Preble County Sheriff's Office

The Preble County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Eaton Police Department is seeking information in regards to a rash of vandalisms that occurred sometime between 0100 Hrs. and 0400 Hrs. on October 18, 2009.

On October 18, 2009 the Preble County Sheriff’s Office had received 14 reports of graffiti throughout the county and the city of Eaton received 22 separate reports of a similar nature causing several thousand dollars damage to homes, businesses, vehicles and government property.

The graffiti consisted of the words “WST PRIDE” , “WST FOR LIFE” along with other crude messages spray painted on the property in black and aluminum colored spray paint.

The damage occurred in Lanier and Washington Townships along with the city of Eaton.

Currently there are no suspects in the incident and anyone with information in regards to the incident is encouraged to call the Preble County Sheriff’s Office at (937)456-6262 or the City of Eaton Police Division at (937) 456-5531 with any information that could lead to the arrest or conviction of the responsible parties.

October 16, 2009

Effective October 16, 2009 the fees associated with obtaining a Concealed Carry Permit have been increased by the State of Ohio.

The new rates are as follows….

New Issue, Ohio resident more than five years $67.00

New Issue, Ohio resident for less than five years $67.00 +$24.00 FBI fee

Renewal , Ohio resident for more than five years $50.00

Renewal, Ohio resident for less than five years $50.00 + $24.00 FBI fee

The Sheriff’s Office accepts cash and money orders as payment. Personal checks are not accepted.

Please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (937)456-6301 should you have any questions.

June 11, 2009

Effective July 1, 2009, fees for electronic background checks will increase.

The new rates are as follows

BCI Webcheck $40.00

FBI Webcheck $40.00

BCI/FBI Webcheck $70.00

The Sheriff’s Office accepts cash and money orders as payment. Personal checks are not accepted. Fees charged by the State of Ohio will increase on July 1^st.

Please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (937)456-6301 should you have any questions.

April 17, 2009

April 26 marks the beginning of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a time to focus on victims of crime and celebrate our nation’s progress in serving them. Preble County will join in this nationwide effort to promote victims’ rights and services throughout the week of April 26 – May 2.

The Preble County Commissioners have officially proclaimed April 26 – May 2 as Preble County Victims’ Rights Week and designated April 28 as Victims’ Rights Day in Preble County.

The Preble County Victim Witness Program, a division of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, is taking part in recognizing victim rights and the 2009 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by hosting a variety of events throughout the week.

On Sunday, April 26 the Victim Witness Program will be hosting “Stepping Out Against Crime”, the program’s first 5K walk/run. Stepping Out Against Crime was developed in order to bring people together to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and the community to fight for crime victims’ rights. “Survivors are encouraged to participate in honor of a loved one and are invited to wear t-shirts, buttons, etc. to express whom they are walking/running for,” stated Preble County Victim Advocate Sarah Morrison.

Participants are encouraged to ask for sponsors in order to raise money. There is no minimum amount to raise or entry fee. Registration forms and pledge sheets are available at various places, including your local libraries and police departments, the Preble County Court House, the Preble County YMCA as well as the Victim Witness office, located at 123 S. Cherry St. in Eaton.

Involvement with Stepping Out Against Crime, according to Morrison, directly

supports crime victim services in Preble County. The Preble County Victim Witness Program provides the following services:

* 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week crisis intervention and emotional support

* Assisting crime victims in obtaining all types of protection orders

* Advocacy for victims with law enforcement and attorneys

* Providing court advocacy in all aspects of the criminal justice process

* Assisting with Victim Impact Statements and Victims of Crime Compensation Forms

* Notifying victims of offender’s prison admittances and parole hearings

“A very significant part of victims’ rights week is to remember those who are no longer with us,” said Morrison.

On Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m., the Victim Witness Program and the Preble County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office are hosting their annual Victims’ Rights Ceremony. The ceremony will be on the 2^nd Floor of the Preble County Courthouse. According to Morrison, each victim’s name that has lost their life due to crime will be announced during the ceremony. As the person’s name is called, family members or loved ones of that person are encouraged to stand on their behalf, she added. “We strongly encourage people to attend the ceremony and acknowledge their loved one,” Morrison said. Also at the ceremony, the women’s ensemble Something Good will be providing special music.

On Thursday, April 30 the Victim Witness Program will be hosing its annual open house from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The community is invited to visit the office, located at 123 S. Cherry Street in Eaton, and meet both victim advocates.

This year’s theme for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, “25 Years of Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the Victims of Crime Act.” honors a landmark national commitment to victims of crime. Justice for victims has progressed dramatically since the 1980’s. All states and the federal government have comprehensive victims’ rights laws, and 33 states have constitutional amendments to protect victims’ rights. Every state has a victim compensation fund, and thousands of victim service agencies help victims nationwide.

Community members are encouraged to promote National Crime Victims’ Rights Week throughout April 26 – May 2. If you have any questions about any of the events during Crime Victims’ Rights Week, please contact Sarah or Brenda at the Preble County Victim Witness Program at 456-9110.

March 27, 2009

The Preble County Victim Witness Program, a division of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, is hosting their first 5K walk/run “Stepping Out Against Crime” on April 26 at Fort St. Clair Park in Eaton.

“Stepping Out Against Crime” was developed by the Preble County Victim Witness Program in order to bring people together to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and the community to fight for crime victims’ rights. The goal of the event is to raise much needed funds and awareness towards the issues victims of crime face.

Participants are encouraged to ask for sponsors in order to raise money. There is no minimum amount to raise or entry fee. Registration forms and pledge sheets will be available at various places, including your local libraries, the Preble County Court House, the Preble County YMCA as well as the Victim Witness office, located at 123 S. Cherry St. in Eaton. If participants raise/donate $100 dollars, they will receive a free “Stepping Out Against Crime” t-shirt.

The Victim Witness Program of Preble County was established to recognize crime victims and their needs during an often difficult time. The purpose of the program is to provide the victim with necessary assistance, support, and information regarding their rights as a victim of crime.

Your involvement with Stepping Out Against Crime directly supports crime victim services in Preble County. The Preble County Victim Witness Program provides the following services:

* 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week crisis intervention and emotional support

* Assisting crime victims in obtaining all types of protection orders

* Advocacy for victims with law enforcement and attorneys

* Providing court advocacy in all aspects of the criminal justice process

* Assisting with Victim Impact Statements and Victims of Crime Compensation Forms

* Notifying victims of offender’s prison admittances and parole hearings

Registration for the 5K will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and the event will begin immediately following.

For more information, feel free to call 937-456-9110.

March 11, 2009

$$REWARD AVAILABLE$$

In a joint effort between the Preble County Sheriff’s Office, The Preble County Prosecutor’s Office, The Lewisburg Police Department, and The West Alexandria Police Department a $1,000.00 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and apprehension of person(s) involved in the recent armed robberies that occurred at Eaton National Bank, Marathon Gas Station, and Sarah’s Pizza in the Village of Lewisburg and the armed robbery that occurred at the Subway Restaurant in the Village of West Alexandria. If you have any information please contact the Preble County Sheriff’s Office at (937) 456-6262 or click the link below to leave information. You must leave your personal information if you would like to be considered for the reward.

CClick here to leave information and be considered for the reward

December 7, 2008

The Preble County Sheriff’s Office would like to make the citizens of Preble County aware of a possible phone scam involving an automated message that requests personal banking information. Several of our citizens have received automated messages claiming to be Greenville National Bank. The message advises the caller that a third party has been using their account information and asks them to provide passwords, account information and personal identifying information. When the caller provides the requested information the call is then abruptly disconnected. The calls have been originating from the 303 area code and are not associated with Greenville National Bank. So far there are no known thefts as a result of the information being provided during the calls. If you should receive a call such as this please report the incident to your local police agency. Personal information such as the type being requested during the calls should never be given over the phone to an unknown or unverified source. Scams such as the one mentioned above have many variations and may be conducted over the phone or E-mail. If you receive a call or an E-mail and have any doubt as to the call or message’s legitimacy please do not provide any information and contact your banking institution to verify the source of the request before any information is provided.

November 14, 2008

On November 13, 2008 at 10:45 P.M. our office received a report of a vehicle crash with injuries on Lexington Rd. West of Washington Twin Rd. near the City of Eaton. Deputies from the Preble County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency workers from the City of Eaton Fire Division responded to the scene. Upon their arrival they discovered a 1991 Chevrolet S-10 with two 16 year old male occupants. The driver of the truck was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger of the truck was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Miami Valley Hospital by Careflight for treatment.

The on scene preliminary investigation revealed that the truck was travelling East at a high rate of speed well above the posted speed limit and ran off the South side of the roadway striking a tree. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the incident. It appears at this time had the driver of the truck been wearing his seatbelt the fatality might have been prevented. The identification of the driver and passenger is being withheld at this time to give the family a chance to notify all next of kin.

This is the second fatality this month involving youth from the West Alexandria, Ohio area and speed and or failure to wear seatbelts appear to be factors in both incidents.

The incident remains under investigation at this time by the Preble County Sheriff’s Office and the Preble County Coroner’s Office.

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The Preble County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with agents from the Bureau of Identification and Interrogation of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, have concluded two days of marijuana eradication in the county. 328 Marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $393,000.00 were confiscated.

Deputies made three arrests during the operation. On August 29^th, detectives arrested Barry Gross, Age 56, after he was observed maintaining (6) marijuana plants behind his residence on Fudge Road. Deputies were conducting surveillance on the plants when Gross was arrested. He was charged with one count of Illegal Manufacture of Drugs/Cultivating Marijuana, a fifth degree felony. He is currently out on bond.

On the same day, Gregory Sears, age 54 of Gratis Township, was arrested after (7) marijuana plants were discovered growing at the rear of his property. As deputies made contact with Sears, he was attempting to destroy the plants. Sears was arrested and charged with Illegal Manufacture of Drugs/Cultivation of Marijuana, a fifth degree felony, and one count of Tampering with Evidence, a third degree felony, He is out on bond.

On September 26^th at 2:04 P.M., Dep. Matt Lunsford stopped a vehicle

In West Manchester for a traffic violation. After seeing several indicators, the Sheriff’s Office K-9 alerted to the vehicle. Deputies located suspected marijuana in plastic baggies packaged for sale. Deputies also recovered $1276.00 in cash. Upon further investigation of the suspect that was stopped, deputies were able to provide possible locations of additional marijuana plants that were being cultivated in northern Monroe Township. Detectives and BCI agents located approximately (20) plants as a result of the information. Paul E. Shell, age 38 of Greenville, Ohio, was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Marijuana, a fourth degree felony, Possession of Criminal Tools, a fourth degree felony, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a fourth degree misdemeanor, Possession of Drugs, a first degree misdemeanor, and two traffic violations. He is currently being held in the Preble County Jail pending his court appearance.

Sheriff Mike Simpson

09/29/2008

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A traffic stop for a simple equipment violation has led to the arrest of three suspects for the theft of a vehicle from a local business. On Tuesday, June 24 2008, at 12:14 A.M., Deputy Tom Smith stopped a 1989 Chevrolet dump truck on U.S. Rt. 35, between New Hope and Eaton for no tail lights. The truck was occupied by two males and a female.

Dep. Smith found that none of occupants had a valid driver’s license. Additional deputies were dispatched to assist. It was quickly learned that the truck had been stolen only moments before the traffic stop from a business located at 4178 Oxford Gettysburg Road, only a few miles for the stop location.

The owner of the vehicle was contacted, responded to the scene and confirmed ownership of the vehicle and that none of the suspects had permission to have the vehicle.

Arrested and charged with Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, a fourth degree felony, was Melvin G. Clendenin, Jr., age 53 of Dayton, Ohio. His passengers, Joshua G. Maher, age 23 of Dayton, Ohio and Chanel M. Ortman, age 22 of Dayton, Ohio, were both arrested and charged with one count of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, a first degree misdemeanor. All three suspects have criminal histories. Each is currently housed in the Preble County Jail, awaiting bond and/or court appearances.

The same suspects are also being investigated by the Ohio Highway Patrol for a stolen vehicle that was discovered in the eastbound rest area on IS-70 in Preble County after their arrest by deputies.

Sheriff Mike Simpson

06/24/2008

The Preble County Sheriff’s Office has charged a 25 year old Lakengren resident with (14) Felony crimes related to numerous residential burglaries and thefts that occurred in the gated community of Lakengren, southest of Eaton.

Buddy D. Fulton, Age 25, has been charged with the following crimes in Eaton Municipal Court.

(4) Counts of Receiving Stolen Property, 5^th Degree Felonies

(3) Counts of Burglary, 3^rd Degree Felonies

(1) Counts of Thefts of Guns, 3^rd Degree Felony

(3) Counts of Theft of Drugs, 3^rd Degree Felonies

(3) Counts of Theft, 5^th Degree Felonies

Thefts from vehicles parked in driveways and residential burglaries occurred between March 5^th and March 17^th. Taken was jewelry, computers, guns, prescription medications, DVD’S, cel phones and several other items. The total value of property taken is in excess of $5,000.00.

Detectives executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence on March 20^th, after investigating a domestic violence complaint between the suspect and his girlfriend. A consent to search by the girlfriend led detectives to prescription medication bottles taken from one of the vehicle thefts. During service of the search warrant, detectives found property associated with multiple thefts and burglaries. Over the last few days, detectives have followed-up leads in the case and a large portion of the property taken has been recovered and held as evidence or returned to the owners.

Detectives will continue to tie up loose ends in these cases. It is expected that the entire investigation will be presented to the April session of grand jury. Deputies have identified additional suspects in these cases and will present that information to the grand Jury.

Fulton remains in the Preble County Jail, with a bond of $17,500 cash for the felony domestic violence charge and charges mentioned in this release.

Sheriff Michael Simpson

03/26/2008

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The Preble County Sheriff’s Office investigated a (3) vehicle, fatal crash this morning, January 2^nd. The crash occurred at approx. 7:45 A.M. on SR 725 at Pleasant Valley Road.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2005 Ford Freestar van, driven by Richard Rouzer, age 38 of Gutherie, OK was northbound on Pleasant Valley Road and was unable to stop for the stop sign at SR 725. The van slid into the intersection and struck a tractor trailer that was eastbound on SR 725. The semi was driven by Damien Alexandrer, age 49 of Eaton, Ohio and was owned by Brown Transport of West Alexandria, Ohio.

Impact of the van into the trailer caused the trailer to swing into the westbound lane of SR 725. The trailer was then struck by a 1999 Ford Econoline van, driven by Jack Tillett, age 72 of Middletown, Ohio. The van was owned by Miami Luken Inc. of Springboro, Ohio. Mr. Tillett died at the scene of the crash.

Rouzer and (3) children ranging in age from 6 years to 14 years old, were transported to Middletown Regional Hospital in Middletown with non-life threatening injuries. Mr. Alexander was not injured in the crash. Tillett was transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office where an autopsy will be performed.

Investigators have interviewed both surviving drivers and an additional witness in the investigation. Richard Rouzer has been cited for failure to yield and causing the crash. The investigation will be submitted to the Preble County Prosecutor’ office for review. Charges related to the death of Mr. Tillett are pending.

Investigators were assisted at the scene by the Gratis Fire & EMS, West Elkton Fire Dept., ODOT and the Ohio Highway Patrol Commercial Enforcement Unit. The road remained closed for approx. (5) hours while the investigation was conducted.

Sheriff M.L. Simpson

01/02/2008

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The Preble County Sheriff’s office has concluded the investigation regarding a one vehicle, fatal crash that occurred on April 05, 2007 on Eaton Lewisburg Road. Kristen M. Dyer, age 17 of Dayton, Ohio, was killed in the crash.

The September session of the Preble County Grand Jury indicted the driver of the vehicle, Justin M. Klinger, age 21 of Lewisburg, Ohio with (1) count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a second degree felony. Klinger was also charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While under the Influence of Alcohol and Failure to Control a Motor Vehicle.

The investigation concluded that Alcohol was a factor of the crash. Test results of a blood sample obtained from Klinger shortly after the crash showed his blood alcohol level to be at .09, which is above the legal limit in Ohio.

Klinger appeared in Preble County Common Pleas court on September 14, 2007 for his initial appearance and was released after being processed at the Preble County Jail.

Sheriff Mike Simpson

09/17/2007

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05/23/2007

The Preble County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that the Preble County Jail has received full compliance with the Annual State Jail Inspection, conducted by the Bureau of Adult Detention. This is the 9^th straight year the jail has had 100% compliance. Receiving full compliance is very important to the operation of the jail. Agencies that receive full compliance reduce the liability of their jail by conforming to standards set by the State of Ohio. The inspection consist of ensuring selected areas of the jail’s standard operating procedure coincides with the state of Ohio’s Minimum Jail Standards, and also a physical plant inspection to ensure sanitation and that everything is in working condition, such as flushable toilets, hot and cold water, proper amount of light, etc.

I want to commend my entire staff for this accomplishment. This achievement reflects the commitment and professionalism exhibited by my staff each and every day, as well as the cooperation of the Preble County Commissioners on maintaining a facility that meets Ohio’s minimum standards.

Sheriff Michael L. Simpson

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Charges were filed today on two Preble Shawnee Middle School students in regards to the fire at the Preble Shawnee High / Middle School on which occurred on Tuesday, May 15^th, 2007.

The suspects were charged in Preble County Juvenile Court as follows;

Amanda Hacker, age 14 of Somerville, was charged with Aggravated Arson (Felony 1), Tampering with Evidence (Felony 3), Misconduct at an Emergency (Misdemeanor 4), Inducing Panic (Misdemeanor 1) and Failure to Report a Crime (Misdemeanor 4).

Jessika Whitaker, age 14 of Camden, was charged with Aggravated Arson (Felony 1), Misconduct at an Emergency (Misdemeanor 4), Obstruction of Official Business (Misdemeanor 2), Inducing Panic (Misdemeanor 1), and Failure to Report a Crime (Misdemeanor 4).

Both suspects are eighth grade students at Preble Shawnee Middle School. They will be scheduled to appear in Preble County Juvenile Court at the convenience of the court.

Terry A. Snowden

Chief Deputy

05/21/2007

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03/22/2007

The Preble County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting which occurred at approximately 11:00 A.K. at 7398 Darke Preble County Line Road, in northeastern Preble County.

The 9-1-1 caller, who is the suspect, called advising that he had just shot his son in law Deputies responded and found the victim at a residence just east of where the incident took place, with gunshot wounds to his right leg. The suspect was located at the residence where the shooting took place.

The initial investigation reveals that some type of argument or confrontation between the victim and suspect took place in the kitchen area of the residence. The confrontation escalated when the suspect obtained a small caliber automatic weapon. The suspect was in the residence with the victim, the victim’s wife and (2) small children when the incident took place.

The victim is identified as Paul Eversole, Jr. age 24 of the address listed above. He was transported to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton by Lewisburg EMS with non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect, Alfred Dean Carter has been lodged in the Preble County Jail, and committed on (1) count of Felonious assault. Investigators will present the entire investigation to the Prosecuting Attorney late tomorrow for further review, where additional charges are possible.

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On January 26^th, 2007, a missing persons report was filed with the Preble County Sheriff’s Office on Mr. Timothy Johnson of 2827 Eaton-Lewisburg Rd, Eaton, Ohio, Preble County. Mr. Johnson had last been seen alive at his residence on or about January 19, 2007. Over the ensuing weeks, efforts to locate Mr. Johnson were unsuccessful.

Within the past 24 hours, this case has transformed from a missing person report to an active murder investigation. The body of Mr. Johnson has been discovered in Preble County. Statements have been taken from multiple witnesses and from two suspects in the murder: Pamela K. Henry, the victim’s sister, and Adam Scott, Pamela Henry’s boyfriend. While members of the Preble County Sheriff’s Office have done an outstanding job investigating this crime in such a short period of time, there is still much to be done: there are many witness statements yet to be gathered, and much physical evidence yet to be collected. In addition, an autopsy will be performed on Mr. Johnson’s body at the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office within the next several days.

At this preliminary stage, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney has authorized the filing of criminal complaints in Eaton Municipal Court against the two defendants-Pamela K. Henry and Adam Scott- in the death of Mr. Timothy E. Johnson. The complaints are identical, and charge each defendant with:

1. “Aggravated Murder”(2903.01(A)- an unclassified felony;

2. “Gross Abuse of a Corpse”(2927.01(B)- a felony of the fifth degree;

3. “Tampering with Evidence”(2921.12(A)(1)- a felony of the third degree; and

4. “Grand Theft”(2913.02(A)(a)- a felony of the fifth degree.

These charges are preliminary and are based upon the information known to law enforcement at this time. In the next several weeks, the amount of information known to law enforcement will grow enormously, and it is possible that the criminal charges and/or specifications will be added or amended against either or both defendants. Ultimately, the Preble County Grand Jury will determine the propriety of all criminal charges when these cases are presented to the Grand Jury on Monday, March 5, 2007.

No other details about this horrific murder will be released at this time. The investigation is in its early stages. The release factual details to the media now could very well frustrate the investigation and our ultimate goal of bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice.

Members of Preble County law enforcement have met with the victim’s next-of-kin and will continue to keep them apprised of any developments in the investigation. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of Mr. Timothy E. Johnson.

Sheriff Michael Simpson Martin P. Votel, Prosecuting Attorney

02/15/2007

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The Preble County Sheriff’s Office investigated a (1) vehicle, fatal crash that occurred on 12/13/2006 at approximately 6:33 P.M. on St. Rt. 503, south of Pyrmont Road. A motorcycle driven by Thomas Wise, Age 38 of West Alexandria, was traveling north on State Route 503 and failed to negotiate a curve. Wise struck a guardrail and was ejected from the bike.

Wise was transported to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton by Careflight where he later died from his injuries. At this point in the investigation, there are no known witnesses to the crash. Wise was found by a passing motorist. There are no indications at this point that speed was a factor in the crash. Deputies will await toxicology reports from the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office to determine if alcohol was involved.

Anyone who may have been traveling in the area at approximately 6:30 P.M. is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 937-456-6263. This is the 14^th fatal crash on Preble County roadways in 2006. 16 people have been killed.

Sheriff Michael Simpson

12/13/2006

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Major Theft Ring 11/20/2006

The Preble County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with numerous other Miami Valley law enforcement agencies, announced on Friday, November 17^th, the indictment of (4) subjects involved in a large theft ring covering a five county area.

Detectives from PCSO were part of a task force initiated by West Mont CaseOne, an organization of law enforcement agencies in the western part of Montgomery County, which also includes Preble and Darke County Sheriff’s offices. This task force began investigating crimes within the member jurisdictions that appeared to be connected and were likely to have been committed by the same person(s).

Typically, crimes involved were breaking and entering, thefts and burglaries occurring in rural areas of Preble County and surrounding areas. Vehicles, construction equipment, tools, weapons and ATV’s were commonly stolen. Losses from these thefts in Preble County alone exceed $100.000.

Detectives were able to clear (14) separate cases in Preble County over the past several months. Some of the property has been recovered, but much of it has not. These thefts occurred primarily in the eastern part of the county, from the Lewisburg area to Gratis Township.

The Green County Prosecutor’s Office has agreed to take the lead in prosecuting the individuals involved in this ring. Prosecutors from five counties, including Preble County, met with task force investigators and decided that the investigation would be presented to a grand jury in Greene County. By combining all these cases into one county for prosecution, we believe that we increase chances for conviction and increase the likelihood that each will be sentenced to prison for longer periods of time, as opposed to each county handling their own cases.

The investigation continues as well. Several co-conspirators have been identified and investigators are still completing additional follow-up. Investigators believe that they will identify additional thefts that the defendants are responsible for. Detectives from every agency involved have put in countless hours into surveillance and follow-up, many occurring at night. Each and every investigator has played a vital role in conducting a thorough investigation. Detective Dean Miller from my office was assigned as the lead investigator from Preble County.

Detectives from PCSO are in the process of notifying victims in Preble County who cases were solved based on this investigation.

Sheriff Michael L. Simpson

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NA/NA/2005

PREBLE COUNTY SHERIFF LAUNCHES STATE-OF-THE-ART COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION PROGRAM.

Sheriff Michael Simpson Provides Internet-Based Sex Offender Notification Service to Residents, Schools, Day Care Centers and Libraries throughout Preble County.

Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson recently launched a new internet-based technology service which will keep the county's citizens better informed of the whereabouts of registered sex offenders. Sheriff Simpson reminds citizens to use the new community notification system, which includes three features; Access to the names, physical descriptions and photographs of offenders are now available on this web site. Maps of the offender's address can also be viewed so the public can better assess their risk proximity. Sheriff Simpson is also making a sophisticated e-mail alert service available that will keep enrolled citizens informed whenever a registered sex offender moves into their neighborhood.

The e-mail alert service, powered by a system acquired by Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro's office, makes the first time that Ohio citizens will receive the same level of access to the powerful database mapping and notification technology previously utilized only by law enforcement officers. The Preble County Sheriff's Office will provide the email alert service to any citizen, school, day care center or institution throughout the county. Should a registered sex offender ever move within one mile of the address you have entered, the registered recipient or school or day care center contact will receive an email alert, along with the offender's address and a link to view a map and any other available information on the offender.

"It is important, in lieu of recent events, that everyone visit the web site to understand who is in your neighborhood, but more importantly is that you register for an email. Most people are not checking the registry enough and often are unaware of an offender who may move in down the street.