle weighed a combined 54.5 grams.
Schmidt-Laws was incarcerated at the Scioto County Jail. If convicted on the drug conveying charge, 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. The Patrol’s investigation is ongoing.
Circleville – A Columbus woman will appear in the Circleville Municipal Court today on felony charges after she was arrested for conveying drugs into the Orient Correctional Institution Friday. Troopers charged Elizabeth Watkins, 34, with conveying drugs into a correctional facility, a third-degree felony, and obstructing official business, a second-degree misdemeanor.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Watkins might attempt to deliver drugs into the Orient Correctional Institution. She was confronted by troopers at 1:00 p.m. Friday as she arrived at the facility to visit an inmate.
Watkins was subsequently arrested for obstructing official business for refusing a search warrant. After arresting her, Troopers discovered she had about 15 grams of marijuana.
Watkins is currently incarcerated at the Circleville Jail. If convicted on the drug conveying charge, 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.
Cambridge – Tpr. Steven Roe of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s
Marietta Post received the Superintendent’s Citation of Merit at ceremonies
held today at the Division’s Cambridge District Headquarters. Colonel Kenneth
L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent, presented the award to Tpr. Roe for placing
his own life in danger to save two elderly women from a burning building.
On February 8, Tpr. Roe was assisting on a pursuit when he noticed heavy black smoke coming from an apartment building on State Route 339 in Beverly. He pulled into the parking lot while notifying local police and fire departments. He then rushed into the building and knocked on all the first floor doors before being turned back by the smoke. Once outside, he saw a woman knocking on an upstairs window. Tpr. Roe ordered her to go to a window in the back of the building, away from the fire.
Patrolman Stewart Evans of the Beverly Police Department and Deputy Justin King of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene. The two officers helped Tpr. Roe up to the second-story window. Tpr. Roe broke the window, helped the woman out, and handed her down to Evans and King. The woman said there was another woman still in the building.
Tpr. Roe ran back to the front of the building and kicked in a ground level window. He crawled into an apartment where he found an elderly woman in a bedroom. He carried her back to the window and handed her out to Evans and King. Still uncertain if anyone remained inside, Evans and King again lifted Tpr. Roe onto their shoulders and he entered the burning building a third time to search for other victims. Finding none, he exited the complex when fire personnel arrived on the scene.
Col. Morckel praised Tpr. Roe for his lifesaving efforts under dangerous circumstances. "Tpr. Roe placed himself in imminent danger to save a life. His actions reflect the highest ideals of public service and the Ohio State Highway Patrol," Col. Morckel said. Tpr. Roe will be placed into consideration for the Patrol’s highest award for valor, the O. W. Merrell Meritorious Service Award, named for the director of the Department of Highways at the time the Patrol was created in 1933.
Tpr. Roe joined the Patrol in October 1985 as a member of the 115th Academy Class. He earned his commission the following March and was assigned to Walbridge Post where he received a Certificate of Recognition in 1988. He transferred to the Lancaster Post in January 1989 and was named Lancaster Post Trooper of the Year in 1989 and 1993. In October 1994, he transferred to the Marietta Post, where he was again named Post Trooper of the Year in 1996 and 1999. Originally from Waterford, Tpr. Roe graduated from Waterford High School in 1982. He currently resides in Waterford with his wife, Elizabeth, and their children: Brandon, 11; Kaitlin, 9; Adam, 3; and Madison, 1.
Maumee – Two Seattle men are scheduled to appear in the Maumee Municipal Court today after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers recovered approximately $179,330 worth of marijuana on Interstate 80 eastbound near milepost 56 in Lucas County last night. Troopers said Thi Ung Hoang, and Tri Thanh Nguyen, both 26, were charged with possession of marijuana, a second-degree felony, and carrying a concealed weapon, a fourth-degree felony.
Troopers said at 11:22 p.m. Thursday, a rented 2001 Chevrolet Blazer driven by Hoang was stopped for a speeding violation. A Patrol drug-detecting canine alerted to the vehicle, and a probable cause search revealed 79 pounds of marijuana in the cargo area concealed in two large black duffel bags. Further investigation revealed a loaded Glock 9mm handgun in the vehicle’s center console.
Hoang and Nguyen were incarcerated at the Lucas County Justice Center. If convicted of the second-degree felony, they could each face up to eight years in prison, and up to a $15,000 fine, and if convicted of the fourth-degree felony they could face up to 18 months in jail, and a maximum $5,000 fine.
Columbus – This upcoming holiday weekend, Troopers will increase highway enforcement in an effort to reduce a violent crime that resulted in the deaths of 350 people last year in Ohio. The crime is DUI.
Troopers will hold saturation patrols throughout the state this upcoming weekend in areas with high amounts of impaired driving incidents. The enforcement blitzes are part of the National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend Mobilization Dec. 21 through Dec. 23.
"This holiday season, give friends and family a gift that will last a lifetime – offer to be a designated driver," Col. Kenneth Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said. "Last Christmas weekend, 17 people were killed in crashes in Ohio. Seven of the 17 deaths were as a result of alcohol impaired drivers."
Impaired driving is a crime. When an impaired driver causes a crash that results in a death, the driver can be charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, which carries jail time of up to eight years.
In honor of National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month, Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers are increasing education and enforcement of impaired driving.
Also in recognition of 3D Prevention Month, Troopers throughout Ohio will continue to participate in the MADD Red Ribbon campaign to remind Ohioans to designate a driver.
Piqua – Tprs. Randy Lewis, Jeffrey Kramer, and Kurt Hedges of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Piqua District received the Patrol’s Certificate of Recognition at ceremonies held today at the Division’s Piqua District Headquarters. Captain Michael A. King, commander of the Piqua District Headquarters, presented the awards on behalf of Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent. The troopers were honored for their valiant attempt to save a man’s life.
On July 31, Trps. Lewis, Kramer, and Hedges were patrolling a construction
zone on Interstate 75 when a car swerved off the side of the road. The driver
yelled to Tpr. Lewis that his passenger was not breathing. Tpr. Lewis and the
driver removed the man from the vehicle while Tpr. Hedges retrieved first aid
equipment. All three troopers preformed CPR until the rescue squad arrived. The
man was transported to the hospital where he was fully revived by medical
personnel, but later died. According to doctors, the troopers’ actions gave
the man a chance of survival and allowed his family to say goodbye to him.
Tpr. Lewis entered the Patrol Academy in May 1993 and earned his commission the following November. He has been assigned to Piqua Post throughout his career. Originally from Ft. Wayne, Tpr. Lewis graduated from Wayne High School in 1988. Prior to joining the Patrol, he served in the National Guard where he was awarded the National Defense Medal. He currently resides in Union with his wife, Deanna. He has two children, Destin and Cassondra.
Tpr. Randy E. Lewis
Tpr.
Kramer joined the Patrol in February 1997. He has been assigned to Piqua
throughout his career. He received the Patrol’s highest award for valor, the
the O. W. Merrell Meritorious Service Award in 1998. Originally from Hilliard,
Tpr. Kramer graduated from Hilliard High School in 1990. He then served in the
Navy where he was awarded the National Defense Medal. He currently resides in
Pleasant Hill with his wife, Melanie, and their daughters, Katie, 3, and Hannah,
1.
Tpr. Jeffrey S. Kramer
Tpr.
Hedges joined the Patrol in May 1997 as a Patrol cadet, and earned his
commission the following November. He has been assigned to Piqua Post throughout
his career. Originally from Lancaster, Tpr. Hedges graduated from Lancaster High
School in 1994. He earned an associate’s degree in police science from Hocking
College in 1997. He currently resides in Urbana with his wife, Elizabeth.
Tpr. J. Kurt Hedges
Ohio State Highway Patrol Posts across Ohio have received complaints regarding telephone solicitors falsely identifying themselves as representing the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The suspected solicitors claim to be collecting funds for child abuse, finger printing, safety seats, and other child safety related topics.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol does not conduct fundraising activities. However, the Ohio Troopers Coalition, a professional association, does conduct fundraising.
The Ohio Troopers Coalition is a parent organization for various organizations representing state troopers in Ohio. It is made up of the Ohio State Troopers Association, Troopers for a Safer Ohio (TSO) and Ohio Troopers Caring.
Patrol troopers and sergeants may belong to the Ohio Troopers Coalition, but aside from that, there is no other connection between the organization and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The Ohio Troopers Coalition can be reached at 1-800-544-7948.
Lancaster – A Columbus woman will appear in the Fairfield Municipal Court today on felony charges after she was arrested for conveying drugs into the Southeastern Correctional Institution yesterday. Troopers charged Amanda Odell Elkins, 40, with conveying drugs into a correctional facility, a third-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Odell Elkins might attempt to deliver drugs into the Southeastern Correctional Institution. She was confronted by troopers as she arrived at the facility at noon yesterday to visit an inmate. She subsequently turned over a balloon containing about 10 grams of marijuana. Odell Elkins was taken into custody and found to have an active felony warrant for her arrest for a prior drug trafficking charge out of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
Odell Elkins is currently incarcerated at the Fairfield County Jail. If convicted on the drug conveying charge, 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 105th Basic Peace Officer Class received training certificates in a graduation ceremony held today at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. The 39 class members will assume duties as peace officers for 25 Ohio agencies.
The 16-week basic course began in March. The course was developed by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council and offers comprehensive instruction in more than 150 topics, including criminal law, community relations, physical training, and patrol car operation.
Officer Jeremy Severance, of the Reynoldsburg Police Department, was selected class speaker by his fellow class members, and addressed the assembly. Officer Leroy M. Sanders Jr., of the Kettering Police Department, received top marksmanship honors. Officer Casey T. Carty, of the Westlake Police Department, and Officer Rhett D. Walters, of the Marietta Police Department, were honored for superior achievement in physical training. Officer Carty also earned top honors in scholastics.
Chief Phillip K. Potter, president of 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.
Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Vernon Chenevey, director of the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission, joined Chief Potter in presenting certificates of training to the graduates.
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105th Basic Peace Officer Class - Friday, December 14, 2001 |
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Name |
Department |
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Tracy L. Brandenburg |
Troy Police Department |
|
Paul A. Carmichael |
Grove City Police Department |
|
Casey T. Carty |
Westlake Police Department |
|
Gregory D. Cole |
Perrysburg Police Department |
|
David A. Collins |
Beavercreek Police Department |
|
Christopher A. Cox |
Delaware Police Department |
|
Steven J. Delaney |
Defiance Police Department |
|
Nicole M. Elmore-Kelly |
Fairborn Police Department |
|
Damon Faraone |
Reynoldsburg Police Department |
|
Eileen C. Gibson |
Kettering Police Department |
|
Michael A. Henry |
Moraine Police Department |
|
James P. Hern |
Fairborn Police Department |
|
Curtis Hile |
City Of Lima, Parks Division |
|
Kyle Y. Howe |
Ohio State University Police Department |
|
Sean A. Kellum |
Sharonville Police Department |
|
Bradley M. Lambert |
Kettering Police Department |
|
Susan Liu |
Ohio State University Police De partment |
|
Jeffrey A. Lowery |
Bowling Green Police Department |
|
Marcello Marsala |
Strongsville Police Department |
|
Marissa C. Marzick |
Delaware Police Department |
|
Jessica M. Mcclure |
Bowling Green Police Department |
|
Michael A. Mendise |
Strongsville Police Department |
|
Shane D. Merritt |
Fayette County Sheriff’s Office |
|
William J. Miller |
Strongsville Police Department |
|
Katherine A. Mitchell |
Marietta Police Department |
|
Michael J. Penavic |
Broadview Hgts Police Department |
|
Terry S. Pettit |
Fairborn Police Department |
|
Kevin G. Phillips. |
Ridgeville Police Department |
|
Brad T. Piasecki |
Beavercreek Police Department |
|
Shawn T. Porter |
Zanesville Police Department |
|
John J. Power |
Gahanna Police Department |
|
Jason M. Priest |
Miamisburg Police Department |
|
Leroy M. Sanders Jr |
Kettering Police Department |
|
Jeremy Severance |
Reynoldsburg Police Department |
|
Howard C. Strong III |
Strongsville Police Department |
|
Rhett D. Walters |
Marietta Police Department |
|
Justin D. White |
Bowling Green Police Department |
|
Amy C. Winterhalter |
Centerville Police Department |
|
David C. Zarzeczny |
S. Euclid Police Department |
Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging motorists to participate in "Lights On for Life" Day tomorrow by lighting headlights all day in remembrance of victims of impaired drivers and to show support for anti-impaired driving efforts. Troopers will participate by driving with Patrol cruiser headlights on all day.
"Impaired driving is a crime that places many lives at risk. Last December alone, 1,838 alcohol-related crashes resulted in 39 deaths and 1,123 injuries in Ohio," Col. Kenneth Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said. "Show your support for anti-impaired driving efforts by driving with your headlights lit all day."
Nationally, fatalities caused by impaired drivers increased in 2000 for the first time in five years. According to National Highway Traffic safety Administration statistics, there were more than 16,500 impaired driving related deaths last year, which was an increase of more than 800 deaths from 1999.
December is National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. In honor of 3D Prevention Month, Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers are increasing education and enforcement of impaired driving.
Also in recognition of 3D Prevention Month, Troopers across the state continue to participate in the MADD Red Ribbon campaign to remind Ohioans to designate a driver.
Additionally, Troopers will participate in National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend Mobilization on Dec. 21 to Dec. 23.
Findlay
– Two men are scheduled to appear in the Hancock County Municipal Court today
after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers recovered approximately $12,000 worth
of cocaine on Interstate 75 southbound near milepost 166 yesterday. Troopers
said Santario D. Simpson, 24, of Lima, and Wayman D. Price, 28, of Detroit, were
charged with drug trafficking, a second-degree felony, and possession of
marijuana, a minor misdemeanor.
Troopers said at 2:08 p.m. Thursday, a 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Simpson was stopped for following too closely and a marked lane violation. A check on Price revealed a felony warrant out of the Allen County Sheriff’s Office for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. A drug-detecting canine was on scene and alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed 129 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of marijuana in the trunk inside a coffee creamer canister with a false bottom.
Simpson and Price were incarcerated at the Hancock County Jail. If convicted, they could each face up to eight years in prison, and up to a $15,100 fine.
Columbus – December is National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. In honor of 3D Prevention Month, Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers are increasing education and enforcement of impaired driving.
Last year, one in four fatal crashes in Ohio involved alcohol. Over the last 15 years in Ohio, an average of 523 people were killed each year in alcohol related crashes.
"An impaired driver behind the wheel is risking their life, as well as the lives of innocent children and adults traveling on our highways," Col. Kenneth Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said. "Despite this, impaired driving is not being taken seriously enough. If you plan to drink during the holiday season, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements – it’s a matter of life and death."
In addition to enforcement, the Patrol is dedicated to educating the driving public on the dangers of impaired driving. Every Patrol post has Fatal Vision Goggles for use during impaired driving presentations. The goggles simulate impaired driving at .08 BAC in the daytime and .14 BAC at night.
Troopers are currently using Fatal Vision Goggles in the Patrol’s new Teen Driving Program to offer teens an interactive lesson in the dangers of drinking and driving.
Later this month, Troopers will join motorists across the nation in "Lights On for Life" Day on Thursday, Dec. 13. The all day lighting of headlights is in remembrance of victims of impaired drivers and to show support for anti-impaired driving efforts.
In addition, the Patrol will hold an enforcement blitz during National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend Mobilization on Dec. 21 to Dec. 23.
Troopers across the state will continue to participate in the MADD Red Ribbon campaign to remind Ohioans to designate a driver.