Criminal Attorney Columbus
Criminal Background Checks For Ohio Schools' Bus Drivers In Question
By Patricia Hawke
Last month, Columbus, Ohio, police arrested an individual who drives bus for one of the Ohio schools in Columbus. The driver was charged with possession of cocaine and further investigation found the individual had three previous convictions for driving under the influence.
First Student, Inc., is the private company, who employs the driver and provides bus drivers for many of the Ohio schools. They employ 22,000 drivers to over 500 school districts in 38 states across the country, transporting nearly two million children each school day. Of the 20,000 bus drivers within the Ohio schools, 3,000-to-5,000 work for private contractors. State law requires that bus drivers for the Ohio schools have a commercial driver's license and a criminal background check through Ohio's Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
After the driver's arrest, First Student discovered it had not done complete criminal background checks on all of its drivers. Service to the Columbus Ohio schools was suspended and the district cancelled classes for the day to allow the company to review their background check records for other such omissions.
Spokeswoman Jennifer Robinson assured the public that First Student has submitted hundreds of the required background checks and fingerprints to the Bureau since 2004, though Alex Goepfert, spokesman for the state's attorney general's office, stated that the firm had not submitted anything since that year. Additionally, she stated that First Student runs all background checks through a private company and believes the arrested driver is an isolated case of omission.
Ed Simpson, chief of policy and administration for the state attorney general's office, is searching for a better way to improve enforcement of the background check for Ohio schools' bus drivers law and to ensure such oversight does not occur again.
State attorney general Marc Dann met with Columbus area legislators to discuss ways that the statute can be strengthened. Failure to conduct these criminal background checks is a misdemeanor under the law. According to Simpson, Dann also is investigating if a criminal case or administrative action can be brought against First Student.
First Student's oversight has other school districts within the Ohio schools asking about their drivers. Robinson stated that First Student is conducting a comprehensive review of all Ohio schools' bus drivers.
Ohio schools' Columbus district is evaluating its procedures and whether to cancel their contract with First Student. Ohio schools' Cincinnati district has asked First Student and their two other private bus driver providers to resubmit their criminal background screenings for further review; they review background checks through the state every two years and locally through a private company every six months. Ohio schools' Dayton district hires their own drivers and review background checks monthly. According to spokesmen, Ohio schools' Lorain and Elyria districts were assured by First Student that appropriate checks had been completed on all of their drivers.
May 7, 2011
12:29 am
You know what? You don’t have to go to a top law school to practice the type of law you want to. That’s not to say that you won’t be accepted, but even if you don’t, things will work out fine.
Another thing to consider, if you don’t get much financial aid, and go to an expensive law school, that may determine the kind of law you practice out of law school so you can pay back the loans. Biglaw in big city 1st year = $160,000 + $20,000 bonus (probably a little less now due to economy, but sure to be back up soon). Your law = $50,000 maybe.
Law firms in L.A. look for qualified minority attorneys all the time, including biglaw.
As you know, it’s very tough to get into a top law school, however there are many more find law schools other than the schools you’ve named.
Good luck!
July 3, 2011
11:55 pm
Do I have a shot at being succesful?
Fordham University
Hispanic American 1st Generation
Gpa 3.5
Majored in Political Science
Minored in Economics
United States Marine Corps 2nd LT
Interned for New York Legislator
Interned for New York State Senator
Interned for the Council of Foreign Relations Committee NYC
Marine Platoon Leader Course
New York Care Member-
- Assisted in senior citizen homes
- Fed NYC homeless
- Read books to underprivileged children
(All under New York Cares)
Knights of Columbus
Republican Club
Extra curriculars:
International Criminal Justice Club (Treasurer)
Debate Team (Member)
Student Government (Freshman Representative, Senior Representative)
Committee of Public Relations (Vice President)
Student Orientation Leader
What are my chances of being accepted into a top law school? I understand the LSAT will be the most determing factor in my admission however I would like to know my chances of being accepted into Harvard, Yale, Columbia, NYU, Notre Dame and Georgetown and other prestigious law schools.
I was told by my family that it is extremely rare for a spanish boy to get into and pass law school. However my mothers an attorney whose white states, “That the real world doesn’t hire alot of minorities” My father whose Cuban says that I wont be able to make it into a law school and Im trying to prove them all wrong. My family is basically deteriorating my hopes and dreams of making it into an ivy. I dont care about money or job placement I want the degree to help out those who dont have a say in this world. Veterans, homeless, the elderely, and the small students who have a tough time balancing school extra curriculars and off the book jobs just to barley get by. Do i have a shot?
Money is no problem as I am employed now with the Marines.
July 19, 2011
5:03 pm
Should a 15 year old have to pay child support to his Rapist?
The Columbus Dispatch has a story about a 15 year old Boy. Who was raped by a 19 year old Female an Adult. She has had a baby, he must pay Child Support. Is this fair?
Boy’s parents sue to get his baby from mom, 21
Saturday, August 16, 2008 3:12 AM
By Mary Beth Lane
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
LANCASTER, Ohio — A Pickerington couple and their son are fighting for custody of a baby born to a Lancaster woman charged with having unlawful sex with the boy, who was 15 at the time of conception.
A paternity test shows that the teen is the father of the baby born April 7 to Jane C. Crane, who was 19 when she became pregnant. Now, a judge has ordered him to pay $50 a month in child support and set visitation at seven hours a week.
Crane, meanwhile, faces criminal charges. A Fairfield County grand jury indicted her last month on two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a fourth-degree felony. Conviction carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and a requirement to register as a sex offender for 25 years.
Crane is living with the baby and her family in Lancaster.
The boy’s parents say they can provide a better upbringing for the baby than Crane can. Her household includes her stepfather, David L. Jacobs, who was convicted of domestic violence last year for hitting, choking and pointing a gun at Crane’s 17-year-old sister and was placed on two years’ probation, court records show.
“We don’t want to have our granddaughter abused by these people,” the boy’s father said. “We are trying to do the right thing.
“The child support was the icing on the cake. I couldn’t believe that our son has to pay child support to his abuser.”
The Dispatch does not identify victims of sexual abuse.
Crane is scheduled for a pretrial conference before Common Pleas Judge Richard E. Berens on Aug. 21. A hearing and a status conference in the custody dispute are scheduled for next month before Domestic Relations Judge Kathy S. Mowry.
Crane, now 21, is not a suitable custodial parent in part because she may have committed a felony by having sexual intercourse with a minor younger than 16, the boy’s parents argue in court papers seeking custody.
Crane declined to comment. She is free on a $5,000 recognizance bond pending trial. Her attorney, Sandra Davis, did not return calls. Lawyer Jennifer Strunk, the court-appointed guardian ad litem representing the baby’s interests, said through a spokesman that she could not comment.
That a 19-year-old woman had sex with a 15-year-old boy might seem like no big deal to some, but it is a serious charge, said Assistant Prosecutor Julia Dillon.
It makes no difference that it is an adult female charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor boy rather than the more common instance of an adult male charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor girl.
“It is an age and maturity issue, not a gender issue,” Dillon said. “He’s a young boy coming into his own, being taken advantage of by an adult.”
There could yet be a plea agreement. “I have made what I consider to be a reasonable offer, but I have not received a response,” she said.
The incident has had lasting affects on the boy, now 16, his mother said.
“He has nightmares, he is stressed out,” she said. “He is a father, even though it was a crime for him to be a father. His life is changed forever.”
Crane got to know the family while she worked at a local movie theater with the boy’s older sister. When Crane said that her stepfather was abusive, his family allowed her to move in with them.
The boy’s sister later bought her own home and Crane moved in with her. It was there last summer that Crane had sex with their son at least twice, his parents said.
mlane@dispatch.com
July 20, 2011
3:39 am
All the negative thoughts will get you down. Stop thinking so negatively. Hispanics do well at the better law schools. So be of good cheer. When you stop worrying so much, you’ll be able to focus on the LSAT. As you know, the LSAT will make you or break you. Do well on it and you’re in, so focus and stop worrying.
July 23, 2011
11:08 am
what revisions do you find appropriate for this essay?
Felicia Heffelfinger
Mrs. Derck
English 11A, Period 6
April 9, 2010
The Unfairness of the Criminal Justice System with the Wrongfully Convicted
Imagine being convicted of a crime you never did commit and being sentenced to life in prison, while innocent. How vulnerable and helpless would you feel, knowing that you are in control by a higher, unjust authority, and there is absolutely nothing you can do to prove your innocence? Unfortunately, there have been, and still are, thousands of people around the world that have felt this hopeless feeling. The vast majority of these wrongly convicted people have all felt these feelings of helplessness because of the following: the unfairness of the criminal justice system. Furthermore, the unfairness of the criminal justice system is a major issue for many people worldwide and must be reformed in order to ensure the fairness and safety of all people.
The unfairness of the criminal justice system is a drastic problem today. Not only are many innocent people losing their lives due to the death penalty, but most are also sentenced to life in jail, still continuing to lose many years of their lives and family’s lives. In fact, a new study of Columbus, Ohio concludes that, “about 10,000 people in the United States may be wrongfully convicted of serious crimes each year… (Spring 1).” “The results are based on a survey of 188 judges, prosecuting attorneys, public defenders, sheriffs and police chiefs in Ohio and 41 state attorneys general (Spring).” Ronald Huff, director of the Criminal Justice Research Center, thinks “…that number is probably low” (Spring). In his professional opinion, Ronald Huff think this because there are most likely many other wrongly accused people throughout the world, and DNA is bringing forth an outbreak of many innocent people that are wrongfully convicted today and also in cases from the past. Consequently, there are more than 10,000 U.S. citizens that are wrongfully convicted of serious crimes each year, which is too high of a number. Also, a study mentions, “…The actual offender remains free to victimize other citizens” (Spring).
Proof that specifically shows that the criminal justice system is corrupt and unjust with the wrongfully convicted and accused is with the case of Clarence Elkins. The main cause of the wrongful conviction of Elkins was eyewitness misidentification. (Innocence Project 1). The date of the crime was June 6, 1998, and the jurisdiction was in Ohio (Innocence Project 1). Clarence Elkins’ niece was spending the night at her grandmother’s house, Judith Johnson, during the time of the incident. (Innocence Project 1). A man broke into the house and attacked and murdered Judith Johnson, then raped Elkins’ 6-year-old niece. (Innocence Project 1). This young girl testified that it had looked like her uncle, Clarence. (Innocence Project 1). That is where the eyewitness misidentification came into play. Clarence’s DNA didn’t match with the DNA performed, and the only piece of evidence that the courts really had was his niece’s testimony. (Innocence Project 1). Moreover, the courts did not have any justifiable evidence against Clarence, not a thing. All they were going by was a testimony of a 6-year-old child. Also, the State even admitted that there was no physical evidence that targeted Elkins, and they even denied him another DNA testing because it “wouldn’t prove Elkins’ innocence” (Innocence Project). While everything was going on, the prosecutors, along with other members of the criminal justice system, just did not want to believe that Clarence was innocent, even with DNA from a guy that matched up with the DNA on the victims. (Innocence Project 1). Eventually, Earl Mann was found and pleaded guilty to the crime with the help of DNA, and Elkins’ niece confessed that she did not think her uncle was guilty. (Innocence Project 1). Clarence was previously sentenced to life in prison, but because of his innocence, only had to serve seven years. (Innocence Project 1). Although he was compensated, Clarence lost very important years with his family and also his children, which he will never get back or be able to be compensated for. (Innocence Project 1). Furthermore, Clarence Elkins was an ordinary, innocent man, who had been convicted and sentence to life in prison for a crime he did not ever commit. (Innocence Project 1). Clarence was an innocent man, had an unfair trial, no evidence to even convict or use against him, and lost many important years of his life for being wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit. (Innocence Project 1).
There are many factors that lead to people being wrongfully convicted of serious crimes they did never commit. Those factors are the following: Eyewitness misidentification, perjury by witness, negligence by officials, coerced confessions, frame-ups, overzealousness, pressure by the media to solve the case, and other factors. Those were the main factors in innocent people b
July 25, 2011
11:19 am
Firstly – remove your personal data from the top before posting it so the whole world can see. Secondly, try to rephrase your essay in more academic language: “Moreover, the courts did not have any justifiable evidence against Clarence, not a thing.” is what people would say: to write it academically, use something that’s more appropriate, like ” Moreover, the prosecution did not have any other evidence against Clarence.” Check your grammar. If you cite an internet website or book or journal, do not just give the name of the source, but cite chapter and page where you can.
If this is an essay that’s meant to be impartial, remove all the pleading double negatives. Stop being quite so emotive when you are using hard facts, and the argument will take care of itself. Check your phrasing. Read it out to yourself, and to others.
July 27, 2011
8:08 pm
HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN Tragedy of 10-year-old mom?
HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN Tragedy of 10-year-old mom?
The baby’s birth at University Hospital on Nov. 4 was routine.
What wasn’t routine was the fact the infant’s mother was just 10, impregnated by her mother’s boyfriend.
Now, social workers are trying to figure out how to unravel the mess involving one of the youngest children ever to give birth in Greater Cincinnati.
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Prosecutors were in court Wednesday to discuss what to do with both children, the newborn and her now 11-year-old mom.
The court session in Hamilton County Dependency Court on Wednesday was primarily a status session on how both the baby and young mother are doing.
At the same time Wednesday, Lockland police were in Columbus talking to a convict whose DNA shows he’s the baby girl’s father.
Michael Chaffer, 40, is accused of impregnating his girlfriend’s 10-year-old daughter, according to Hamilton County prosecutors.
The baby’s birth set off an investigation by the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services and stunned social workers because the baby’s mother is so young.
The baby has been taken from her mother and put in a foster home while the child-mother is now being taken care of by a relative. Her mother is not allowed to see the baby and can only see her daughter when supervised by social workers.
Lawyers jammed the courtroom Wednesday, representing the prosecutor’s office and all three generations of the family.
The girl’s mother was warned not to let any adult men in her Lockland home while caseworkers tried to track down the infant’s father.
Paternity was not determined until Wednesday morning.
Prosecutors say the girl’s mother ignored that order to keep adult men away from her child, and when a caseworker made a surprise visit to her Lockland home Jan. 4, they found Chaffer.
Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor Lee Slocum said Chaffer faces criminal charges for impregnating and sexually molesting a girl under the age of 13.
Lockland Police Chief James Toles said two officers were interviewing Chaffer on Wednesday in a Columbus prison, where he is serving a one-year sentence on an unrelated charge.
Sex with a child under 13 is considered statutory rape, a crime punishable with a life prison term.
As JFS investigated the case, several relatives of the 11-year-old girl contacted the agency saying Chaffer sexually abused the girl for a “period of time.”
The 11-year-old girl’s mother is also under investigation, Slocum said, for allowing her daughter to be abused.
Job and Family Services workers can’t remember a case in which a girl so young gave birth.
“Unfortunately, sexual abuse is pretty common in the cases we see,” said JFS Director Moira Weir. “But it is highly unusual and extremely sad to see a case where a 10-year-old becomes pregnant.
“This is an example of why everyone in the community needs to be extremely vigilant about watching for the signs of abuse and notifying us through our 241-KIDS hotline,” she added. “The sooner we can intervene, the sooner we can make sure the child is in a safe situation.”
Hamilton County prosecutors want a court designation that the 11-year-old girl was abused. They allege the 11-year-old’s mother failed to care for her by allowing Chaffer near her.
Prosecutors also want to take the infant away from the mother because the sixth-grade student is too young to care for the baby.
As she waited for the hearing to start, the child, who was wearing faded jeans and a T-shirt hoody with her hair tied into a ponytail, sat next to her mother. She chatted about school, music and Disney video games.
During the hearing, as prosecutors and attorneys discussed the case and the possibility that the 11-year-old could lose her baby, she wiped away tears with the palms of her hands.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Magistrate Charles Milazzo determined the girl could visit her baby at least twice a week.
But he said the 11-year-old girl’s mother may see her only if social workers can supervise the visits, and that she may not see the baby.
Authorities became aware of the birth after the 11-year-old girl delivered the baby at University Hospital. Hospital officials notified JFS because the mother was so young.
The 11-year-old girl and the infant were allowed to remain in the mother’s home while JFS investigated the case. Two other men were eliminated as the baby’s father before Chaffer’s DNA was tested.
When the caseworker found Chaffer in the home Jan. 4 – a violation of JFS’ order that no men be in the home – they arrested him on a charge of obstruction of official business.
Court records show Chaffer slammed the door on the officer and refused to open it.
Chaffer pleaded guilty to that charge the next day, which violated his probation on an earlier drug charge. As a result he was sent to prison for one year.
JFS immediately took the 11-year-old girl and infant from the home.
* 1 hour ago
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Additional Details
8 minutes ago
The man is in prison on unrelated charges, he has not even been charged with this crime as of yet…
July 29, 2011
2:22 am
He’s probably getting ‘punished’ by the other inmates anyway. If they have DNA evidence i don’t doubt he will be charged.
July 29, 2011
3:49 am
yes it is wrong but according to state law (http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/2907.02) there is no mention of this happen or how to deal with it. I’m guessing since this is two different cases (rape and custody) the judge just focused on custody. The girl is going away for a couple month so the father will get the child. Whatever happens I hope that child is alright.
July 29, 2011
8:09 pm
Do you think i have a shot?
Fordham University
Hispanic American 1st Generation
Gpa 3.5
Majored in Political Science
Minored in Economics
United States Marine Corps 2nd LT
Interned for New York Legislator
Interned for New York State Senator
Interned for the Council of Foreign Relations Committee NYC
Marine Platoon Leader Course
New York Care Member-
- Assisted in senior citizen homes
- Fed NYC homeless
- Read books to underprivileged children
(All under New York Cares)
Knights of Columbus
Republican Club
Extra curriculars:
International Criminal Justice Club (Treasurer)
Debate Team (Member)
Student Government (Freshman Representative, Senior Representative)
Committee of Public Relations (Vice President)
Student Orientation Leader
What are my chances of being accepted into a top law school? I understand the LSAT will be the most determing factor in my admission however I would like to know my chances of being accepted into Harvard, Yale, Columbia, NYU, Notre Dame and Georgetown and other prestigious law schools.
I was told by my family that it is extremely rare for a spanish boy to get into and pass law school. However my mothers an attorney whose white states, “That the real world doesn’t hire alot of minorities” My father whose Cuban says that I wont be able to make it into a law school and Im trying to prove them all wrong. My family is basically deteriorating my hopes and dreams of making it into an ivy. I dont care about money or job placement I want the degree to help out those who dont have a say in this world. Veterans, homeless, the elderely, and the small students who have a tough time balancing school extra curriculars and off the book jobs just to barley get by. Do i have a shot?
I already attend Fordham i already graduated with a 3.5
I also entered Fordham with a 3.9 GPA and had an SAT of 1380
They accepted me and gave me some scholarships but now that Im going to law school I need to know what I should do