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 the day prior to the checkpoint, and the exact location will be announced the morning of the checkpoint.
"It is our intent to inform people that troopers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. As part of our heightened enforcement efforts, this year the Patrol plans to more than double the 19 sobriety checkpoints we coordinated in 2001. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Colonel Morckel said.
Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor 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," Lt. Governor O’Connor added.
Support in operating the upcoming sobriety checkpoint will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.
NEW PHILADELPHIA – Tonight’s scheduled sobriety checkpoint involving the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s New Philadelphia Post, Dover Police Department, and Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, has been cancelled due to weather concerns.
The checkpoint was to have taken place in Dover Township on State Route 39 at milepost 11.
No make-up date has been scheduled at this time.
FINDLAY – Four members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Findlay District were awarded Certificates of Recognition for their outstanding efforts and commitment to the Patrol’s Criminal Patrol Program during 2002. Captain Richard Collins, commander of the Patrol’s Findlay District, presented the awards to Sgt. Dean W. Laubacher, Tpr. Kevin D. Miller, Tpr. Alejo Romero, and Tpr. Stacey L. Arnold, on behalf of Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent, at a ceremony held today at the Toledo Post.
The Certificate of Recognition is awarded for initiating the investigation of five felony cases resulting in the arrest of five suspects in connection with the cases in one year.
Sgt. Laubacher began his career with the Patrol as a cadet dispatcher at the Lisbon Post in September 1987. In January 1990, he joined the 119th Academy Class. He received his commission on June 22, 1990, and was assigned to the Findlay Post. In February 1995, Sgt. Laubacher transferred to the Lima Post. He was then promoted to the rank of sergeant and transferred back to Findlay in August 1997.
During his career, he has earned the ACE Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement in 1991, 1992, and 1997; Certificates of Recognition in 1996, 2000, 2001, and 2002; and was named Traffic/Drug Interdiction Team Trooper of the Year in 1997/1998. This is Sgt. Laubacher’s fourth Certificate of Recognition.
Tpr. Miller began his career with the Patrol as a member of the 132nd Academy Class in October 1998. He received his commission on April 2, 1999 and was assigned to the Toledo Post where he has remained. He was named Post Trooper of the Year in 2001.
Tpr. Romero joined the Patrol in January 1993 as a member of the 124th Academy Class. He received his commission on June 25, 1993, and was assigned to the Toledo Post. He transferred to the Lima Post in June 1998 and then to the Swanton Post in January 2001. Tpr. Romero was assigned to his current position at Findlay District Headquarters in April 2001. He earned a Certificate of Recognition in February 2002.
Tpr. Arnold began her career with the Patrol as a member of the 126th Academy Class in February 1994. She received her commission on July 8, 1994, and was assigned to the Findlay Post. In October 1998, she transferred to the Toledo Post. In January 2001, she received her current assignment to Findlay District Headquarters where she was awarded her first Certificate of Recognition in February 2002.
To date, the officers at the Findlay District have seized drugs worth almost $7 million this year. This includes marijuana valued at $2,751,150 and cocaine valued at $2,784,500. They have surpassed 566 assists to Ohioans.
Walbridge – Lt. Gregory E. Greggila, commander of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Walbridge Post was honored today with a Certificate of Recognition for preventing a man from committing suicide. At a ceremony held today at the Patrol's Walbridge Post Capt. Richard H. Collins, commander of the Patrol’s Findlay District, presented the certificate on behalf of Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent.
On July 22, Lt. Greggila responded to a report of a pedestrian sitting on the Lemoyne Road overpass at Interstate 280, near the Walbridge Post. The man had thrown his bicycle off of the overpass and was unresponsive to a trooper’s request that he get off the bridge’s wall.
Upon his arrival, Lt. Greggila approached the man and attempted to initiate a conversation with him. The man did not respond and Lt. Greggila quickly grabbed him around the waist and pulled him off of the overpass ledge.
Lt. Greggila joined the Patrol in November 1982 as a member of the 112th Academy Class. He earned his commission the following March and was assigned to Norwalk. He was promoted to sergeant in March 1990 and transferred to the Walbridge Post to serve as assistant post commander. In November 1994, he was promoted to lieutenant and named post commander at Walbridge.
Originally from Chardon, Lt. Greggila graduated from Chardon High School in 1978. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the Kent State University in 1982. He presently resides in Oak Harbor with his wife Millie. They have five children: Christopher, 15; Stephanie, 13; Brian, 12; Mary, 5; and Lucas, 3.
Toledo
– Two men will be arraigned today in the Maumee Municipal Court on felony drug
charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized $2,000,000 worth of
cocaine yesterday afternoon on Interstate 80 in Lucas County. Troopers said
Daniel Kongdet, 21, of Sunland, Calif., and Saucedo Armando, 27, of Mesa, Ariz.,
were each charged with first-degree felony possession of cocaine; second-degree
felony trafficking in cocaine; and fifth-degree felony possession of criminal
tools.
Troopers stopped a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup, driven by Kongdet, on eastbound Interstate 80, milepost 53, in Lucas County at 12:25 p.m. Thursday for a marked lanes violation. A Patrol drug-detecting canine alerted to the vehicle, and a probable cause search revealed 20 kilos of cocaine within the vehicle. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $2,000,000.
If convicted of all charges, each suspect could face up to 19 years in prison, and up to a $37,500 fine.
NEW PHILADELPHIA - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s New Philadelphia Post, in conjunction with the Dover Police Department and the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held tonight in Dover Township on State Route 39 at milepost 11, from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Lt. Eric Escola, commander of the New Philadelphia 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.
"We want to discourage potential drinking drivers. That is our ultimate goal. However, the checkpoint is designed to remove impaired drivers from the road and that is what we intend to do," Lt. Escola said.
Support in conducting tonight’s sobriety checkpoint will be provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
TOLEDO - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Toledo Post, in conjunction with the Oregon Police Department and Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Lucas County on Saturday, September 28, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. Ray Martin, commander of the Toledo 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. Martin said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Saturday morning.
Lebanon – The Ohio State Highway Patrol arrested a Dayton woman yesterday after she conveyed marijuana onto the grounds of the Lebanon Correctional Institution. Troopers charged Lashawn A. Patterson, 30, with conveying drugs onto the grounds of a correctional facility, a third-degree felony.
During a scheduled drug detecting K-9 check of the prison parking lot, a Patrol K-9 alerted to one of the 180 cars checked. A probable cause search revealed marijuana in a purse in the vehicle. The purse belonged to Patterson, who was a passenger in the vehicle. Patterson was visiting an inmate at the institution. Troopers arrested Patterson at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday for conveying less than one gram of marijuana onto the grounds of the Lebanon Correctional Institution.
Patterson was incarcerated at the Warren County Jail, and was scheduled for arraignment today in the Lebanon Municipal Court. If convicted of the third-degree felony, she could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
| What: |
Press briefing as over 60 Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers travel to Washington D.C. this weekend to provide assistance with crowd control during the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) conference. |
| When: |
Friday, September 27, 6:30 a.m. |
| Where: |
Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy |
| Who: |
Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor |
At the request of law enforcement officials in Washington D.C., more than 60 Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will travel to Washington D.C. this weekend to provide assistance with crowd control during the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) conference. Troopers selected for the detail are all volunteers who are taking vacation or other permissive leave to participate.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is one of only four state law enforcement agencies selected to participate as a front-line agency for crowd control. Authorities have estimated that more than 50,000 protestors will convene at the World Bank Headquarters to conduct demonstrations associated with the IMF conference.
On Wednesday, Governor Taft signed a Letter of Proclamation, authorizing troopers to travel out of state to provide law enforcement related duties at the request of an outside agency. Authorities from Washington D.C. entered into an agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding, which grants outside agencies the authority to conduct joint efforts. Upon arrival, troopers will be sworn-in by representatives from the U.S. Marshall’s Office, granting full law enforcement powers during the weekend conference.
COLUMBUS – At the request of law enforcement officials in Washington D.C., more than 60 Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will travel to Washington D.C. this weekend to provide assistance with crowd control during the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) conference. A chartered bus will depart from the Patrol’s Training Academy Friday at 8:30 a.m., and will return on Monday, September 30. Troopers selected for the detail are all volunteers who are taking vacation or other permissive leave to participate.
Law enforcement agencies from around the country submitted requests to assist local law enforcement. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is one of only four state law enforcement agencies selected to participate as a front-line agency for crowd control. Authorities have estimated that more than 50,000 protestors will convene at the World Bank Headquarters to conduct demonstrations associated with the IMF conference.
"This is a very unique and excellent opportunity for the Patrol to provide special skills we have gained over the past decade from critical incidents that have occurred in Ohio." Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent said. "I am confident that officers selected will represent the Ohio State Highway Patrol with pride and professionalism in our Nation’s Capital."
Yesterday, Governor Taft signed a Letter of Proclamation, authorizing troopers to travel out-of-state to provide law enforcement related duties at the request of an outside agency. Authorities from Washington D.C. entered into an agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding, which permits outside agencies the ability to conduct joint efforts. "The reputation of the Patrol is one on the many reasons they were selected to serve in this protective detail of national importance," Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor, said.
Upon arrival, troopers will be sworn-in by representatives from the U.S. Marshall’s Office, granting full law enforcement powers during the weekend conference.
NEW PHILADELPHIA - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s New Philadelphia Post, in conjunction with the Dover Police Department and Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Tuscarawas County on Friday, September 27, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. Eric Escola, commander of the New Philadelphia 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. Escola said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning.
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 location of each upcoming checkpoint is undisclosed. The county in which each checkpoint will be held will be announced the day prior to the checkpoint, and the exact location will be announced the morning of the checkpoint.
"It is our intent to inform people that troopers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. As part of our heightened enforcement efforts, this year the Patrol plans to more than double the 19 sobriety checkpoints we coordinated in 2001. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Colonel Morckel said.
Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor 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," Lt. Governor O’Connor added.
Support in operating the upcoming sobriety checkpoints will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.
LONDON – The Ohio State Highway Patrol arrested a Hamilton woman yesterday after she attempted to convey marijuana into the London Correctional Institution. Troopers charged Misti M. Glaub, 25, with conveying drugs onto the grounds of a correctional facility, a third-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators obtained information that Glaub planned to convey illegal drugs into the London Correctional Institution. Troopers arrested her at 1:30 p.m. Monday after she left two bundles of marijuana, weighing 328 grams, in the restroom of the Administration Building.
Glaub was incarcerated at the Tri-County Jail, and was scheduled for arraignment today in the London Municipal Court. If convicted of the third-degree felony, she could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Lebanon – The Ohio State Highway Patrol arrested a Westerville woman today after she attempted to convey drugs into the Warren Correctional Institution in Lebanon.
Troopers charged Bonnie L. Hamm, 48, with conveying drugs onto the grounds of a correctional facility, a third-degree felony, and possession of crack cocaine, a fifth-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators obtained information that Hamm planned to convey illegal drugs into the Warren Correctional Institution during a scheduled visit. Hamm arrived at the institution today at 12:45 p.m. Troopers found approximately 0.2 grams of marijuana and 0.3 grams of crack cocaine on Hamm.
Hamm was incarcerated at the Warren County Jail. She is scheduled for arraignment on Monday in Lebanon Municipal Court. If convicted of both charges, she could face up to six years in prison and a $12,500 fine.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
STEUBENVILLE - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Steubenville Post, in conjunction with the Wintersville Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held tonight on County Road 22A, in the Village of Wintersville, in Jefferson County, from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Lt. Matthew Evans, commander of the Steubenville 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.
"We want to discourage potential drinking drivers. That is our ultimate goal. However, the checkpoint is designed to remove impaired drivers from the road and that is what we intend to do," Lt. Evans said.
Support in conducting tonight’s sobriety checkpoint will be provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Columbus Bomb Squad’s preliminary investigation indicates nitrates were present in the van parked at the Rhodes State Office Tower loading dock yesterday.
Residue swabs were taken from the van to verify the presence of nitrate, but test results are not in.
Bomb detecting canines from both the Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms alerted to the same area of the 2002 Ford van, driven by Oscar Sesmas, who was subsequently charged with inducing panic.
The bomb-detecting canines are trained to alert to explosive substances, such as nitrate. Nitrate is an element found in gunpowder.
The van the canines alerted to is owned by Inside Outfitters, a company that installs window treatments. Nail guns are commonly used by the company. A .22 caliber nail gun cartridge contains smokeless nitrate powder in order to produce the charge needed to place nails into concrete.
The Patrol bomb-detecting dog, Nitro, has been in service with the Patrol for two years and had two successful bomb detecting alerts.
The Patrol; the Columbus Bomb Squad; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; the Columbus Police Department, the Columbus Fire Department, and the FBI are working together on the ongoing investigation.
The Patrol charged Oscar Sesmas, with inducing panic, a fourth-degree felony. Additional charges are possible, pending further investigation.
The Patrol is currently working with the Immigration and Naturalization Service to ascertain the immigration status of Sesmas.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
STEUBENVILLE - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Steubenville Post, in conjunction with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, and Wintersville Police Department, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Jefferson County on Friday, September 13, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. Matthew Evans, commander of the Steubenville 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. Evans said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning.
Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Columbus Bomb Squad are currently searching the Rhodes State Office Tower loading dock for suspected bomb substances, related to the arrest of an admitted illegal Mexican immigrant for inducing panic. The Patrol and Columbus Bomb Squad expect to have a preliminary analysis tomorrow of any evidence found at the scene.
The Patrol; the Columbus Bomb Squad; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; the Columbus Police Department, the Columbus Fire Department, and the FBI are working together on the ongoing investigation.
The Patrol charged Oscar Sesmas, with inducing panic, a fourth-degree felony. Additional charges are possible, pending further investigation.
The Patrol is currently working with the Immigration and Naturalization Service to ascertain the immigration status of Sesmas.
Troopers arrested Sesmas, after three positive alerts by bomb detecting canines to a 2002 Ford van parked in the loading dock of the Rhodes State Office Tower, 30 E. Broad St. in downtown Columbus. Bomb detecting canines from both the Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms alerted to the van. The canines are trained to alert to substances that can be used for explosives.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has charged Oscar Sesmas, an admitted illegal Mexican immigrant, with inducing panic, a fourth-degree felony. Additional charges are possible, pending further investigation.
The Patrol is currently working with the Immigration and Naturalization Service to ascertain the immigration status of Sesmas.
Troopers arrested Sesmas, 35, of 7313 Chaparral Rd. in Columbus, after three positive alerts by bomb detecting canines to a 2002 Ford van parked in the loading dock of the Rhodes State Office Tower, 30 E. Broad St. in downtown Columbus. Bomb detecting canines from both the Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms alerted to the van. The canines are trained to alert to substances that can be used for explosives.
The Columbus Bomb squad remains on the scene.
The Rhodes Tower was evacuated without incident and personnel in the adjacent buildings have been notified.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has a suspect in custody after three positive alerts by a bomb canine to a vehicle parked in the loading dock of the Rhodes State Office Tower, 30 E. Broad St. in downtown Columbus.
The Rhodes Tower has been evacuated without incident and personnel in the adjacent buildings have been notified.
The Columbus Bomb squad is on the scene.
A media briefing will be held at 3:00 p.m. in the Map Room in the Ohio Statehouse (on the State Street side, ground floor).
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
LIMA – Tpr. Gerald L. Gibson of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Lima Post was honored today with a Certificate of Recognition for his quick and decisive action in apprehending a robbery suspect on May 28. Capt. Richard H. Collins, commander of the Patrol’s Findlay District, presented the certificate on behalf of Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent, at a ceremony held today at the Patrol's Lima Post.
On May 28, Tpr. Gibson was on stationary patrol on State Route 81 in Allen County when he observed a vehicle quickly exiting a nearby gas station. Seconds later, a clerk at the station ran out the door with a phone in her hand, crying and pointing at the car. Tpr. Gibson pulled into the station to check on the frantic woman, who told him the man in the car had just robbed her. After making sure the woman was not hurt, Tpr. Gibson went in pursuit of the suspect, whose car was no longer in sight. He heard a train approaching the area and deduced that to avoid being stopped by the train the suspect would cut over several streets to a road that passed under the railroad tracks.
Tpr. Gibson caught up to the suspect near the underpass and activated his pursuit lights. The suspect accelerated. After a brief chase, the man jumped from his vehicle, which was still moving, and fled on foot. Tpr. Gibson quickly caught up to him and arrested him following a brief struggle. It was later determined that the suspect was responsible for a string of recent robberies in the area.
Tpr. Gibson joined the Patrol in May 1990 as a member of the 120th Academy Class. He earned his commission the following November and was assigned to Defiance. He transferred to Lima in February 1992, where he earned the Ace Award for excellence in auto larceny enforcement in 1994.
Originally from Lima, Tpr. Gibson graduated from Allen East High School in 1982, and later earned an associate's degree in 1985 from the Lima Technical College. He presently resides in Lima with his wife Cindy. Their two sons are Kenton, 11, and Grant, 9.
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 the day prior to the checkpoint, and the exact location will be announced the morning of the checkpoint.
"It is our intent to inform people that troopers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. As part of our heightened enforcement efforts, this year the Patrol plans to more than double the 19 sobriety checkpoints we coordinated in 2001. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Colonel Morckel said.
Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor 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," Lt. Governor O’Connor added.
Support in operating the upcoming sobriety checkpoint will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.
CONNEAUT – Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are investigating the death of an inmate at the Lake Erie Correctional Institution. The inmate, who's name is being withheld pending family notification, was found dead in his cell by prison personnel at 6:30 a.m. Friday.
Patrol investigators do not believe foul play was involved in the inmate's death. The exact cause of death will be determined following an autopsy by the Ashtabula County Coroner's Office.
The Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property. The investigation is ongoing.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s St. Clairsville Post, in conjunction with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and Bridgeport Police Department, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held tonight on U.S. Route 40, near milepost 27 in Pease Township within the Village of Brookside, from 10:00 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
Lt. Ronald Klier, commander of the St. Clairsville 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.
"We want to discourage potential drinking drivers. That is our ultimate goal. However, the checkpoint is designed to remove impaired drivers from the road and that is what we intend to do," Lt. Klier said.
Support in conducting tonight’s sobriety checkpoint will be provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
SANDUSKY - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Sandusky Post, in conjunction with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and Vermilion Police Department, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Erie County on Saturday, September 7, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. David Cope, commander of the Sandusky 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. Cope said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Saturday morning.
COLUMBUS - In association with the Ohio University, E. W. Scripps School of Journalism, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is now accepting entries for the 2002 Media Recognition Awards for Excellence in Traffic Safety Coverage.
This annual award, in it's fifth year, recognizes the Ohio media for excellence in coverage of traffic safety issues. Separate awards will be presented in separate categories for newspapers, television stations, and radio stations. Stories submitted for the award do not have to include the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Award recipients will receive their awards during a special program at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s annual awards banquet in February 2003, in Columbus.
Media outlets can submit an unlimited number of stories. Any story produced or published between November 1, 2001, and October 31, 2002, is eligible for the award. The deadline for entries is November 5, 2002, and winners will be notified by mail in mid-December. A panel consisting of representatives from the Ohio University, E. W. Scripps School of Journalism, will review entries.
Submissions should include contact information for the media outlet, when the story was published/broadcast, and a copy of the story(ies) in a format listed below:
Newspaper: Text of story, and accompanying photographs where applicable. An original newspaper article is sufficient.
Television: VHS or Beta SP.
Radio: Cassette.
Submissions should be mailed to:
Ohio State Highway Patrol
Public Affairs Unit
Attn: Jeff Grayson
1970 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43223
Columbus – A former Ohio Department of Education employee pled guilty for theft in office for having federal college scholarship funds distributed to friends and family.
Lisa Cullen, 43, of Columbus, appeared in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court today, where she pled guilty to theft in office, a fourth-degree felony.
In her former position with the Ohio Department of Education, Cullen was in charge of receiving applications for a federal college scholarship fund, as well as determining who qualified for and received the funds.
An investigation began after Ohio Department of Education internal auditors discovered suspicious disbursement of scholarship funds. The Ohio Department of Education notified the Ohio State Highway Patrol and requested an investigation. Troopers initiated the investigation in October 2001.
The Patrol investigation revealed Cullen had scholarship money given to friends and family members. In total, $78,000 was distributed to 18 individuals in a two-year period.
Cullen resigned from the Ohio Department of Education in December 2001.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
Columbus – Troopers arrested a Columbus woman yesterday for bribing an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) Driving Examiner. Alice Dayee, 24, a Foreign National from Liberia, was charged with bribery, a third-degree felony.
Troopers said Dayee ran a red light during her driving examination, which resulted in an automatic failure of the driving exam. On the drive back to the BMV, Dayee placed a $100 bill on the seat between her and the driving examiner. Dayee then offered the money to the driving examiner. Upon returning to the BMV, the driving examiner reported the incident.
Dayee was incarcerated in the Franklin County Jail. If convicted, she could face up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine. She is scheduled to appear in the Franklin County Municipal Court today.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property. The Patrol is vigilant in the national effort to stop identity theft and illegally obtained identity cards.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s St. Clairsville Post, in conjunction with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and Bridgeport Police Department, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Belmont County on Friday, September 6, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. Ronald Klier, commander of the St. Clairsville 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. Klier said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning.