(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Detectives from the Tiffin Police Department’s Criminal Division have successfully concluded a week-long investigation into serious allegations of dissemination of obscene material and attempted Unlawful Sex with a Minor.

The investigation, triggered by a concerned parent’s report, unveiled unsettling details of a 23-year-old man allegedly engaging in inappropriate communication with a juvenile. Law enforcement swiftly intervened, gaining access to the juvenile’s online account and initiating contact with the suspect.

During the exchanges, the suspect, unaware of law enforcement’s involvement, continued to send explicit material, ultimately arranging a meeting with the juvenile for illicit purposes.

In a meticulously planned operation conducted this morning, detectives, in collaboration with the department’s Patrol Division, apprehended the suspect as he headed to a pre-established meeting point.

Prior to his arrival, additional evidence was gathered, affirming the suspect’s intent. Upon his arrival, the suspect, identified as Porfirio Elijah Sutton, age 23, of Tiffin, Ohio, was promptly arrested without incident.

Sutton now faces multiple charges, including Disseminating Matter Harmful to Juveniles, Importuning, and Attempted Unlawful Sex with a Minor, all classified as Felonies of the Fifth Degree. Following his arrest, Sutton was interviewed by lead investigator, Detective Eric England, during which he admitted to the offenses.

Subsequently, Sutton was served with criminal charges and is currently confined in the Seneca County Jail awaiting an initial appearance in the Seneca County Commons Pleas Court.

Chief David Pauly stated “I am incredibly happy and proud of the outstanding work carried out by our Criminal Division in the recent investigation, as well as in all investigations they undertake. Detective/Lieutenant Mark Marquis, Detective Rachel Stafford, and Detective Eric England have shown exceptional dedication and effort in ensuring the safety of our community, especially our vulnerable minors.

Their commitment to upholding the law and protecting our citizens is truly commendable. It is their hard work, professionalism, and tireless efforts that make our community a safer place for everyone. I extend my sincerest gratitude and admiration to each of them for their unwavering dedication and service.”

A Putnam County Grand Jury has indicted a man accused of a deadly shooting at a business in Leipsic.

Konner Dunklee is facing charges of aggravated murder, murder, and attempted murder.

There was no bond set for Dunklee.

A pretrial hearing has been set for May 20 in Putnam County Common Pleas Court.  

At 4:05 p.m. on April 18, the sheriff’s office received 911 calls about shots being fired at Kitchen Enterprises Trucking Company on Pro Tec Parkway.

When law enforcement and medical personnel arrived they found 30-year-old Farrah Croninger, of Deshler, deceased.

54-year-old Michael Kitchen, of Ottawa, was also injured and transported to a hospital.

Authorities say the suspect, Konner Dunklee, 26, of Lima, fled the scene in a vehicle.

He was pursued by several police agencies and apprehended in Allen County.

(From the Hancock County METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit)

On 4/24/2024 at 2221 hrs. the Hancock County METRICH Drug Task Force along with the Findlay Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT), executed a narcotic search warrant at 1121 Putnam St., Findlay, Ohio. This was the result of an investigation into drug trafficking from this address.

The search of the home yielded 87 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, numerous items indicative of drug trafficking, some illegal Marijuana/THC products and several items of drug paraphernalia. A small amount of cash was also seized.

As a result of the search the following people were arrested and incarcerated at the Hancock County Justice Center:

Kendra R. Dysert (age 37) Benjamin H. Wilson (age 31)

1121 Putnam St.

Findlay, Ohio

Charge: Possession of Schedule II Charge:

(Methamphetamine) – Felony 2

Additional charges of drug trafficking are expected at the conclusion of this investigation.

The Hancock METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit is supported by METRICH in Mansfield, OH and funded in part by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

METRICH Crime Tip Hotline: 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or download the METRICH enforcement unit mobile app to “Submit a Tip.”

The City of Findlay held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the phase II extension of the Blanchard River Greenway Trail.

Phase II takes the Greenway Trail from the Eastpoint Landing by Bright Road eastward along State Route 568 over the Blanchard River and to County Road 236.

After the ribbon-cutting, people took a walk along the trail as part of the mayor’s Move with the Mayor initiative. 

We spoke with Mayor Christina Muryn about the Greenway Trail in the video below.

Preparations are underway for the final phase of the Greenway Trail project in Findlay – phase III.

Phase III will be along the north side of State Route 568 and take the trail from County Road 236 out to Township Road 241, the road with the covered bridge and entrance to Riverbend Recreation Area.

The ten-foot-wide multi-use path will be on the north side of State Route 568 and cross over to the south side at Township Road 241.

(From the Fostoria Police Department)

The Fostoria Police Department conducted two separate ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) investigations, which led to the arrests of a pair of subjects from out of the area, Brandon Robbins 29 YOA of Akron, Ohio, and Donald Beatty 32 YOA, of Toledo, Ohio.

Mr. Betty was arrested on 04/06/2024 and charged with Importuning, ORC 2907.07. His bond was set at $50,000. He is currently being incarcerated in the Seneca County Jail.

Mr. Robbins was arrested on 04/16/2024 and charged with Disseminating Harmful Matter to a Juvenile ORC 2907.31. He could also be facing possible charges of Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Importuning, and Pandering. His bond was set at $50,000. He is also being held at the Seneca County Jail.

The investigations were led by Fostoria Detective Kyle Reinbolt, assisted by Detective Brooks Hall and Fostoria Patrol Officers, who executed both arrests without further incident.

“We (the Fostoria Police Department) have been able to get some of our manpower issues resolved or at least addressed, which is helping to begin the expansion of our detectives’ division, reducing the amount of case work our road units have been handling. In turn, this will lead to more officers out patrolling and addressing traffic issues, while our detectives’ bureau can take a more proactive approach in conducting some of their investigations.”

– Fostoria Police Chief, Gabe Wedge

(From the City of Findlay)

The I-75 overpass on W. Bigelow Avenue will be closed to all traffic beginning Thursday, April 25 at 7AM for approximately two weeks for curb replacement.

See detour route below.

We apologize for the late notice of road closure due to an unexpected structural issue.

Please call the City of Findlay Engineering Department with and questions related to the project at (419) 424-7121.

It’s been 46 years since two Findlay firefighters gave their lives trying to save two boys from the Blanchard River.

On April 22, 1978 the fire department was dispatched to the area of the Riverside Park Dam where the boys’ canoe had capsized.

The current was powerful, and during the rescue attempt, firefighters William VanAtta and Roland Smith were tossed into the turbulent and churning water.

Both firefighters died as well as the two boys.

A memorial to the two firefighters can be found along the river at Riverside Park.

“If you’re near Riverside Park, please stop at the monument and remember their sacrifice,” the fire department posted on Facebook.

(From the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

We have had a report of someone receiving calls and the id says jail/prison Ottawa Ohio.

The number listed is not our phone but they can spoof it to show a local number or even our numbers.

If anyone receives a call and it is showing this or if something does not seem right please call the Putnam County OH Sheriffs Office at 419-523-3208.

Do not give out personal info or give money or credit card numbers to anyone.

Please call and confirm it is our office that called you.

(From HHWP Community Action Commission)

HATS Transportation, a program of the Hancock Hardin Wyandot Putnam Community Action Commission, is currently undertaking a transit development study for Findlay and Hancock County.

HATS provides public transit services to the county in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration.

The study will determine what mode of service would best benefit those in Findlay and Hancock County who don’t have access to transportation to work, medical appointments and other needed services.

The transit development study is in its final stages and the plan, formulated by Nygard Nelson Associates based on community and rider input, has come up with three possible options for future transit service in Hancock County.

The short survey outlines those options and gives the community a chance to voice their opinions and concerns.

The survey can be accessed by clicking on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HancockTDP6

(From the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission)

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has learned that a text message-based scam, known as “smishing,” is fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies from across the country. The scammers are requesting payment for unpaid tolls.

The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.

Ohio Turnpike E-ZPass does not request payments by text. Collections of unpaid toll and/or toll violations does not occur by text.