Outlook Ohio is a free, monthly magazine that can be found across the state, though its continued existence is now in some doubt thanks to the recent arrest on drug charges of its top executive. The June issue was canceled after 44-year-old publisher-editor Christopher Hayes was arrested in West Virginia and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
According to law enforcement officials, the publisher of Columbus-based “Voice of Ohio’s GLBT & Ally Community” was trying to sell methamphetamines and oxycodone hydrochloride.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Outlook’s most recent published issue was in May. When the newspaper checked, no employees were to be found in Outlook’s offices.
The magazine’s sales director said he could not comment about the status of the publication or the arrest of its publisher.
Hayes is being held on $100,000 bond in a county jail and could not be reached for comment, the Dispatch said.
A former associate publisher and ad director said of the magazine, “It appears to have fizzled out.”
The publication was launched in the late 1990s as a newsletter and has gone through several format evolutions and owners.
“If it is indeed done, I would invite someone in the (LGBT) community to tell our story for us,” the former associate publisher said.
An arrest can do much more than threaten the freedom of one person, as we can plainly see in this case.
A skilled Cincinnati criminal defense experienced in drug defense can help protect your rights and freedom.