Ted Strickland’s Drug Sting Cover Up (Governor of OHIO - "D")

rightohio.com ^ | February 17, 2010 at 5:29 pm | Matt

[Las Vegas Dave]

Columbus Channel 10’s Paul Aker is covering a HUGE story that, according to my sources, is about to get even bigger:

Read more: http://www.rightohio.com/2010/02/17/ted-stricklands-drug-sting-cover-up/#ixzz0fsPexaJ3

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Senator Timothy Grendell, chairman of the Ohio State Senate Criminal Justice Committee, plans to hold a hearing into a drug sting that was called off at the Governor's Residence in January, 10 Investigates' Paul Aker reported on Wednesday.

Grendell said he wanted a hearing on what he called a "fiasco at the Governor's Mansion" after listening to responses from the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Superintendent, Col. David Dicken.

Grendell was not pleased with answers that were given to his committee regarding the incident.

SPECIAL SECTION: 10 Investigates

Grendell, a Republican, told 10 Investigates he will hold the meeting within the next few weeks and plans to call everyone involved, including Cathy Collins-Taylor, the director of public safety.

"I don't think I got complete answers and I think there are some inconsistent answers, that's why I think were going to be pursuing a further investigation," Grendell said.

Grendell said is not sure when the hearings will happen, but expects them to begin "very soon." He said he believes politics involving the Governor's Office played a role in the decision to halt the sting, Aker reported

The Governor's Office has acknowledged knowing about the operation, but claims it played no role in the execution of the sting.

Earlier this month, supervisors relieved Ohio State Highway Patrol Major Robert Booker of his duties as they planned to investigate his handling of a suspected smuggling plot involving inmates working at Gov. Strickland's Bexley residence.

The patrol had a plan to arrest a woman who was thought to be planning a drug drop at the residence, but Collins-Taylor decided to cancel the sting and warn the woman instead.

Records obtained by 10 Investigates showed that Booker followed Collins-Taylor's order.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Booker is not under investigation because of the outcome of the case, but rather his handling of the situation.

Dicken defended his actions, and said he called off the sting because he was worried about his troopers.

"This was an usual case, and I did instruct the investigators to speak to the wife of the inmate," Dicken said.

Senator Tim Grendell was absolutely livid during this committee hearing today, and rightfully so. I’m hearing too many conflicting stories about what else might have occurred here, but at the minimum there was a decision made to minimize the coverage and political impact.

Read more: http://www.rightohio.com/2010/02/17/ted-stricklands-drug-sting-cover-up/#ixzz0fsQ7LNgy

[Las Vegas Dave]

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[TSgt]

I cannot wait to leave this state for Kentucky.

[marstegreg]

All I can say is WOW!

[Lee'sGhost]

The article tells us that Grendell is a Republican but makes no mention of the governor’s affiliation. I am assuming that means he is a dimocrap.

[Lee'sGhost]

Of course, I don’t have to assume. It’s right in the title....though worth noting that was added.

[Eagle of Liberty]

The article tells us that Grendell is a Republican but makes no mention of the governor’s affiliation. I am assuming that means he is a dimocrap.

OR, I think more importantly, THE PARTY AFFILIATION OF COLLINS-TAYLOR!!!

9.3.09 - Governor Appoints Cathy Collins-Taylor as Director of Ohio Department of Public Safety

[Eagle of Liberty]

MAJOR ROBERT W. BOOKER, JR. APPOINTED INTERIM STATE HIGHWAY PATROL SUPERINTENDENT

Just posting to keep a record of all the people involved.

[Eagle of Liberty]

CATHY COLLINS-TAYLOR APPOINTED TO LEAD OHIO INVESTIGATIVE UNIT

[Eagle of Liberty]

Ohio public safety chief Henry Guzman, patrol superintendent Butch Collins are both out

After Guzman indicated he was going to leave his $128,544-a-year job, officials in Gov. Ted Strickland's administration approached Col. Richard "Butch" Collins, head of the State Highway Patrol, asking for his resignation as well. He agreed to step down.

The two men have been engaged in a behind-the-scenes feud that has caused problems in the workings between public safety and the highway patrol, according to a top Strickland aide. In 2008, the men clashed over whether the patrol should investigate allegations of misconduct against Guzman's assistant public safety director.

And this year, there has been a flap over how the patrol spends money out of a special activities account which has led to the charge that Guzman is behind the investigation, launched by State Inspector General Tom Charles.

Former Ohio Public Safety Director Henry Guzman unnecessarily delayed new motor vehicle registration rules, inspector general finds

Public Safety Director, Patrol Boss Resign

Governor ousts state's top safety chiefs

"I think this gives me a chance to start out with a new beginning and with new leadership," Strickland said.

Patrol chief, safety boss on way out

[Eagle of Liberty]

OCCHA Advocates Individual and Community Strength through Self-Reliance

Henry Guzman, O.C.C.H.A’s first director in 1972 and current director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety states that the agency was established to support the needs of the growing Hispanic population in gaining access to services and resources. “My goal was that the organization would ultimately go out of existence, because there would be no need for it. But because of the growing population and the economic conditions we are all facing, the public still needs the support this agency provides,” he says.