February 2002 Media Releases

• February 26, 2002 — Patrol arrests Norwalk woman for fraudulent Ohio driver license
• February 25, 2002 — Patrol seizes more than $300,000 worth of marijuana on the Turnpike
• February 22, 2002 — 33 officers graduate from Patrol's Basic Peace Officer Class
• February 21, 2002 — Patrol seizes $750,000 worth of marijuana on the Turnpike
• February 21, 2002 — Patrol to hold Basic Peace Officer graduation tomorrow
• February 15, 2002 — Patrol honors presented at Annual Awards Luncheon
• February 15, 2002 — Patrol Columbus District Capt. Goldstein promoted to major
• February 14, 2002 — Patrol to hold annual awards ceremony
• February 13, 2002 — Patrol unveils State of Ohio Intelligence Report
• February 12, 2002 — Patrol to unveil new Intelligence Reporting System
• February 7, 2002 — Patrol has seized drugs worth more than seven million this year
• February 6, 2002 — Patrol seizes $600,000 worth of cocaine on the Turnpike

February 26, 2002 — Patrol arrests Norwalk woman for fraudulent Ohio driver license

Grafton - A Norwalk woman is scheduled to appear in Elyria Municipal Court tomorrow on felony charges after she presented a fraudulent Ohio driver license to visit an inmate at the Lorain Correctional Institution today. Troopers charged Kimberly A. Darr, 34, with tampering with government records, a third-degree felony, and forgery, a fifth-degree felony.

Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators developed information that Darr fraudulently obtained an Ohio driver license in the name of Kimberly A. Koehn, in order to visit an inmate under the guise of being his wife. Darr was arrested today at 1:00 p.m., upon presenting the license at the prison for that purpose.

Darr was incarcerated at the Lorain County Jail. If convicted, she could face up to six years in jail and a $12,500 fine. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.

February 25, 2002 — Patrol seizes more than $300,000 worth of marijuana on the Turnpike

Newton Falls – A Philadelphia man will be arraigned today in the Newton Falls Municipal Court on felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized more than $300,000 worth of marijuana from his rental vehicle. The Ohio State Highway Patrol charged David Henry, 36, with drug trafficking and drug possession, both second-degree felonies, for transporting 136 pounds of marijuana on the Ohio Turnpike yesterday.

Troopers stopped a rented 2002 Chevrolet Pickup, driven by Henry, for a speeding violation on eastbound Interstate 80, near milepost 209, in Trumbull County, at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday. Henry, the driver, was found to be driving under suspension (DUS). Henry was placed under arrest for DUS and an inventory search of his vehicle revealed three large duffel bags behind the seat, which contained a total of approximately 136 pounds of compressed marijuana wrapped in contact paper and masked with mustard. The estimated street value of the marijuana is $308,440.

If convicted, Henry could face up to 16 years in prison, and up to a $30,000 fine. Henry was incarcerated in the Newton Falls Jail.

Note to editors: For photographs of the drugs, contact the Patrol’s Crime Lab in Columbus at (614) 466-4790.

February 22, 2002 — 33 officers graduate from Patrol’s Basic Peace Officer Class

COLUMBUS -- Members of the 106th Basic Peace Officer Class received training certificates in a graduation ceremony held today at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. The 33 class members will assume duties as peace officers for 22 Ohio agencies.

The 16-week basic course began in November. 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 James Chmura, of the Parma Police Department, was selected class speaker by his fellow class members, and addressed the assembly. Officer Steven Rains, of the Sharonville Police Department, received top driving honors. Officer Brandon Moore, of the Mansfield Police Department, received top firearms honors. Officer James Hondorf, of the Sharonville Police Department, earned top honors for physical fitness, academics, and overall performance.

Sheriff Tom Ariss, president of the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association, 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 Sheriff Ariss in presenting certificates of training to the graduates.

February 21, 2002 — Patrol seizes $750,000 worth of marijuana on the Turnpike

MAUMEE – Three Washington residents will be arraigned today in the Maumee Municipal Court on felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized $750,000 worth of marijuana from a vehicle yesterday on the Ohio Turnpike. Can Le Quang, 38, of Renton, was charged with second-degree felony possession of marijuana, and second-degree felony trafficking in marijuana. Andy Au, 25, of Tacoma, and Dung Tri Nguyen, 42, of Bothell, were each charged with second-degree felony conspiracy to possess marijuana.

Troopers stopped a 2001 Ford Ranger pickup truck, driven by Quang, on eastbound Interstate 80, near milepost 55, in Lucas County at 5:31 p.m. yesterday for a following too closely violation. A canine alerted to the vehicle, and during a probable cause search of the bed area, troopers discovered eight large plastic bags containing 165 pounds of marijuana. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $750,000.

Just prior to that stop, another trooper stopped a rented 2002 Mitsubishi, driven by Au, and with Nguyen as a passenger, for a marked lane violation. During the investigation, troopers were able to connect the two vehicles, and three suspects together.

If convicted, each suspect could face up to eight years in prison, and up to a $15,000 fine for each second-degree felony. All three suspects were incarcerated in the Lucas County Jail.

February 21, 2002 — Patrol to hold Basic Peace Officer Graduation Tomorrow

The 33 members of the 106^th Basic Peace Officer Training Class, representing 22 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: Beavercreek; Bedford Heights; Bowling Green; East Cleveland; Euclid; Fairborn; Findlay; Forest Park; Lakewood; Lancaster; Mansfield; Mentor; Miamisburg; Moraine; North Olmsted; Painesville; Parma; Parma Heights; Sharonville; Sidney; Washington Courthouse; and Whitehall.

February 15, 2002 — Patrol honors presented at Annual Awards Luncheon

Columbus — Outstanding employees of the Ohio State Highway Patrol were recognized today at the Patrol’s 2001 Annual Awards Luncheon, at Villa Milano. Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent, and Lt. Gov. Maureen O'Connor, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, presented the awards. Top honors include:

• State Trooper of the Year - Tpr. Kenneth A. Metz, Lisbon Post
• Dispatcher of the Year - Disp. 2 Heidi J. Beach, Sandusky Post
• O. W. Merrell Award (valor) – Tpr. Stephen W. Roe, Marietta Post
• Blue Max Award (auto larceny enforcement) – Tpr. Dana M. Hutton, Chillicothe Post
• Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award - Tpr. Phillip L. Young, Canton Post

Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year 
 Tpr. Kenneth A. Metz, Lisbon Post, was selected from the 10 District Troopers of the Year. A 1990 graduate of the 120th Academy Class, he has been assigned to the Warren and Lisbon Posts. He was previously selected Post Trooper of the year in 1993, 1994, 1997, and 1999. He resides in Warren with his wife, Tracey, and their son, Allan, 6.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Dispatcher of the Year 
Dispatcher Heidi J. Beach, Sandusky Post, was selected the State Dispatcher of the Year. She was selected Post Dispatcher of the Year six times and received district honors twice. Beach is an eight-year veteran of the Patrol and has been assigned to the Sandusky Post throughout her career. She resides in Port Clinton.O. W. Merrell Meritorious Service Award
 Tpr. Stephen W. Roe, Marietta Post, received the Patrol’s highest award for valor for placing his own life in danger to save two elderly women from a burning building on Feb. 8, 2001. 

Tpr. Roe noticed heavy black smoke coming from an apartment building on State Route 339 in Beverly. He notified local police and fire departments and then rushed into the building. He knocked on all the first floor doors, until thick smoke made him turn back. Once outside, he noticed a woman knocking on an upstairs window. Tpr. Roe told her to go to a back window, away from the fire

Two police officers arrived on the scene and helped Tpr. Roe up to the second-story window. He broke the window, helped the woman out, and handed her down to the police officers. The rescued woman informed them there was another woman 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 the elderly woman in a bedroom. He carried her back to the window and handed her out to the officers.

Tpr. Roe joined the Patrol in October 1985 as a member of the 115th Academy Class. He has been assigned to Walbridge, Lancaster, and Marietta. He resides in Waterford with his wife, Elizabeth, and their children: Brandon, 11; Kaitlin, 9; Adam, 3; and Madison, 1.

Blue Max Award (Patrol’s top auto larceny enforcer)
 Tpr. Dana Hutton, Chillicothe Post, was honored with the Blue Max award for recovering 11 stolen vehicles and apprehending 14 suspects. He lives in his hometown of Chillicothe with his wife, Tawonna.

Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award
 Tpr. Phillip L. Young, Canton Post, received the Patrol’s Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award for his public service to the community. Tpr. Young is dedicated to helping troubled youth, the poor, and assists in local athletic programs. A November 1983 graduate of the Patrol Academy, he has been stationed at Hiram, Akron, and Canton throughout his career. He resides in Akron with his wife, Cynthia, and their daughter, Kristen, 15

Criminal Patrol Award
 Tpr. Shawn M. Simms was awarded for having the most investigations of felony cases that lead to felony arrests. In connection with his 95 cases in 2001, Tpr. Simms made 18 felony arrests. In addition, he made 85 DUI arrests in 2001. Tpr. Simms resides in Loveland with his wife, Cheri, and their two children, Jonathan, 6, and Kaylie, 3.

Electronic Technician Team of the Year
Cambridge District. Presented yearly to the top electronics technician team, the Cambridge District team includes:

Electronic Technician 3 Kevin A. Kelly: A seven-year veteran, he resides in New Concord with his wife, Robin, and their three children.
Electronic Technician 2 Jeffrey A. Burris: Employed by the Patrol since September 2000, he resides in Cambridge, with his wife, Susan, and their three children.
Electronic Technician 2 Michael C. Cover: Employed by the Patrol since July 2000, he resides in Trinway with his wife, Delma. He has five children.

Ohio Trooper Recognition Award
Tpr. Terry T. Helton, Massillon District, was selected from 10 regional recipients. The Trooper Recognition award recognizes excellence among troopers who are assigned to specialty positions. Tpr. Helton is a K-9 handler.  An 11-year Patrol veteran, he resides in West Salem with his wife, Lisa.

OSHP Employee Recognition Award 
Maintenance Repair Worker 2 Michael E. Lankford, Wooster Post, received the award presented annually to recognize excellence in employees who are not troopers or dispatchers. He resides in Orville with his wife, Evelyn.

Note to Editors: District honors were also presented. They are listed below in the following order: District Trooper of the Year, District Dispatcher of the Year, District Trooper Recognition, District Employee Recognition.

Findlay District – Tpr. Jonathan A. Gray, Van Wert Post; Disp. 2 Robert K. Brehm, Toledo Post; Tpr. Richard D. Barrick, Findlay District Headquarters (DHQ); Secy. Patricia J. Kuhn, Findlay DHQ.

February 15, 2002 — Patrol Columbus District Capt. Goldstein promoted to major

Columbus – Captain Fred Goldstein, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Columbus District Headquarters, was promoted to the rank of major by Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent. Major Goldstein will transfer to the Patrol’s General Headquarters to serve as commander of the Office of Human Resource Management.

Major Goldstein joined the Patrol in October 1976 as a member of the 100^th Academy Class. He received his commission the following February and was assigned to the Lima Post, where he was named Post Trooper of the Year in 1981. In January 1983, he transferred to the Academy to serve as an instructor.

In April 1986, Major Goldstein was promoted to sergeant. He received his promotion to lieutenant in January 1990 and transferred to General Headquarters. In July 1994, he was promoted to staff lieutenant and returned to the Academy. He transferred to the Columbus District Headquarters in March 1997 to serve as assistant district commander. He was promoted to captain in December 1999 and remained at the Columbus District Headquarters to serve as district commander.

A native of Pataskala, Major Goldstein graduated from Watkins Memorial High School in 1970.

He resides in Pataskala with his wife, Linda. They have two children, Melanie and Jeremy.

February 14, 2002 — Patrol to hold annual awards ceremony

The Patrol’s Trooper of the Year and Dispatcher of the Year for 2001 will be announced at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Awards banquet. Annual Patrol awards, including valor, merit, and auto larceny, will also be presented at the banquet.

Prior to the awards banquet, the Patrol’s Media Recognition Awards for Excellence in Traffic Safety Coverage will be presented.

February 13, 2002 — Patrol unveils State of Ohio Intelligence Report

Columbus - The Ohio State Highway Patrol unveiled a new State of Ohio Intelligence Report today in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Public Safety; Ohio Association of Chief’s of Police; and the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.

The new system will provide all Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) users the ability to submit incident information that may be useful to other law enforcement agencies in the state. The intelligence information contains categories of criminal acts, threat groups, and the location of the offense. This new tool will provide direct knowledge of criminal and suspicious activities even when enforcement action has not been taken. The information will be stored in a database by the suspected offense, and will potentially aid in our Homeland Security efforts

"More than ever, the critical role of local and state law enforcement in national security is clear. The public looks to law enforcement as the front line of defense, not just for the detection and apprehension of criminals, but also as an information source. This new system will assist greatly in open and ongoing communication between all emergency service providers in Ohio," Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent of the Patrol said.

"I applaud the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s initiative in developing this new State of Ohio Intelligence Report. The system will provide for the sharing of intelligence information that is crucial to the FBI’s mission of investigating and preventing terrorism," FBI Director Robert S. Mueller said. "The Cincinnati FBI Office was able to facilitate the timely dissemination of intelligence, which is critical to law enforcement and in keeping up with the FBI’s commitment to share information with it’s state and local counterparts."

Homeland Security was originally the motivation for design and implementation of this system, however the benefits will reach beyond that important task.

"The introduction of this new intelligence reporting system marks the beginning of a tremendous opportunity to law enforcement in Ohio. Knowledge of information, and the sharing of that information within the law enforcement community, is a valuable tool for crime prevention and public safety," Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, Director of Ohio Public Safety said.

"The statewide participation of all state and local agencies will also enhance the investigative capabilities of federal, state, and local investigators assigned to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Tasks Forces in both the Cincinnati and Cleveland FBI Offices," FBI Director Mueller said.

Law enforcement officials in Ohio use LEADS for criminal justice purposes, to obtain driver records, criminal histories, and vehicle information.

February 12, 2002 — Patrol to unveil new Intelligence Reporting System

The new system will provide all Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) users the ability to submit incident information that may be useful to other law enforcement agencies in the state. The intelligence information contains categories of criminal acts, threat groups, and the location of the offense. This new tool will provide direct knowledge of criminal and suspicious activities even when enforcement action has not been taken. The information will be stored in a database by the suspected offense, and will potentially aid in our Homeland Security efforts.

February 7, 2002 — Patrol has seized drugs worth more than seven million this year

Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has made an unprecedented amount of drug seizures this year, including the largest marijuana seizure in Ohio’s history earlier this week.

So far this year, the Patrol has seized 23 pounds of "magic mushrooms," with an estimated street value of $73,600; 1.5 pounds of heroin, with an estimated street value of $242,800; 1,872 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value of $4,249,402; and 57.2 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $2,600,000. The estimated street value of all the seized drugs totals $7,175,802.

"I attribute the significant drug seizures this year to the training and dedication of Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers," Col. Kenneth Morckel, Patrol superintendent, said. "Troopers are dedicated to stopping drugs traveling into and through Ohio."

The biggest marijuana seizure in Ohio history occurred Tuesday when Troopers stopped a 1997 Freightliner pulling a 1997 utility trailer on northbound Interstate 75, near milepost 80 in Miami County. A drug-detecting canine alerted to the trailer, and a search revealed 1,650 pounds of marijuana mixed in a load of peppers. The estimated street value was $3,745,500. The case was then turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

The large drug seizures have become a Patrol trend in 2002. On January 4, the Patrol made the largest seizure of psilocybin "magic mushrooms" in Ohio history on the Ohio Turnpike. Troopers seized 23 pounds of psilocybin "magic mushrooms," with an estimated street value of $73,600. On January 29, the Patrol recovered 106 pounds of marijuana valued at more than $240,000. The next day, January 30, troopers recovered 66 pounds of marijuana, valued at $150,000.

Click to zoom either photo of drugs seized on Turnpike earlier this week

February 6, 2002 — Patrol seizes $600,000 worth of cocaine on the Turnpike

Maumee – Three California residents will be arraigned today in the Maumee Municipal Court on felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized $600,000 worth of cocaine from their vehicle yesterday on the Ohio Turnpike. Charged with first-degree felony counts of possession of cocaine, and trafficking in cocaine were: Agnew Scott, 78, of Los Angeles; Keshia Rivers, 25, of Inglewood; and Bobby Joe Haywood, 24, of Torrance.

Troopers stopped a rented 2002 Buick Park Avenue, driven by Scott, on eastbound Interstate 80, near milepost 57, in Lucas County at 12:05 p.m. yesterday for a marked lanes violation. At the same time, another trooper stopped a rented 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis, driven by Haywood, for a following too closely violation.

A canine alerted to both vehicles, and during a probable cause search of the Buick a large speaker box was located in the trunk. The speaker inside the box was found to contain six, one kilogram bricks of cocaine. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $600,000. A search of Haywood revealed 20 grams of marijuana in his shoe. During the investigation, troopers were able to connect the two vehicles, and three suspects together.

If convicted, each suspect could face up to 10 years in prison, and up to a $20,000 fine for each first-degree felony. All three suspects were incarcerated in the Lucas County Jail.