Category: Ohio

Police: Fugitive’s Body Found in Ohio River, Days After Recapture of Fellow Ohio Escapee

HENDERSON, KY—A convicted murderer who escaped last week from a northwest Ohio prison with another inmate by hiding in a trash container was found dead Sunday after his body was spotted floating in the Ohio River, police in Kentucky said. The discovery brought to a close a manhunt for the missing inmate, Bradley Gillespie, 50….


Ohio Farmer Behind Viral ‘It’s Honest Work’ Meme Dies in Illinois Crash

URBANA, Ill.—A prominent Ohio farmer whose image was used in a popular social media meme touting the value of “hard work” has died after he was injured in a vehicle crash in Illinois. David Brandt was a nationally known proponent of no-till farming who traveled around the country talking about sustainable agriculture techniques and soil…


Authorities Capture 1 Inmate Who Escaped Ohio Prison, but Convicted Murderer Still on the Lam

LIMA, Ohio—One of two inmates who escaped from an Ohio prison was captured early Wednesday in Kentucky after a police pursuit of a stolen car the men were believed to be in ended in a crash and a foot chase, authorities said. James Lee, 47, was captured at the scene but Bradley Gillespie, 50, remained…


New Trial Ordered for Man Who Spent 15 Years on Death Row in Death of 3-Year-Old Boy

CINCINNATI—A new trial has been ordered for a man who spent more than a decade and a half on Ohio’s death row in the 2006 death of the 3-year-old son of his former live-in girlfriend. Lamont Hunter, 54, was convicted of aggravated murder, child endangering, and rape in the death of Trustin Blue, who authorities…


10 Men Arrested in Ohio in Human Trafficking Operation, Illegal Immigrant Among Them

Ten men were recently arrested on charges related to human trafficking in North Olmsted, Ohio, as part of a sting operation. Among them was an illegal immigrant and a middle school teacher. “Yesterday was a banner day for the task force,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said on May 12. “Their commitment to wiping out…


More Ohio Families Turn to Food Banks Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis

Food banks across Ohio have seen a surge in demand, with some running at double capacity amid increasing food insecurity prompted in part by an end to COVID-19 pandemic-era aid, according to experts. The Mid-Ohio Food Collective, a food bank providing a free “grocery store experience” as well as nutritious meals to thousands of people is just…


Ex-Ohio Lottery Director Conduct Toward Staff Found Improper

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The sudden resignation last month of Ohio’s lottery director came after he inappropriately touched two employees and sent texts “expressing inappropriate fondness and innuendo” to members of his staff, according to an independent investigation released Friday. The review by Zashin & Rich law firm determined that Pat McDonald’s behavior violated Ohio Lottery Commission policy…


Roof Collapse at House Near Ohio State University Injures 14

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Part of a house collapsed and 14 people were injured near The Ohio State University Saturday evening when people climbed onto a roof that was not designed to hold significant weight, authorities said. Columbus Division of Fire Battalion Chief Steve Martin said his department received a report around 7:40 p.m. of a roof collapse…


East Palestine Families Living in Limbo Months After Fire

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio—Jeff Drummond spends days and nights alone in a tiny room with fake wood paneling, two small beds and a microwave atop a mini refrigerator that serves as a nightstand—his pickup truck parked just outside the door at the roadside motel where he’s taken refuge since early February. Shelby Walker bounces from hotel…


Ohio Man Charged With Federal Offenses for Firebombing Church to Stop Drag Queen Story Hour

An Ohio man is facing federal charges over an unsuccessful attempt to burn down a church that was planning to host a “Drag Story Hour” event, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said Monday. According to a complaint (pdf) filed by the FBI, 20-year-old Aimenn Penny was arrested on March 31 after he allegedly threw…