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Ohio man faces $1 million bond, long list of vandalism allegations

On Behalf of | Sep 5, 2017 | Violent Crimes

It is extraordinary for bond to be set at $1 million in a case revolving around vandalism. But there is nothing ordinary about the criminal charges an Ohio man faces about four hours northeast of Cincinnati.

One of the unusual elements of the case is that it is a 49-year-old man facing the vandalism-related charges. He is accused of shooting at windows of businesses, churches and a police car in Stark and Summit counties.

Bond was set at $1 million in Stark County, where he is being held.

A news article about his alleged acts states that he might yet face federal charges on top of the state felonies he already faces.

The suspect is a Bureau of Motor Vehicles clerk, the report states.

He is accused of arson, aggravated arson and breaking and entering after allegedly breaking into a Marlboro Township church and setting it on fire.

Other charges against him include two counts of felony vandalism, felonious assault, improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle, criminal tools possession, receipt of stolen property and discharge of a firearm on or near prohibited premises.

The string of accusations began early Sunday morning with the Marlboro Township Church fire. The defendant also is accused of taking a chainsaw to a crucifix in Alliance, cutting down a sign in Hartville, tearing down Hartville village banners, shooting at a Hartville hardware store (while two workers were inside the building) and then cutting down a sign in Akron.

Officials say they believe he also fired shots into a half-dozen Ohio Department of Transportation vehicles and shot out windows at three Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices.

He is also believed to have shot and damaged an Ohio Highway Patrol car in Canton.

The article about the allegations did not include any statements from police about why the suspect might have committed the crimes.

Anyone accused of crimes in Cincinnati should speak with a capable, experienced criminal defense attorney before talking to police or prosecutors.