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Tag: Sheena Elzie

  • Recent jail deaths renew push for civilian oversight

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    DAYTON, Ohio — Questions are mounting about safety inside county jails after a series of recent deaths. 

    In Montgomery County, protesters are demanding action after two more inmates died behind bars. 

    What You Need To Know

    • 12 inmates died in the Montgomery County jail in the last two years 

    • Protesters are calling for more oversight over jail operations, and one commissioner is calling for an independent investigation into the jail deaths 

    • State agencies do annual inspections of the jail and sited overcrowding problems, but a multi-million dollar addition to the jail is under construction

    For years, Joel Pruce has been coming to the Montgomery County Jail in protest. 

    “Hundreds of people are in here because they can’t afford to get out…being arrested should not be a death sentence,” said Pruce. 

    Pruce and his group, the Montgomery County Jail Coalition, pushed for civilian oversight after 25-year-old Christian Black died in custody back in March. 

    The case, ruled a homicide, led to a $7 million settlement, but no criminal charges.

    So Black’s family joined the calls for change, but Pruce says the system still isn’t changing.

    “I almost guarantee that we’ll be back right in the spot saying the same words that we’ve been saying,” said Pruce during a recent protest in front of the sheriff’s office. 

    Now, two more inmates died — both from separate medical emergencies — bringing the total to 12 inmate deaths in two years at the Montgomery County Jail.

    Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck would not do an on-camera interview, but sent Spectrum News this statement:

    “I want to be clear: the agencies referenced provide established oversight of jail operations through regular inspections and reviews as we have previously stated. The Sheriff’s Office continues to provide full cooperation with each agency in their review of jail operations. Transparency, accountability, and compliance remain central to how we operate. We welcome these inspections and remain committed to meeting the expectations and standards of the community we serve.”

    Michael Colbert, the Montgomery County administrator, also sent a statement that said, in part:

    “The Sheriff and State Legislature are the only authorities that can allow for changes in operational oversight.”

    The latest inspection from state agencies raised concerns on overcrowding issues. 

    The county is building a new behavioral health unit inside the jail that’ll be done in 2027, and one commissioner is calling for an independent investigation into the jail deaths. 

    “There is a lack of trust when it comes down to what happens in our jails. what happens with our police and other other workers. and i really want people to feel more confident in what’s being shared,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Mary McDonald.

    Protesters say it’s a start, but there’s still more work to do.

    “We as a community will not rest until there is accountability at this jail,” said Pruce. 

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    Sheena Elzie

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  • Hundreds in drug treatment lose housing after fraud allegations

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    DAYTON, Ohio — Hundreds of patients in drug treatment say they were left out in the cold with no warning. A major treatment provider in Dayton is in crisis and its future uncertain after its former owner was charged with fraud.

    What You Need To Know

    • Clearview treatment patients were told Medicaid paying for their housing was cut off over fraud charges against the former owner Terry Hill Jr. 

    • The U.S. Attorney’s Office states Hill was charged with health care fraud earlier this year and Medicaid fraud in 2021 

    • Volunteers from other treatment centers have been stepping in to help some of the Clearview patients who have been displaced 

    Daniel Bavicks and Amanda May are packing up what little they have left after they say they were forced out of their drug treatment program.

    “We got a knock on the door at 6:30 at night and was told be out of the rooms in an hour, so I’m out there stranded and nowhere to go, you know, and not knowing who to call, what to do,” said May. 

    They’d both spent the last two months trying to get clean through Clearview Treatment Center in Dayton. Now, they worry as hundreds like them are at risk of relapse.

    “I feel like it’s going to have a lot of impact on a lot of people’s treatment. like, people have nowhere to go. They’re going to end up relapsing or doing something stupid to find somewhere to go or anything like that,” said Bavicks. 

    An estimated 400 people lost their housing and treatment Friday night. 

    Clearview management would not comment on the situation. 

    But a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office shows Clearview’s previous owner Terry Hill Jr. was charged with health care fraud earlier this year for the second time. The statement shows the first time Hill was convicted of Medicaid fraud back in 2021.

    But patients were told Medicaid money was supposed to be paying for their hotel while in treatment and that Medicaid money has been cut off.

    Now, volunteers, many in recovery themselves, are racing to keep people from ending up on the street.

    “I know what it’s like to walk around without shoes on my feet in the middle of cold in the hopes of just getting high one more time, and I don’t like seeing that,” said TJ Brinnon, Safe Haven Recovery Housing owner. 

    Brinnon and his fiance, Molly Cruz, are starting a new recovery house and helping bring patients from Clearview to other housing.

    “I definitely wanted to help because of that and because there’s so many great options for treatment that it really it kind of hurts my soul,” said Cruz. 

    Now, they’re taking Bavicks and May to their next stop for treatment.

    “Just having that extra person to have your back and especially your spouse be in there with you makes a huge difference,” said May. 

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    Sheena Elzie

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  • Group home opens to help fill mental health housing gap

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    CINCINNATI —   In Ohio, thousands of people living with mental illness are struggling to find stable housing, according to data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The group reports that one in five Ohioans experiencing homelessness also lives with a serious mental illness.

    For Jeno Shanklin, the crisis is personal — and the solution; he hopes starts with the home he recently bought. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports one in five Ohioans who are homeless also has a serious mental illness 

    • Jeno Shanklin, who grew up in and out of shelters, set out to change that by buying a home to open up as a group home to help men with mental illness 

    • He hopes the house will be one of many group homes that he wants to open on top of a day center to help families affected by mental illness 

    Walking through the doorway of a Cincinnati house, Shanklin pauses at the decoration on the wall and the furniture arranged just as it was years ago.

    “That’s actually an old picture my mom had,” he said. “These couches are actually my grandfather’s.”

    The memories still bring him to tears. Shanklin says he spent part of his childhood living in and out of shelters before his mother moved in with a man who he says struggled with mental illness, a situation that often turned volatile.

    “It was tough being in a house with someone who one second can be laughing and smiling, another second being physically aggressive, verbally abusive to whoever crossed their path,” he said. “I had to grow up really fast being the oldest of four.”

    Shanklin later moved in with his grandfather, and he credits his faith with helping him understand the long-term impact of a stable home.

    “A lot of people overlook adults,” he said. “They think they’re grown; they can handle it. But there are a lot of adults out there that, if they just had some type of stable environment, it would help them.”

    Shanklin recently purchased a home and is turning it into a group home for men living with mental illness — a place he calls the Safe Haven for Healing home in Cincinnati. He said the house will offer group classes, art and music therapy and other programs meant to support mental health and long-term independence.

    “I felt like I could be making a bigger impact on my community and my people,” he said. “So I did some research and found the model group home.”

    Shanklin hopes this first site will be one of many. He plans to open additional group homes and eventually a day center focused solely on mental health services.

    “Come as you are,” he said. “We will do our very, very best to see that when you walk back out these doors, you are better than when you came inside them.”

    As Ohio continues to grapple with gaps in mental health housing, Shanklin said he’s committed to helping one person at a time.

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  • Mayor showdown tight, strong voter turnout expected

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    CINCINNATI — Election Day is underway across Ohio, and all eyes are on Cincinnati as voters decide whether to reelect Mayor Aftab Pureval or hand the city’s leadership to Cory Bowman — the half brother of Vice President J.D. Vance.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval cast his ballot this election day, his opponent Cory Bowman, the vice president’s half brother, cast his ballot on the first day of early voting 

    • The two candidates have debated on their approach to public safety and policing, issues they both say will be top priorities should either become elected 

    • Nine city council seats are also up for grabs. Candidates also campaigned and pushed for anti-violence efforts 

    At the Clifton Recreation Center polling place, a steady flow of voters filed in throughout the day, including Pureval himself. He cast his ballot alongside his wife and children Tuesday morning.

    The Democratic mayor is in a tight race to keep his seat after a contentious campaign that has focused heavily on policing, public safety and housing.

    “We’re really focused after today on continuing to govern,” Pureval said after voting. “As I look at the next 100 days, the next four years, our priorities will remain largely the same — public safety, basic services, housing and growing our economy.”

    Bowman, who voted early, has debated Pureval over the city’s approach to crime and community safety. The race has drawn national media attention due to Bowman’s family ties to the vice president. 

    Nine Cincinnati City Council seats are also on the ballot. Candidates have emphasized the city’s anti-violence plan as a key issue for voters.

    “There are a few things that we need to do,” said council candidate Mark Jeffreys. “One is hire more officers. We’ve added twice as many officers in the last four years than in the previous four, but it’s still not enough.”

    The Hamilton County Board of Elections expects voter turnout to reach between 25% and 28%, similar to the city’s last mayoral election.

    Voter Karen Morris said every ballot matters. “It’s important for everyone to contribute,” she said. “People like to complain, but if you don’t raise your hand and raise your voice, then you’re out of the process.”

    Polls close at 7:30 p.m Tuesday., with results expected to begin rolling in shortly after.

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    Sheena Elzie

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  • Government shutdown slows immigration cases, years-long delays expected

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    CINCINNATI — As the federal government shutdown drags on, its effects are rippling through Ohio’s only immigration court, creating deep uncertainty for attorneys, clients and families already facing long legal battles.

    What You Need To Know

    • Immigration courts are still open during the shutdown, but many federal court workers are working without pay and some furloughed

    • Attorneys say the furloughs from the shutdown are causing delays that is pushing trials back years 

    • In the Department of Justice’s contingency plan, it states there’s already a backlog of about four million cases nationwide and it’s expected to get worse the longer the shutdown goes on

    Immigration courts remain technically open, but staffing shortages — fueled by widespread furloughs of federal employees — are slowing casework. Attorneys say the backlog, already nearing four million cases nationwide, is now growing faster and will likely push some hearings back by several years.

    Rob Ratliff, an immigration lawyer based in Ohio, said the shutdown is putting serious strain on an already overburdened system. Among his clients is Ayman Soliman, a faith leader who spent 72 days in ICE custody before his release sparked community-wide celebration. Soliman is now pursuing permanent residency — but Ratliff says that process will likely take more time. 

    “He will be able to continue to pursue his adjustment of status and ultimately become a green card holder and then a citizen,” Ratliff said, “It’s going to be very difficult. It’s difficult for attorneys to stay on top of what’s going on. The system is stressed, and this shutdown is pushing it to the edge,” he said.

    Soliman, reflecting on his time in detention, called his release “a dream.” But his fight isn’t over.

    “The people that are considered essential employees continue to work in the courts,” Ratliff added. “But they have a heavier burden because of the people that have been furloughed.”

    The Department of Justice, which oversees immigration courts, did not provide a formal response to a request for comment. A press secretary simply replied as a part of an automatic response, “I have been furloughed.”

    According to the DOJ’s published shutdown contingency plan, criminal cases remain a top priority. Immigration court workers are still reporting to work — without pay — but many administrative staff members have been furloughed.

    The plan acknowledges the backlog, which is already nearing 4 million cases. Ratliff estimates that non-detained immigrants with upcoming hearings could see their court dates pushed back by two to three years.

    “If hearings scheduled for the next few weeks get canceled, people can anticipate having a trial date two to three years from now,” he said.

    That could mean extended uncertainty for immigrants who have already waited months, even years, for their cases to be heard.

    As of now, there is no clear timeline for when the shutdown will end or when full staffing will return to immigration courts. And even when it does, attorneys expect delays will continue — especially in appeals.

    For Soliman and others like him, the path to permanent residency remains a long road ahead.                    

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  • Government shutdown could impact child care programs

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    CINCINNATI — As the government shutdown continues, area programs that support children and families are bracing for the impact. Many of them rely on some federal funding to stay open. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Cincinnati Urban Promise provides preschool, summer and after-school care for kids 

    • The executive director at the center says about 40% of funding for the programs is federal funding and he’s concerned they might not get it because of the government shutdown 

    • The executive director says there’s enough funds to cover costs through the year, but he’s asking for donations in case the shutdown lasts longer

    At Cincinnati Urban Promise on the city’s west side, leaders say they’re doing everything they can to stay focused on the kids, but with government funding at risk — they’re worried about possible cuts.

    The center is the backbone of child care in the community. It has a pre-school, summer, and after-school programs that serve kids who need them most, but many of those programs depend on one thing — government funding.

    “Probably around 40% of our funding is federal funding,” said Cincinnati Urban Promise Executive Director Abe Brandyberry.

    He’s concerned that the money could run out if the shutdown drags on. 

    “We would be able to make it through November just fine, December we might if, if the shutdown goes that long, we may have some serious issues,” said Brandyberry. 

    The government shutdown has has organizations like his in limbo while they wait. The last government shutdown back in 2018 lasted 35 days — the longest in U.S. history.

    If that happens again, Bradyberry says there could be cuts.

    “I’m just going to have to do some more fundraising and and everything to try to keep it. I mean, that is, cutting programing would be like an absolute last resort,” said Brandyberry.

    For now, he says operations will go on as normal — but the uncertainty is growing by the day and he says if funding stops the impact will happen right away.

    “I’m praying that we don’t get to that point. It’s really disappointing because we’re really growing and, and we’re serving a lot of kids, and as an organization doing really well and this would put a big hiccup in all of that,” said Brandyberry. 

    The executive director says there are about 120 kids who go here, 25 staff members and multiple programs that could be impacted.

    He’s asking for donations and trying to fundraise just in case they lose that federal funding.

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  • Hispanic Festival returns despite ICE fears

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    HAMILTON, Ohio — During this Hispanic Heritage month, recent ICE raids and fears of immigration enforcement nearly shut down a popular Hispanic festival in only its second year of existence.  

    What You Need To Know

    • This is the second year for the Hamilton Hispanic Festival. Last year organizers estimate more than 2,000 people showed up to celebrate 

    • After recent ICE raids, organizers are conerned their event could be targeted and they nearly called it off 

    • Organizers decided the importance of heritage was more important to keep the festival going, but they are encouraging people to only come if they feel comfortable 

    Organizers of Hamilton’s second Hispanic Festival say recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the area almost led them to cancel the second annual event. But community determination — and a desire to preserve cultural pride — pushed the festival forward.

    “There’s a lot of raids, there’s a lot of fear within the community,” said Mitzi Hernandez, the festival’s event chair.

    The festival, which debuted last year with more than 2,000 attendees, is coming back this Sunday to Marcum Park in Hamilton. But this year, organizers faced a very different challenge.

    With recent ICE raids in nearby areas and the presence of an ICE detention facility at the Butler County Jail — just down the road — some feared that immigration enforcement could overshadow the event or discourage attendance.

    “It’s rough in the immigrant community right now,” Hernandez said. “Not just the Hispanic community, but the whole immigrant community. So many people live in the shadows.”

    Adriana Reyes, who founded the festival, said organizers seriously considered calling it off. But the community — and the importance of heritage — changed their minds.

    “We need to still be able to celebrate, just like people of Irish or German descent have their own festivals,” Reyes said. “I’m from Mexico, and I want to celebrate where I come from.”

    For Emily Wooden, a first-time organizer, the stakes were personal.

    “I think about my daughter,” she said. “What example am I going to leave behind? What legacy? I want her and the next generation to see women like Adriana, Mitzi, and myself moving forward in the community.”

    The event, held during Hispanic Heritage Month, now includes heightened security measures and coordination with local police to ensure safety. Organizers are encouraging attendees to celebrate in any way they feel comfortable — even from home.

    “We’re asking that if you feel unsafe coming to Marcum Park, please celebrate from the rooftops, from your patio — wherever you are,” Hernandez said.

    The Hamilton Hispanic Festival will take place Sunday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Marcum Park, featuring live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

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  • Fentanyl center of federal crackdown, families mourn those lost to illegal drug

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    CINCINNATI — The DEA is going after the source of the illegal fentanyl problem while more families in Ohio mourn those lost to the drug.

    What You Need To Know

    • Thursday marked National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day and the DEA and victims’ families are reminding everyone of the dangers 

    • The DEA says they’re targeting drug traffickers and trying to get the chemicals that make up fentanyl off the streets 

    • One Cincinnati mom who lost her son to addiction says he would still be here if it wasn’t for fentanyl 

    Diane Peterson has been holding back tears.

    “My son, Brett, passed away two years ago from fentanyl poisoning,” said Peterson. 

    Her son was 35 when he died. She says he’d been battling a drug addiction since the end of middle school.

    “I feel like peers have more influence than parents at that age. and, you know, we just thought something was going wrong,” said Peterson. 

    She says he’d been in and out of rehab trying to overcome his addiction, but when he relapsed two years ago, it was the last time.

    “It’s the one thing that I always prayed for that he would get up, but it didn’t happen,” said Peterson. 

    What happened to him is adding to a deadly trend.

    “It’s a drug threat to the nation has never seen before,” said DEA Public Information Officer Brian McNeal. “Last year we lost more than 100,000 people to overdose — 70% of those to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. We did see a decrease last year, which is encouraging, but there’s still way too many people dying.”

    That’s why he says Thursday, the day that marked National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, is a reminder of what they’re doing to stop it.

    “One, we’re going after those precursor chemicals. we’re getting the chemicals that create fentanyl before they even become fentanyl so we’re going after those precursors before they make their way from Asia into Mexico, and then we’re going after those large-scale drug traffickers, those people who have or crossing the border in bringing those drugs from from Asia to Mexico and right here into our streets in Michigan and Ohio,” said McNeal. 

    But he says it’s going to take more than the DEA. He says it’s going to take recognizing the danger that can be hidden in other illegal drugs before it’s too late.

    “Whether it’s a first pill or if it’s a history of addiction, it’s still the same outcome if you get a hold of fentanyl,” said Peterson. 

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  • Plans underway for first Hispanic Heritage Festival

    Plans underway for first Hispanic Heritage Festival

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    HAMILTON, Ohio — This Hispanic Heritage Month, a group of educators are making history. They’re planning the first ever Hispanic Heritage Festival in one Ohio town.

    What You Need To Know

    • This will be the first year that there’s ever been a Hispanic heritage festival in Hamilton 

    • A group of educators came up with the idea after seeing a growing Hispanic population in area schools 

    • The festival will be held in Markum Park in Hamilton on Sept. 28

    Mitzi Hernandez still remembers how it felt when she came from Mexico City to Ohio for the first time.

    “We felt lost,” she said. “I moved to the U.S. when I was 13 years old and it was me and a group — a small group of about 10 students.”

    More than 20 years later, she calls Hamilton home and works along side Adriana Reyes to help Hispanic students translate and transition to their town.

    “We had like a 46% growth in enrollment, new enrollment from new countries like Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba and Dominican Republic,” said Reyes. 

    She said something was still missing and it was never done here before.

    “It just tells us that there’s a need and we needed to fulfill that need and this is why we stepped up to make it happen,” said Reyes. 

    They stepped up with Jose Contreras, an area diversity educator, to bring Hispanic heritage to the forefront. They’re planning the first-ever Hispanic Heritage Festival in Hamilton.

    “We’re excited,” he said. “It’s unfortunate it hasn’t happened before, but that’s all right — we’re going to make it a reality for the future.”

    By the end of September, they have a vision for Markum Park. It’ll be turned into a stage, vendors, food trucks and performances.

    It’s all an effort they hope will help celebrate Hispanic culture and make it feel like home.

    “Los Hispanos, be proud. Dress up, bring your flag and let’s have a great time,” said Hernandez. 

    The one-day Hispanic Heritage Festival will be happening September 28th in Hamilton’s Markum Park. For more details, click here.

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  • Haitian restaurants in Springfield packed with supporters following false claims

    Haitian restaurants in Springfield packed with supporters following false claims

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    SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — In the middle of the threats and national attention about the Haitian population in Springfield, something else started happening. Supporters started packing Haitian restaurants.

    What You Need To Know

    • Several Haitian owned restaurants started popping up in Springfield, and after false claims making national headlines, supporters started lining up for a plate 

    • Supporters came from out of state to find a locally owned Haitian restaurant 

    • Workers say they’ve received calls about the false claims but are happy to be getting support

    Mia Perez had no idea when she helped get a Haitian restaurant open in Springfield that she would be taking a different kind of phone call.

    “People would call saying ‘can I get a side order of dogs, dogs or cats?’” she said. “You know, we just kill them with kindness and say ‘well, we don’t serve that, but this is what we can serve you if you come in.’”

    Perez is a Haitian lawyer who’s been volunteering at Keket Bon Gout Caribbean restaurant ever since those false claims became part of the national debate on immigration. 

    “To hear that, to become a reason why somebody is like making fun of us or downgrading us and talking about our cuisine, I was shocked….I felt disrespected,” Perez said.

    That’s when something else unexpected happened. 

    “I thought I would hunt down a locally owned Haitian restaurant just to come in and eat some delicious food and show my support,” said Jenny Smith, who was dining in at the restaurant. 

    Smith came from out of state to grab lunch, and several other supporters started to follow, packing local Haitian restaurants.

    “With all of the craziness and some things being said that, I just think it’s it’s wrong and it’s terrible, and so I wanted to show my support and let these people know that not everybody thinks that way and I, for one, am a believer that the United States of America is made better by immigrants and people from all over coming here,” Smith said.

    Workers say it’s the busiest they’ve been since opening earlier this year in a show of support that, for Perez, now outweighs everything else. 

    “I’m happy for the support because this could have gone another way,” she said. “People could have just stayed away from Haitian food, but they’re embracing it, and they’re making the Haitians feel like, you know what, you’re not by yourself, and we are coming to eat your food.”

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