Be Nice. The release said the Auditors Office has been given full access to all financial and other documents pertaining to the investigation, as well as making all employees accessible for making statements. We equip Athens County residents to engage with their communities by monitoring power, giving voice to those marginalized from power, aggregating public information, and facilitating discussion and debate. Home; Real Estate. Im excited to meet the staff and begin working immediately to start making positive impacts for the county. Scott Fitch, a Meigs County native, will fill the final two years of Keith Wood's term. Documents from BCI also indicate that Fitch was investigated for dozens of Facebook posts which the BCI said could be construed as racist, although those actions were not mentioned in the termination letter. Ryan McFann, 37, of Coolville, Ohio, was indicted for Possession of Drugs (Methamphetamine), a felony of the fifth degree. MEIGS COUNTY, OH (WOWK) - A special judge has been chosen to preside over the court proceedings for a former sheriff accused of theft in office in Meigs County, Ohio. We are committed to serving the citizens with the highest level of service and will continue to make Meigs County safer and a great place to live.. Meigs County Sheriff Scott Fitch says Michael Atkinson was arrested by Athens County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team members at a home in Coolville, Ohio, on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. The release said the Auditor of States Special Investigations Unit (SIU) began its investigation of Wood in August 2022, after receiving a complaint from Meigs County Prosecutor James Stanley about the potential misuse of money from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund. No toy is too big or small. We provide nationwide foreclosure listings of pre foreclosures, foreclosed homes , short sales, bank owned homes and sheriff sales. Faber's office said tips related to fraudulent use of public funds can be submitted anonymously online or . These areas will be collecting any new unwrapped toys from now until December 13th. Fitch said on a 2011 application for a promotion that he had obtained a masters degree in criminal justice administration from Rochville University. This incident remains under investigation by the Middleport Police Department and the Southeast Major Crimes Task Force. 0. Agency Nuclear Training Program and a member of the Homeland Security Task Force. Muskingum County Sheriff's Department. Most of the interactions were Fitchs reactions to others posts. The Meigs County Sheriffs Office would like to ensure the citizens of Meis County that the indictment of the former Sheriff will not affect the mission, goals, or daily operations of the Sheriffs Office. NELSONVILLE, Ohio Scott Fitch, former Nelsonville police chief and current Meigs County sheriff, was terminated from his position as special operations agent for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation in 2019 and it's unclear if either the city or Meigs County knew about it. And theres been a sense of renewal a sense of hope for us. Meigs also processed 295 arrests for property crimes during the same year. Signup today! Kevin M. Groth, 33, of Ashford, West Virginia, was indicted for Tampering with Evidence, a felony of the third degree. The statement added that, SIU confirmed that Wood used ATMs to withdraw cash from the fund at different locations in Ohio and West Virginia.. Oak HIll PD. ***All items sold must be settled the day of the sale. According to Meigs County. The Meigs County Sheriffs Office has listed 6seized vehicles on GOVDEALS.COM. Qualified Hazardous Materials First Responder with extensive training in meth lab investigation and enforcement, and a Certified Training Instructor with the TN Law Enforcement Academy. Ifyou have a question regarding Background Checks, Concealed Carry Permits or a Sheriff Sale, please refer to the links at the top of this page to schedule an appointment. Toys and games are needed for all ages from infants through teenage boys and girls as well as stocking stuffer type toys. that is degrading to another person. Fitch added in the statement that the Sheriffs Office will be fully transparent and cooperate with the Ohio Auditors Office and assist them in any way with their investigation. I look forward to serving my home county.. Wood on five . MEIGS COUNTY, Ohio The Meigs County Sheriff's Office is searching for Michael R. Atkinson, age 41, of Coolville, Ohio, who is suspected of a home invasion on Saturday, January 7th.According to reports from the sheriff's office, Atkinson entered the residence along Route 7 in Tuppers Plains with a sawed-off shotgun and demanded money from the individual inside. Fitch was named interim Nelsonville police chief in June 2020 and became permanent chief in December 2020. The Athens County Independent launched The Indy newsletter to deliver in-depth local news right to your inbox, along with updates on our progress. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. By this time, Fitch had served as Nelsonville police chief for nearly two years. Will said that he has not investigated the termination further and is not concerned by any of the conduct that led to Fitchs dismissal from BCI. Fitch, who worked for BCI for 19 years, successfully appealed his termination on procedural grounds. The Meigs County Sheriff's Office investigated this matter. When Meigs County Sheriff Keith Wood, an independent, suddenly announced his resignation on Nov. 8, the responsibility of appointing a new sheriff fell to the Meigs County Commissioners, all Republicans. Prior to Fitch being appointed as sheriff, Commission President Jimmy Will offered a statement. Southeast Ohio Independent News is registered with the state as a nonprofit corporation, and we are fiscally sponsored by the Athens County Foundation. Phone: (740) 992-3371. Many, if not most should be considered armed and dangerous. Invalid password or account does not exist. Don't Threaten. The primary goal of the Meigs County Sheriff's Office is to protect and to serve its citizens. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated this matter. However, Fitch has made several comments on posts that contradict that claim. Over 1 million foreclosure homes for sale updated daily. 410 River Rd, Decatur, TN 37322. COLUMBUS, Ohio A former Meigs County Sheriff, Keith Wood, has been indicted on five counts by a grand jury in Meigs County. A complete listing of all items is located in the lobby of the 911 center at 410 River Road Decatur TN. This eventually led to Fitchs firing. City Manager Scott Frank did not return multiple requests for comment for this story. Ohio Department of Public Safety-Liquor Control. Local news is disappearing. In a joint news release by Meigs County Sheriff Keith Wood and Middleport Police Chief Mony Wood, Agents with the Gallia-Meigs Major Crimes Task Force along with deputies with the Meigs County. You can bring new, unopened toys to any of our convenient drop off locations throughout the county or the Meigs County Sheriffs Office. An evidence intake technician who was required to be present for the inspection told investigators that she and Fitch attempted to schedule the inspection several times unsuccessfully. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Welcome to the Meigs County Sheriff's Office Website. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. When asked if he was concerned about Fitch providing a potentially misleading credential on his application, Will replied, No., Will later added, I dont know the instance here with Mr. Fitch and his degree, but I dont put much stock in that.. John W. Sellers, 36, of Long Bottom, Ohio, was indicted for Theft, a felony of the fifth degree, and Injuring Vines, Bushes, Trees, or Crops on Land of Another, a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Because of the actions noted above, your fitness for duty is severely reduced and your credibility could be attacked any time you testify in court, the letter states. Fitch told the BCI during that investigation that he hadnt been aware there was an issue with his degree until it was brought up by a special agent who he believed was angling for his demotion., Fitch told investigators he mentioned the masters degree on his application because a supervisor had told him it was the offices job to judge the credibility of the degree. He said he never attended classes or took exams, but only filled out forms regarding his life experiences and paid a fee (amount unknown).. The arbitrator found that BCI had not followed the disciplinary procedures set out in the FOP union contract, and that even if proper procedures had been followed, Fitch was still able to perform the duties of a BCI special agent. President of the Meigs County Commissioners Jimmy Will said he was aware Fitch had been terminated from the Ohio BCI, but was unsure if hed learned of it before the commissioners decided to hire Fitch in November. This Meigs County Tennessee Most Wanted List posts the top 50-100 fugitive criminals on the run. racist or sexually-oriented language. Meigs Sheriff seeking information of whereabouts of Michael Atkinson. Reading time: About 9 minutes. Nelsonville Police Department. If you come across them, do not attempt to apprehend them yourself. Murray City Police Department. Choose wisely! NELSONVILLE, Ohio Scott Fitch, former Nelsonville police chief and current Meigs County sheriff, was terminated from his position as special operations agent for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation in 2019 and its unclear if either the city or Meigs County knew about it. The release said SIU confirmed that Wood used ATMs to withdraw cash from the fund at different locations in Ohio and West Virginia and that an arraignment for Wood in Meigs County Common Pleas Court will be set at a later date. Athens County Sheriff Rodney Smith was contacted and immediately dispatched members of his special response team (SRT) to Adkinson's mothers home in Coolville, Ohio. It is not clear whether the city of Nelsonville knew about Fitchs 2019 termination from the BCI when he was hired as police chief or during his tenure. MEIGS COUNTY, OH (WOWK) - Authorities in Meigs County, Ohio, are searching for a suspect in an alleged stabbing. Many of the comments targeted Muslims. Prior to Nelsonville, Fitch served as a Washington County Sheriffs deputy for seven years before becoming a special agent at Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations for 19 years. We will endeavor to persevere in the commissioners office., Sheriff Fitch issued the following statement, The Meigs County Sheriffs Office would like to ensure the citizens of Meigs County that the indictment of the former Sheriff will not affect the mission, goals, or daily operations of the Sheriffs Office. Meigs County, Ohio Sheriff resigns The decision came following a Meigs County Commission meeting Thursday morning. Ads are being blocked by your browser. Press Secretary. The Meigs County Sheriffs Office investigated this matter. The charges relate to the time period between January 1, 2021 to November 11, 2022. He said the commission carefully interviewed and reviewed each candidate. While no one individual is above the law, all suspects are innocent until proven guilty. COLUMBUS The Meigs County Grand Jury handed down a five-count indictment Wednesday against former Meigs County Sheriff Keith Wood following allegations that he withdrew public funds for personal use, Auditor of State Keith Faber announced in a press release. We ask that you join us in support for the new sheriff and the tasks that at hand that he will face, he said. The city of Nelsonville has also not yet fulfilled a records request filed Dec.13, 2022 for Fitchs personnel file and communications regarding his 2019 termination. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. This is a very long list and changes daily. The Meigs County Sheriffs Office 3rd annual toy drive is now underway. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated this matter. Wood has been indicted on five counts including theft in office, a 4th-degree felony; telecommunications fraud, a 4th-degree felony; misuse of credit cards, a 5th-degree felony; misuse of credit cards, a 1st-degree misdemeanor; and soliciting or All items sold as is and carry no warranty.***. Athens County is no exception. . Middleport officers and the Syracuse Police Department responded to the call initially. Donald W. Shaffer, 46, of Pomeroy, Ohio, was indicted for Gross Sexual Imposition, a felony of the fourth degree. New Straitsville Police Department. POMEROY, Ohio- The grand jury met today February 8, 2023 in Meigs County Common Pleas Court, and indicted former Sheriff Keith O. Previously Wood served in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources before being elected Meigs County Sheriff in 2012. Editors Note: All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Copyright 2023 WSAZ. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. A letter from the Ohio Attorney Generals office, dated Oct. 8, 2019, notified Fitch that BCI management had recommended his removal as a BCI special agent for providing false information to the agency. The Meigs County Sheriffs Office investigated this matter. KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK)- The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office is commending the actions of a deputy that saved a man's life on Tuesday after a shooting in Kanawha County. The county's southern border lies along the Ohio River. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, The Auditors Office has been given full access to all financial and other documents pertaining to their investigation, as well as making all employees accessible for making statements, Fitch stated. According to a news release, he made the decision due to health and family. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated this matter. or anything. Will asked the citizens support the commissions choice for sheriff. It is predominantly rural, with less than one percent of the county's 429 square miles consisting of urban areas. The auction ends on Thursday 5/30/13. You can bring new, unopened toys to any of our convenient drop off locations throughout the county or the Meigs County Sheriffs Office. The Meigs County Sheriffs Office 5th annual toy drive is now underway. Joseph B. Lee, 38, of Middleport, Ohio, was indicted for Possession of Drugs (Methamphetamine), a felony of the fifth degree. MEIGS COUNTY, Ohio (WV News) Michael R. Atkinson, 41, of Coolville, Ohio, is a suspect in a reported armed robbery in Meigs County, Sheriff Scott Fitch said. Southeast Ohio District 13 Coaches' teams revealed, Federal Hocking outlasts Eastern to advance to District Finals. Toys and games are needed for all ages from infants through teenage boys and girls as well as stocking stuffer type toys. To search for an inmate in the Meigs County Jail & Sheriff, find out their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits or even view their mugshot, go to the official Inmate Search Jail Roster, or call the jail at (423) 334-3163 for the information you are looking for. MEIGS COUNTY, OHIO (WOWK) - A new sheriff has been appointed to fill the remainder of the term of former Meigs County Sheriff Keith Wood. POMEROY, Ohio- The grand jury met today February 8, 2023 in Meigs County Common Pleas Court, and indicted former Sheriff Keith O. The city was "contacted a while back by the Meigs County Sheriff's Office with their attempt to purchase the dog," Dunfee said. you have a question regarding Background Checks, Concealed Carry Permits or a Sheriff Sale, please refer to the links at the top of this page to schedule an appointment. According to KCSO, the victim in the shooting on Tuesday remains in stable condition. The Auditor's Office has . Kayla D. King, 31, of Rutland, Ohio, was indicted for Possession of Drugs (Methamphetamine), a felony of the fifth degree. This is 287.74% higher than the national average of 739.02 per 100,000 people. Dispatch stated that a male identified as Ronald A. Johnston had shot his girlfriend in the leg. According to an indictment from the Common Pleas Court of Meigs County, former sheriff Keith O. Of the total arrests, 49 were for violent crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery. Links: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/ Ohio Department of Health Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Since Sheriff Jackie Melton took office in 2010 and started the toy drive, with the generous help of the county, approximately 350 children in Meigs County have been able to have a Merry Christmas and our goal this year is to see that number continue to grow. All rights reserved. person will not be tolerated. According to the Meigs County Sheriff's Office, the alleged incident happened . Fitch told BCI investigators that he likes posts only for entertainment purposes and that his responses did not indicate endorsement of the posts. The suspect, identified as Michael R. Atkinson . You can bring new, unopened toys to any of our convenient drop off locations throughout the county or the Meigs County Sheriffs Office. Southern border lies along the Ohio River posts that contradict that claim impacts for the County or Meigs. 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