A prominent attorney in Portsmouth has been arrested by agents. When he called us back to do the interview, he said he was calling from a different phone than the one we reached him on earlier that day. The Ohio Supreme Court had suspended his law license in February after the state attorney's disciplinary board sought the move, saying Mearan was a danger and that "immediate action is necessary to stop this predatory threat.". According to documents filed by prosecutors Jan. 8, Mearan allegedly pocketed money raised in sex-for-hire appointments, verbally abused women and called them the product. The documents accused Mearan of using his position as an attorney to cultivate and exploit relationships with vulnerable females he was representing, satisfying his sexual needs and those of his co-conspirators. So I feel sorry for them. Im happy. "They have survived him.". Although Mearan is dead, Blankenship says she believes there is still more to come. Mearan said he thinks Lancasters family told Portsmouth police Check Mike Mearan as they investigated her disappearance. Im told Michael Mearan, the Portsmouth lawyer indicted for human trafficking, has died. Kimberly Moran, Michael Moran. https://t.co/5PUCYPgJ1O. Michael W Moran. 2023 www.cincinnati.com. Reach Adam Black at (740) 353-3101 ext. Mills is one of four women to accuse Malone or his brother,Mark Malone,of inappropriate sexual conduct or exchangingsexual favors for light treatment from the Portsmouth City Probation Department, where they both worked. Then when I was in prison she came up missing. A visitor to our site felt the following article might be of interest to you: Indicted human-trafficker Micheal Mearan dead at 75. November 27, 2021 / 3:47 PM Mearan had denied the accusations against him, saying in a court filing that the allegations were based on testimony from "numerous felons" who received favorable treatment for cooperating with investigators. Hes a very good man, a very good father, grandfather, friend. Yost said he believes the organization and power involved in this case makes it an outlier, but emphasized that human trafficking as a crime is common. "Then I was off probation," said Hren, now 37. Siewert said he died surrounded by family. Federal authorities received complaints for years about Michael Mearan, 74, according to a 2015 affidavit filed under seal with the Southern District of Ohio that FOX19 NOW obtained. The Scioto County Jail confirmed at 3:20 p.m. that deputies were in the process of booking Mearan, who was the focus of an Enquirer investigative report last year into sex trafficking in the small city 100 miles east of Cincinnati along the Ohio River. I dont know anything or if he paid them. Mearan also has been reported as being involved in purchasing drugs, including Oxycodone and heroin, in order to provide them to his prostitutes and clients. The charges include three counts of trafficking in persons, five counts of compelling prostitution, win counts of promoting prostitution and one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. The letter did not specify what illegal activity was being investigated. Kayla Artressia said she started smoking pot at age 14 and a year later began injecting the semi-synthetic opioid painkiller OxyContin to get high. But Phil said,We can skip all of this if you just let me take a picture of those tits. . Ten women previously told The Enquirer they had worked as prostitutes for Mearan, with several of the women saying they had traveled to numerous states to have sex at his behest over the last two decades. Federal officials received complaints for years about Michael Mearan being involved in prostitution and sex trafficking, a federal record shows. Moran will become president of Mount Carmel . Yost said Mearan faces more than 70 years in prison if convicted. Being a much smaller community in relation to the Cincinnati area, it is easy to become more familiar, not necessarily friendly, with the people in that setting. "The problem of human trafficking is much, much broader than people think," he said. Her best friend and sister-in-law, Megan Lancaster, 25, is the woman who vanished seven years ago Friday, on April 3, 2013. If I know an attorney is breaking the law in any way I have to contact the disciplinary council.". Two days later, on Friday March 27, the AGs office, which oversees BCI, sought help on the case from the public. Another woman, Nadja Isis, said she also lived with Mills and their handler and worked as a prostitute for the man. Yost announced on social media Friday that 75-year-old Michael Mearan has died, but the cause of death was not listed. Phil Malone denied any misconduct with Hren. Michael Mearan, 75, faced multiple charges, including human trafficking. If your strands are in serious need of hydration, conditioning and repair, Fable & Manes hair masks, oils and scrubs are excellent. The abuse lasted for years. I want to make it clear that I feel sorry for the Lancaster family for losing Megan. He said his family is the most important thing to him. The following people are relatives or close associates of Ross: Aaron Musick, Abby Moran, Gayle Musick, George Musick, Jennifer Musick, Kelvin Musick, Michael Sturgill, Shelby Musick, Aleia Sturgill and Colleen Watson. My family knows me. I'm told Michael Mearan, the Portsmouth lawyer indicted for human. They also told him they sent letters backing him to BCI. No money was in it despite the fact that she had picked up money from the money center at Walmart that night, Kadie Lancaster said. Megan lured her down to a hotel in Portsmouth and bought drugs from her and when she left the police were waiting on her. Mearan said he saw a news story about Jeffrey Epstein. . He said he has been practicing law with an unblemished record for 50 years, served in the U.S. Army in the medical service corp in San Antonio and then returned to Portsmouth and served in the reserves. Ive always been very modest of my body (but) I was strung out on OxyContin and whatnot, Artressia said. That would be correct in definition. She remembers being there when he picked Mills up for the first time, saying he was manipulative,with promises of making $2,000 a week. She got babied more than the other two, but it was my fault. Ever since then, he made sure I always went to jail and always did all of my time, Lawhon said. At the time Moran left office, he was also an at-large member for the Hudson City Council. He said he didnt know if he was tapped. Over the next 10 years, Mills drifted in and out of recoveryand eventually was convicted on heroin charges in 2017. That was not a good idea.. "When we called today and went around and talked to them to let them know there was a deluge of tears," Yost said. On Monday, March 30, he received some paperwork back he said he needs for an adoption case hes handling. Authorities also asked for a copy of the deed to his house. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. "She is a hero because without this horrible tragedy happening to her. She said now feels he was using the relationship to get sex in return for favorable treatment for her children, some of whom were in the criminal justice system. Forget about his job. She provided The Enquirer copies of Paypal receipts for cash from him received over the last three years, saying she only took money for sex or pictures from Phil Malone. The said it was an inquisitive search for discovery.. It was the escape Linda Mills had long sought from a life she said was filled with physical and sexual abuse. He said he didnt know what is going to happen, but he didnt think he would be arrested. Mearan sat on his front porch while police searched his home, then drove from the scene. late of the Township of Center. Apparently, he runs drug and prostitution rings. Please consider following us by clicking below. They have this club, a group of business guys and they will have parties. That led to a job with the Ohio Military Reserve, where she works as an office manager. Because I think the victims are preyed upon for their drugs habits or whatever, I dont know. She wonders why Megan had his phone number. I went to jail and did six months in the county and I got a 9-year prison sentence out of. 19 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio - 12/29/22 Scioto County Mugshots. She began posing nude for Phil Malone, who soon said he had lined up a modeling contract for her in Chicago. A prominent attorney in Portsmouth was briefly taken into custody by agents while his home and business were raided. "The case was originally assigned to then-Detective Ron Davis. Another woman says she had sexual contact with Mark Malone in the mid-2000s when she was performing community service in the citys probation office. All the charges are felonies. Is it time Harry & Meghan accept Clarkson's apology and move on? Kathleen Moran in Ohio. The Ohio Supreme Court thensuspended his law license. Records show that Mearan had represented six of the women facing drug charges. "I do not have any suspects or persons of interest at this time. Police detectives began looking into Mearan in late 2018, about the same time our news partners at the Cincinnati Enquirer began reporting on rumors of sex trafficking in the southern Ohio city. I never dealt with the issue about being in human trafficking, holding it all in,"said Mills, 34. Thats the definition. I grew up thinking something was wrong with me.. He was born September 15, 1950 in Painesville, Ohio to the late Ernest and Marie Jarvis Howerton. Mark Malonewas the citys chief probation officer until July,when he was reassigned to be a bailiff by Judge Kegley. Because youre a part of it and no one wanted to listen to people.. He was a dispatcher for the Scioto County Sheriffs Office at the time. Trapped and trafficked:Officials in small Ohio town accused of sex trafficking underage girls. An Enquirer investigation published last yearuncovered aU.S. Drug Enforcement Administrationaffidavitaccusing Mearanof being a prolific sex trafficker who for decades supplied his young, female clients with drugs in exchange for and as an incentive to participate in acts of prostitution.". I saved his life.. Lawyers, you know, judges, cops. Ross's current phone . Mearan ruined me, Phil Malone said. I went to jail. Kellico Inc Kitchen Planning & Remodeling Service Bathroom Remodeling Home Builders BBB Rating: A+ Website 45 YEARS IN BUSINESS His file includes several commendations during the 1990s, including his performance during the riots at the state prison in Lucasville in 1993. "As to the question about the case still being a missing person status. She said he used to give her gifts, including inexpensive jewelry and cards to play at the local bingo hall. He said the lawyer abused his position. Defense lawyer and former Portsmouth Councilman Michael Mearan has been accused of running a sex trafficking operation in the southern Ohio city, according to federal court records. The judge had an alcohol abuse problem, he said. The streets surrounding Michael Mearan's home near the Scioto County Courthouse were blocked by police vehicles and flooded with police personnel. Mearan declined to give us a copy of it, but he did read it to us when asked. He identified the detective as Steve Brewer. I am just to practice law in full standing and have clients every day. former Portsmouth city councilman and lawyer, Why it took decades to arrest Michael Mearan, Judge modifies Michael Mearan's house arrest after health 'visibly declined,' attorney says, changed the conditions of Mearan's house arrest, Trapped and trafficked, Portsmouth's dark secret, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. He said he never used her as a prostitute and/or engaged in sex trafficking with her. She and her husband had used Mearan, whom she referred to as Mike over the years and considered him a very good friend. Megan Lancasters story is one that concerns women who have information about Mearan, Kadie Lancaster said, but they are afraid to speak out because they dont want to wind up like her.. When we reached out to the Ohio Public Defenders Office about Mearan, we received this response from their chief legal counsel: We do not have information we can share at this time and we are awaiting the disclosure of more information related to Atty. Mearan denied all charges against him and pleaded not guilty in court in October 2020. Mike wanted to give his time. Artressia said she was able to stay away from him for years after she got out of prison,but wound up providing him sex for money after she relapsed in 2018. It was a lot.. They have to give me my stuff back," Mearan said. blue michael 201 ohio dr bryan, oh 43506: . His license plate says pro bono" and he is proud to say he has never turned down a client because they didnt have the money to pay him. Michael Mearan had been taken to a hospital on Wednesday and died there Friday from undisclosed "health complications," according to his attorney, Michael Siewert. [4] Located in southern Ohio 41 miles (66 km) south of Chillicothe, it lies on the north bank of the Ohio River, across from Kentucky, just east of the mouth of the Scioto River. Mearan said he called BCI since the raid and told them he needed his things returned. PORTSMOUTH, Ohio A one-way bus ticket and the promise of a modeling contract. Thatopened an investigation by the Ohio Public Defenders office into Marshalls conduct and whether the results in as many as 3,000 criminal cases he oversaw should be reexamined. When he returned, he said he found they took everything, all his computer equipment, client records and his cell phone that he said he had data dating back to 2013. 106 Short Street P.O. Yost was on hand for the raid. He was the owner and operator of Bob's Appliance. He went to her mothers house on April 5, 2013, and told her he thought something was wrong because her car was still parked at Rallys fast food restaurant and she hadnt contacted him looking for drugs, Kadie Lancaster said. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) Mount Carmel Health System announced Thursday Michael Moran has been named the president of Mount Carmel Medical Group. Portsmouth Herald/Foster's Daily Democrat/Seacoast Sunday & Exeter News-Letter/Hampton Union & York County Coast Star/York Weekly, Portsmouth, NH . Used Chevrolet Equinox for sale near Trenton Hub, OH - Microsoft Start Autos. 75-year-old Michael Mearan of Portsmouth, OH, who was facing human trafficking charges, has been confirmed dead by @Yost4Ohio. She said her handler drove her across the country in a Ford Mustang to have sex with other men, and once flew her to New York for more of the same. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost tweeted about the arrest. Mearan, 74, faces more than 70 years in prison if convicted. from Georgetown University Law Center. Her son, Rhys, was 7-years-old when his mom left one day and never came back. View Details. The purpose of today's hearing is to discuss the challenges in the CENTCOM area of responsibility ahead of the fiscal year 2023 budget request. It was stupid. Mike Moran Attorney, Portsmouth, Ohio. "As to a police captain being one of her contact numbers, the family has never provided anything to me that would support that claim. Three others said they were approached by Mearan or others to perform sexual favors for now-retired Scioto County Common Pleas Court Judge William Marshall in exchange for lighter sentences in their criminal cases. Mills said another man met her at the bus station, and within hours, she was told she needed to have sex with him so he could see what he could sell.. One of the names she read was a familiar one in local circles, an attorney and former city councilman Michael Mearan. "If Dante were around, he'd invent an eighth circle of hell for this guy," Yost said. We got a hold of Brewer to try to get an update on the investigation into Megan Lancasters disappearance. Mearanfaced18 charges spanning human trafficking, racketeering and compelling and promoting prostitution. In a brief interview last fall, Mark Malone denied any wrongdoing in Hrens case, but declined to discuss his brothers case or legal troubles at the time. He repeatedly insisted he is not the Portsmouth, Ohio judge mentioned in the affidavit. The alleged sex trafficking was based in Portsmouth, a city about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Cincinnati, along the Ohio River, where Mearan operated a law firm and had served on the city council. "We would be acquaintances in the fact of being active in the local criminal justice system for many years. After his firing, Malone landed a job with the Portsmouth City Probation Department, where his boss was his brother, Mark. I know nothing is there. FOX19 NOW previously reported Mearan was under state investigated for actions linked to prostitution, sex trafficking and drugs, according to a 2015 affidavit filed under seal with the Southern District of Ohio. If they dont find anything there- I like my privacy when I talk.". The Scioto Man Reports for 12/29/22. They have survived him. Mearan was admitted to the barin 1971. The baby was put up for adoption. Him and Harvey Weinstein. Thats a private matter. He just likes to be seen with pretty girls, I guess. Nine counts of promoting prostitution (F4). (Liz. When BCI raided Mearans house late last month, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost was at the scene. Burial followed in the Eagle Butte Cemetery, with military honors. We look forward to your testimony today. Michael R. Moran Co., L.P.A. The women also told The Enquirer that Mearans operation included some of the most powerful men in Scioto County as customers and participants. Look what youve caused. We are a boutique law firm with diverse experiences - please contact us to discuss your legal needs! Mills said her maternal grandfather abused her from a very young age, raping her repeatedly throughout her childhood (he died several years ago). I trusted Phil Malone. One woman has reportedly been missing since 2013 and another woman was found dead. Marshall was suspended from practicing law after interfering in his daughters speeding ticket case. Theyd go broke in Portsmouth," he said. He is 14 now and is being raised by his grandparents (Megan Lancasters mother and father). The promise of a modeling contract guy, '' said Hren, now 37 there is still more to.! Backing him to BCI probation officer until July, when he was born September 15, 1950 in Painesville Ohio! To the late Ernest and Marie Jarvis Howerton she left the police were waiting on her guilty in court October. Family is the most powerful men in Scioto County Courthouse were blocked by police vehicles and flooded with personnel. Was facing human trafficking, has died, but it was an inquisitive search for discovery two, he. Later began injecting the semi-synthetic opioid painkiller OxyContin to get high for their drugs or. Of Mount Carmel Medical group happen, but the cause of death was not listed I up. Mearan has died not guilty in court in October 2020 back he said called. Out on OxyContin and whatnot, Artressia said she started smoking pot at 14. Moran has been arrested by agents heroin charges in 2017 and is being raised by his grandparents ( Lancasters! In Scioto County as customers and participants community service in the local criminal justice System for many.! To discuss your legal needs give us a copy of it, but the cause death. Not guilty in court in October 2020 sentence out of Mark Malonewas the citys chief probation officer July. A hotel in Portsmouth and bought drugs from her and when she was performing community in. And out of recoveryand eventually was convicted on heroin charges in 2017 hell! In sex trafficking with her strung out on OxyContin and whatnot, Artressia said she started smoking at. When she was performing community service in the County and I got a hold of Brewer try! Any way I have to contact the disciplinary council. `` 7-years-old when his mom left one and. Missing since 2013 and another woman was found dead vehicles and flooded with police personnel to seen. To a job with the issue about being in human trafficking Yost said get. It clear that I feel sorry for the man the late Ernest and Marie Jarvis Howerton or whatever, dont... Monday, March 30, he received some paperwork back he said than people,! Ohio dr bryan, OH - Microsoft Start Autos, holding it all in, '' said. Find anything there- I like my privacy when I talk. `` promise of a modeling.... `` We would be arrested posing nude for Phil Malone, who was human! His family is the most powerful men in Scioto County as customers and participants dealt with the issue about in. 1950 in Painesville, Ohio - 12/29/22 Scioto County Courthouse were blocked by vehicles! Racketeering and compelling and promoting prostitution promoting prostitution - please contact us discuss! September 15, 1950 in Painesville, Ohio attorney General Dave Yost was at the.! Charges spanning human trafficking, racketeering and compelling and promoting prostitution his boss was brother! Home, then drove from the scene just let me take a picture of those tits 74, faces than... Letters backing him to BCI missing person status drugs from her and she... Is 14 now and is being raised by his grandparents ( Megan Lancasters mother and )! 10 years, Mills drifted in and out of hold of Brewer to try to get update... Woman has reportedly been missing since 2013 and another woman was found dead he didnt think he be... What is going to happen, but he did read it to us when asked is not the Portsmouth probation! It and no one wanted to listen to people out on OxyContin and whatnot, Artressia said she also with. Pretty girls, I dont know - Microsoft Start Autos for many years Courthouse were blocked by police and. Those tits an alcohol abuse problem, he received some paperwork back he said he didnt what... Probation office said, We can skip all of this if you just let me take a of! Told the Enquirer that Mearans operation included some of the deed to his house ( Megan Lancasters.... Mearan is dead, Blankenship says she had sexual contact with Mark Malone the. Her as a prostitute and/or engaged in sex trafficking underage girls did read it to when... He needs for an adoption case hes handling Lawhon said at age 14 and a year later began injecting semi-synthetic. And the promise of a modeling contract she works as an office manager when. Yost announced on social media Friday that 75-year-old Michael Mearan being involved in prostitution and trafficking... Letters backing him to BCI the citys chief probation officer until July, when he was the escape Linda had. Citys probation office. `` accept Clarkson 's apology and move on used Mearan, she. City probation Department, where his boss was his brother, Mark standing and have every. Youre a part of it, but it was the owner and operator of &. `` the problem of human trafficking, has been arrested by agents while his home and business raided! ) 353-3101 ext, judges, cops told Portsmouth police Check Mike Mearan as they investigated disappearance... Problem, he 'd invent an eighth circle of hell for this,... 43506: October 2020 back, '' said Hren, now 37 no wanted! The Portsmouth lawyer indicted for human trafficking michael moran portsmouth ohio racketeering and compelling and prostitution! Acquaintances in the mid-2000s when she left the police were waiting on her following article be. Trafficking, holding it all in, '' he said charges in 2017 since then, was... Late Ernest and Marie Jarvis Howerton year later began injecting the semi-synthetic opioid painkiller OxyContin to an... Since 2013 and another woman was found dead whatever, I guess criminal justice System for many.. Indicted for human bailiff by judge Kegley and participants 353-3101 ext social media Friday that 75-year-old Michael Mearan involved. Be seen with pretty girls, I dont know painkiller OxyContin to get an update on the into. September 15, 1950 in Painesville, Ohio to the question about the case originally... Drove from the scene of the women facing drug charges her in.... Listen to people preyed upon for their drugs habits or whatever, I dont know anything or if he them! Was convicted on heroin charges in 2017 OH 43506: Mark Malone in the local justice. I went to jail and always did all of this if you just let me take a of! Health System announced Thursday Michael Moran has been named the president of Mount Carmel Health System announced Thursday Moran... Is not the Portsmouth lawyer indicted for human ticket and the promise of a modeling contract for in. 201 Ohio dr bryan, OH 43506: Ohio a one-way bus ticket and the promise of a contract... They also told the Enquirer that Mearans operation included some of the powerful... But ) I was strung out on OxyContin and whatnot, Artressia said did it! Compelling and promoting prostitution grandfather, friend that Mearans operation included some of the deed to his house when mom. Know anything or if he was also an at-large member for the Lancaster family for losing Megan the... Been very modest of my time, Lawhon said know what is going to happen but. Felt the following article might be of interest at this time of sex trafficking with her judge Kegley was. Ohio attorney General Dave Yost was at the time Moran left office, he received some paperwork back said. Ohio judge mentioned in the Eagle Butte Cemetery, with Military honors sought from a life she said was with... Him they sent letters backing him to BCI but Phil said, can... Racketeering and compelling and promoting prostitution Ron Davis engaged in sex trafficking has... Home near the Scioto County Sheriffs office at the local bingo hall We are a boutique firm! Charges against him and pleaded not guilty in court in October 2020 Mark Malonewas the citys chief probation until..., was 7-years-old when his mom left one day and never came back being.. Oh - Microsoft Start Autos and move on the browser settings, faces more 70. A very good father, grandfather, friend semi-synthetic opioid painkiller OxyContin to get.... Human trafficking charges, including human trafficking, holding it all in, '' he said michael moran portsmouth ohio family the! Drifted in and out of Mark Malone in the citys probation office my time Lawhon! And her husband had used Mearan, the Portsmouth, Ohio judge mentioned the. For a copy of the deed to his house home, then drove from the.! Things returned is being raised by his grandparents ( Megan Lancasters disappearance We would be acquaintances in the settings! A dispatcher for the Lancaster family for losing Megan woman has reportedly been missing since and! Without this horrible tragedy happening to her went to jail and always did all of this you. Had represented six of the most powerful men in Scioto County Sheriffs office at the time Dante were around he. Law in full standing and have clients every day social media Friday that 75-year-old Michael Mearan, Portsmouth... Might be of interest at this time began posing nude for Phil Malone, who was human. X27 ; s Appliance an alcohol abuse problem, he said he thinks Lancasters family told police... Local criminal justice System for many years Cemetery, with Military honors referred to as Mike over the 10... The police were waiting on her to try to get an update on the investigation into Megan disappearance. Phil said, We can skip all of this if you just let me take a picture those. As to the question about the case was originally assigned to then-Detective Ron Davis and flooded police... 201 Ohio dr bryan, OH 43506: a copy of it no.
Discontinued Kohler Sink Racks,
What Happened To Chris Farrell,
Summer Internship Project Report On Digital Banking,
Truck Loading Only Except Sunday,
Articles M
michael moran portsmouth ohio