http://www.abc22now.com RSS feed for stories from the "Top Stories" section of WKEF. en-us Copyright 2012, Sinclair Broadcast Group Tue, Jun 18 2013, 06:24 PM EDT Tue, Jun 18 2013, 06:24 PM EDT SBG WCM - Story Module http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_officers-warn-lock-your-house-if-youre-working-yard-14110.shtml?wap=0
"2 to 3 times a week," said Sally Rillo of Kettering. "A couple times a week I'm out here and in the backyard. I plant flowers and mow the lawn."

Whether simple jobs like lawn-mowing, cutting trees or more intense work, police have one simple tip: Lock every door and shut the garage.

"The garage door is always open when I'm in the yard working even if I'm in the backyard but I'm never back there very long," said one Kettering resident anonymously.

But it doesn't take very long for the thieves. Police tell us every year they get several calls from people who say someone broke in while working in their backyards.

"People want to leave their doors open because maybe they'll walk around to the front maybe get a drink of water or maybe all the tools are in the garage and maybe they don't want to put the garage door up and down but that is a perfect invitation to the thief," said Kettering Police Department Lieut. Craig Moore.

"Don't make it easy for them," said Rillo. "Locked doors keep an honest man honest. It just makes it a deterrence if someone comes around and knocks on the door and they see it open or unlocked they get curious and that sets in.  You just don't want it."

Police say thieves will drive around neighborhoods looking for people working in their backyards. When they see one, they'll knock on the door and look through the windows to make sure no one is inside and if you're door is unlocked or your garage is open, just like that you've become a victim.

"Sometimes there'll be two of them one watching to make sure you're not coming back in," said Moore.

And these are obviously more aggressive thieves who are willing to go in your home, not in the middle of the night, but in broad daylight, with you just feet away.

"It's bold.  They're lucky if they don't get shot but you can't fix stupid," said Rillo.

Police say you should know every neighbor, every person, and every car that belongs in the neighborhood so you can report when you see someone that does not belong there.  Keeping your dog outside could also be a good deterrent for thieves.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 04:10 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_officers-warn-lock-your-house-if-youre-working-yard-14110.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-three-accused-holding-mother-child-captive-ashland-14108.shtml?wap=0
The US Attorney is calling this a case of  modern day slavery. Federal Officials say the mother and daughter in this case were beaten, forced to do manual labor, and threatened with snakes and pitbulls.

Ashland Police say the trio forced the mother and daughter to sleep in a padlocked room and even the pets in the house were fed better.

Jordie Callahan, 26, Jessica Hunt, 31 and Daniel Brown, 33 were taken into custody this morning and charged with forced labor.

According to authorities, Callahan and Hunt invited the mother and daughter to live with them in their two bedroom  apartment. At this time its not clear how the couple and victims knew each other, but police say between May 2001 and October 2012 the mom and daughter were tortured.

When we were researching this disturbing story we found one of the suspects on Facebook. Jordie Callahan's page is full of pictures of two pitbulls and several large snakes. Prosecutors say these animals were used to keep the captives in check..

Ashland Police say the mother suffered a brain injury when she was 16 that left her with the mental capacity of 13 or 14 year old.

At the news conference Tuesday, Federal authorities talked about the abuse the woman and her daughter suffered.

"They were physically punished for toiletry accidents. And they were threatened not only with weapons, but also with vicious animals to include pit bulls and pythons," said Eric Smithi of the FBI on Tuesday.

As if this story cant get even more disturbing, Police say suspect Jessica Hunt's four small children lived in the home where all this was going on.

---

EARLIER COVERAGE...

ASHLAND -- WOIO in Cleveland is reporting that four people have been arrested for reportedly holding a mother and her child captive for years in Ashland.

The suspects are accused of beatings, threats of death and threats of attack from pit bulls and snakes to hold the woman and child for two years.

The U.S. Attorney called this "modern-day slavery" during a news conference.

WOIO reports that the suspects also reportedly made the woman do household chores. The woman and child were also, at times, not allowed to eat and forced to sleep in a padlocked room on a cement floor.

According to WOIO, investigators say the suspects forced the mother to hit her child and videotaped it, claiming they would show it to police if she left.

In October 2012, WOIO reports, the mother allegedly stole a candy bar while shopping for the suspects. She told police the people at the house were mean. An investigation was launched and officials conducted a raid at the Ashland home on Tuesday.

Officials say the woman and her child are recovering.

The suspects are to be arraigned in Federal Court later Tuesday.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 02:32 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-three-accused-holding-mother-child-captive-ashland-14108.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_consumer-alert-chrysler-recall-14115.shtml?wap=0
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had given Chrysler until today to comply with the recall.  The company had originally refused, claiming the vehicles were safe.

The Jeep models affected are 2002 to 2007 Jeep Liberties and 1993 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees.

The government says the gas tanks could rupture if hit from the rear, adding 51 people have died in fiery crashes.

Chrysler claims their conclusions were based on flawed data, but Chrysler said dealers will inspect the vehicles and upgrade the rear structure if necessary.

Image courtesy of ABC.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 05:46 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_consumer-alert-chrysler-recall-14115.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_neighbor-sees-teens-breaking-into-home-14114.shtml?wap=0
Police tell us, two teenagers  pushed in an air conditioning  unit in a window on Arlene Avenue  and jumped inside.

Nicole Davis said her jewelry,  I-pad,  Playstation,  and  games were all stolen. 
"We feel violated.  My kids all slept in the same room last night." Davis said.
 
A neighbor witnessed the break-in and was able to record it. The neighbor  gave the video to police,  who aren't  releasing  it because the suspects are all under the age of 18.

Davis said the young burglars ransacked her home,  but she's thankful she and her four kids weren't there when it happened.

" I thank God no one was home.  The important thing no one was hurt.   My kids are alive. Items can be replaced. But I do want justice." Davis said.

Late  Tuesday afternoon, police were interviewing one of the teen suspects.                   

The investigation is on going. ]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 05:42 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_neighbor-sees-teens-breaking-into-home-14114.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_nsa-director-says-surveillance-programs-keeping-our-country-safe-14113.shtml?wap=0
Today on Capitol Hill, the Director of the National Security Agency General Keith Alexander told the House Intelligence Committee that NSA surveillance programs, under the Patriot Act, are keeping our country safe.

Alexander explains, "in recent years, these programs, together with other intelligence, have protected the U.S. and our allies from terrorist threats across the globe to include helping prevent the potential terrorist events over 50 times since 9/11."

President Obama is also now defending his expansion of programs, which he once attacked, calling for a "public discussion" on how to balance security and privacy rights.

See Jack's blog on abcnow22.com for some of the pros and cons.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 05:34 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_nsa-director-says-surveillance-programs-keeping-our-country-safe-14113.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_man-follows-women-exposes-himself-at-springfield-kroger-14112.shtml?wap=0
Police tell us 56-year-old Lawrence Murphy had been following women to their cars and exposing himself.

When officers arrived, he wasn't hard to spot.  Murphy was sitting on patio furniture right outside the store.

Murphy was charged with a misdemeanor and released on bond.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 05:15 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_man-follows-women-exposes-himself-at-springfield-kroger-14112.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_what-you-can-bring-air-show-securitys-top-priority-14111.shtml?wap=0
"We are thrilled with the lineup we have this year and what weather! It's perfect temperatures, it looks like we're going to have a great weekend," said Brenda Kerfoot, the Vectren Dayton Air Show General Manager.

The tents are up. and the facilities are nearly in place as the gates will soon open to tens of thousands of people for the 39th Vectren Dayton Air Show. That is a big crowd.

"Because we are on an airport, we already have an extensive security plan every year."

With security at public events tightening up around the country, Air Show general manager Brenda Kerfoot expects people to be ready for the same in Dayton.

"We do let you have a backpack or a purse, but you should be prepared to have it inspected. We do not permit coolers, and that is a safety requirement. People can bring in lawn chairs, umbrellas. There are a lot of beach umbrellas that are attached chairs - those are okay; but we say be a good neighbor. We don't want to have huge tarps and tents, etc," said Kerfoot.

The only furry friends allowed inside the Air Show are those with skills in high demand. A K-9 team, which typically patrols the airport, will be sniffing for explosives.

Once you go through all that tight security at the gate, you will see a lot of uniformed officers once you get inside the Air Show; but there's a lot of other stuff going on behind the scenes that you won't see that's keeping you safe.

"Everybody has a job to do and the number one thing is to have a safe, family-friendly event which we do, and we'll have a great weekend," said Kerfoot.

Doors open up at 9:00 AM Saturday and the first high flying act should be in the air around 11:30 AM.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 05:12 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_what-you-can-bring-air-show-securitys-top-priority-14111.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_city-manager-names-jeffrey-payne-interim-fire-chief-14109.shtml?wap=0
Twenty-four-year veteran Jeffrey Payne had been serving as Assistant Chief of Emergency Services since 2008 before being named interim chief today by City Manager Tim Riordan.

Payne was hired as a Dayton Firefighter on January 23, 1989. He was promoted to Lieutenant on June 29, 1996, and promoted to Captain on March 8, 2002. He was appointed to his current position as Assistant Chief in October 2008.

“Chief Payne’s steady growth within the Dayton Fire Department and his proven leadership abilities will enable him to lead the Department well during this period,” Riordan said. “His experience and qualifications will ensure that the City of Dayton’s excellent fire and EMS operations continue uninterrupted.”

Payne's new assignment is effective July 1.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 02:53 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_city-manager-names-jeffrey-payne-interim-fire-chief-14109.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_fire-closes-vandalia-friendlys-14107.shtml?wap=0
Damage to the Friendly's restaurant on West National Road was contained to the roof and no one was injured. There were six customers in the restaurant at the time.

The restaurant will be closed for the remainder of the day while repairs are made.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 01:38 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_fire-closes-vandalia-friendlys-14107.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_beyond-florida-california-ohio-tops-amusement-parks-14106.shtml?wap=0
A new report by the Themed Entertainment Association says that Cedar Point in Sandusky and Kings Island in Mason were the 14th and 15th parks in terms of attendance last year.

Both parks drew about 3.2 million visitors.

The No. 1 theme park, Disney's Magic Kingdom, had 17.5 million visitors last year. Other parks in Florida and California filled out the top 13.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Kings Island's attendance grew 2.5 percent last year, and Cedar Point grew by 0.7 percent. Both are owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Co.

Cedar Point is often considered the most popular amusement park, particularly because of its 17 roller coasters, which is more than any other park in the world. Kings Island is often listed within the top 10.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 01:18 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_beyond-florida-california-ohio-tops-amusement-parks-14106.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_surveillance-video-shows-rollover-crash-14105.shtml?wap=0
Surveillance video captured by a camera at Dayton Transmission & Auto Repair shows the Jeep attempting to pull through the intersection and the BMW clipping the side of the Jeep, which led to the rollover.

Police say the crash happened about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and two children in the BMW were not injured, however, the two drivers were transported to hospitals. Their conditions are not available.

We'll have more when more information becomes available.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 01:06 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_surveillance-video-shows-rollover-crash-14105.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_-update-firefighters-escape-blaze-reignites-vacant-house-14099.shtml?wap=0
The fire spread quickly in this vacant house and crews got to work and quickly knocked it down. District Fire Chief Rennes Bowers said firefighters were leaving the house when flames reignited and swallowed the attic from gasses that had built up.

If the firefighters hadn't left the structure it could have been a tragic morning.

"You definitely don't want to get caught in a flashover. The temperature goes from zero to 2,000 degrees in a heartbeat," Bowers said.

Firefighters doused that fire and then ventilated the attic.

No one was injured and arson investigators are getting involved.

---

Earlier coverage:

Flames Shoot Out of Vacant Home

DAYTON -- Crews battle another vacant house fire on Torrance Street just after Midnight.

Firefighters say flames started on the right side of the home and were able to knock it down before it reached any neighboring homes. Fire officials believe the fire was set on purpose.
   
One neighbor says he saw the guy who set it and attempted to chase after him with no luck. No one was hurt. The fire remains under investigation.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 06:29 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_-update-firefighters-escape-blaze-reignites-vacant-house-14099.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_a-cotton-ball-eating-diet-14097.shtml?wap=0
YouTube videos show young girls testing it out. They drench a cotton ball in liquid and then eat it.

It's a diet that's trending in the model world right now. It's their way of getting full without the calories.

Dietitians say a lot of models think the cotton balls have fiber, but it's the wrong kind.

"They're not getting nutrients and they're potentially setting themselves up for malnutrition," said Marta Wright, a dietitian with Kettering Health Network.

Trying this extreme diet could eventually put your body into starvation mode.

"Another problem is they could have bowel backups," said Wright.

The trend is a shock to people along Brown Street in Dayton, too.

"It's really strange. I wonder how far you could go with it," said Megan Bonecutter.

And, the most disturbing part is the message it's sending to young teenage girls.

"What's that teaching younger kids," said Dayton resident Jessica Roburn.

To see other extreme diets, click here.]]> Mon, Jun 17 2013, 10:47 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_a-cotton-ball-eating-diet-14097.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_woman-raped-at-knifepoint-near-wright-state-campus-14088.shtml?wap=0
Police tell us the woman was leaving a party just before 2 a.m. when two men approached her with a knife, took her behind a building and raped her.
 
"Normally there's parties all around here so you never pay attention to all the noise," said Clark State student Johnezel Carmichael.

It was very shocking news for the people at the party Saturday night.

"There were not a lot of people there, probably like 15," said WSU student Kylie Copp.

"I feel like it's safe around here until hear something like that happened, just blew my mind," said WSU student Heidi Splinter.

The area where police say the rape happened is a wooded area, but it is also very visible to two apartment complexes.

"Out in the open and no one saw it, just let you know that nowhere is safe," said Carmichael.

"Scary, pretty scary," said Kohl Fowler, who lives in the complex. "It's pretty wild. We should probably step up our security."

Police agree, telling us they have been to the complex many times.

"We get a handful of these each year," said Greene County Sheriff's Office Major Eric Spicer. "This isn't the first type of call we've gotten out here and if history tells us anything, this will not be the last."

While these units are full of Wright State students, the complex is actually open to anyone, so police recommend staying observant of things around you and not walking alone, especially at night.

"I just know I need to be cautious and be around my friends at all times. This could happen anywhere, not just Wright State," said Copp.

We spoke with the victim on the phone. She tells us it has obviously been a rough couple of days and that she has been meeting with investigators on a regular basis to help get the culprits behind bars.

Right now the only description she's given police was that the suspects are both black males. Police did tell us they have some forensic evidence that should also help with the investigation. But if you hear or know of anything you can contact the Greene County Sheriff's Office.

We reached out to Province Apartments, but did not get a reply from them.

Connect with ABC 22/FOX 45 Reporter Wale Aliyu on Facebook and Twitter.]]> Mon, Jun 17 2013, 07:05 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_woman-raped-at-knifepoint-near-wright-state-campus-14088.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_bittersweet-union-soldier-service-dog-14084.shtml?wap=0
Murphy had been waiting for a service dog.  He lost his legs in Afghanistan in July 2011.  After meeting his new dog, Gabriel, he knew his life was about to once again change.

"It's been a long road.  I've had my wife by my side, which has helped a lot," he said.

But now the Army captain and his wife, Lisa, will have Gabriel to lend a helping paw.

Gabriel is one of about a dozen service dogs who met their new families for the first time Monday, at the 4 Paws training center.

"I think he's going to help my mobility, especially with stairs and steep hills. And I think he'll be a very good friend, too," Murphy said.

"It's really cool to be able to help someone who sacrificed so much of their own freedom for someone else," said Karen Shirk, 4 Paws for Ability executive director.

But this story isn't just about a soldier getting a service dog.  The German shepherd was supposed to be for a man named Derek, the soldier who saved Murphy's life.  Moments later, he too had his legs blown off by an IED.

Derek and Murphy were in the hospital together, but Derek died a few months ago.  Murphy just got out of the hospital Saturday.

"It was mixed emotions.  I was excited to get a dog myself, but I still mourned Derek's loss.  It's a tragic situation," said Murphy.

It's a bittersweet moment that he and his wife know they can overcome, with Gabriel's help.

Murphy and his wife will return to their home in Maryland after two weeks of training at 4 Paws For Ability.]]> Mon, Jun 17 2013, 05:11 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_bittersweet-union-soldier-service-dog-14084.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_mom-discovers-sex-crime-through-daughters-facebook-account-14085.shtml?wap=0
A mother, who asked to remain anonymous, tells us she discovered her 14-year-old daughter was having sex with adult men after she logged into her Facebook page.

"I looked on Facebook and found all the messages," the mom recalls.

Explicit messages that revealed her daughter had sex with an unidentified 19 and 20 year old at the same time.

"What is wrong with people? She told them she was 14. That's the bad part. He didn't care," the woman said.

But Ohio state law certainly cares. Despite the girl's consent, the two men who had sex with her are now wanted for sexual battery.

"I'm very scared. These men are dangerous you know. This is my baby. She's 14 years old," the Piqua mom says.

"I think she's scared to death now, knowing these men could have killed her. They could've done whatever they wanted. She had no control over anything that was going on," the mom says.

Now this mother says she's taking control. She filed a police report and grounded her teen from Facebook -- forever.

Mom says she routinely checked her daughter's Facebook account but her daughter changes her password constantly, which made it hard to keep up.

Piqua police are searching for the suspects and plan to prosecute.

---

Earlier coverage:

PIQUA -- A mother makes a shocking discovery after she logs onto her 14-year-old daughter's Facebook account and discovers she's having sex with adult men.

That mother told us that she normally checks her daughter's page when she can, but her daughter changes the password and tries to hide her activity.  The 14-year-old has now been banned from Facebook.

We spoke with the teen's mother, who says, "I'm very scared.  These men are dangerous, you know.  This is my baby.  She's 14 years old."

Tonight on ABC 22 News at 11, hear more from that mother and how you can supervise your children's online activities.]]> Mon, Jun 17 2013, 05:29 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_mom-discovers-sex-crime-through-daughters-facebook-account-14085.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_us-hands-over-afghan-war-afghan-troops-12-years-after-invasion-14104.shtml?wap=0
"This is a historic moment for our country and from tomorrow all of the security operations will be in the hands of the Afghan security forces," ABC News reports Afghan President Hamid Karzai as saying at a ceremony.

The country remains a violent place, however, punctuated by a large explosion that killed at least three people and injuring dozens more, the Afghan Ministry of Interior says. The blast was in the Pul-e-Surkh area of the western part of Kabul, about 15 miles from the transition ceremony, ABC News reports.

The transition means American and NATO troops will no longer plan, execute or lead any missions. U.S. air support will be available, but only if Afghans ask for it.

Americans will pull back to bigger bases, and not remain "on the front lines," ABC News reports. Americans will no longer engage the Taliban unless their are operating jointly with the Afghans.

ABC says dozens of bases will be handed over to the Afghans and other bases will be dismantled.

Source: ABC News


Photo, courtesy Sgt. Joseph R. Chenelly, U.S. Marine Corps: SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN -- A Marine with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Camp Pendleton, Calif., leads a column of Marines to a security position after seizing a Taliban forward-operating base Nov. 25.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 12:26 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_us-hands-over-afghan-war-afghan-troops-12-years-after-invasion-14104.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_tip-leads-marijuana-growing-operation-14103.shtml?wap=0
Police say they removed two dogs from the residence and turned them over to the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center for care.

While executing that warrant, police say they found evidence of a marijuana growing operation in the residence. A second search warrant was obtained and a number of marijuana plants and cultivation equipment was removed from the house.

No charges have been filed and the evidence has been submitted to the Miami Valley Regional Crime Lab. The investigation is ongoing.

The Oakwood Police Department reminds residents to report suspicious circumstances by calling 937-298-2122.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 11:43 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_tip-leads-marijuana-growing-operation-14103.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_mall-entrance-prestige-plaza-entrance-closed-along-sr-741-14102.shtml?wap=0
Motorists wanting to access the Mall will be detoured south to Mall Entrance #6 and motorists wanting to access Prestige Plaza will be detoured south to Prestige Place.

This closure is part of a project to reconstruct SR 741 between SR 725 and Kingsridge Drive. It will bring Prestige Lane all the way around to SR 741.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 10:02 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_mall-entrance-prestige-plaza-entrance-closed-along-sr-741-14102.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_plan-would-put-women-most-combat-jobs-14101.shtml?wap=0
Under details of the plans obtained by The Associated Press, women could start training as Army Rangers by mid-2015 and as Navy SEALs a year later.

The military services have mapped out a schedule that will also include reviewing and possibly changing the physical and mental standards that men and women will have to meet in order to quality for certain infantry, armor, commando and other front-line positions across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Under the plan to be introduced Tuesday, there would be one common standard for men and women for each job.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 09:49 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_plan-would-put-women-most-combat-jobs-14101.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_compromise-talks-ohio-budget-begin-tuesday-14100.shtml?wap=0
The six-member, bipartisan conference committee will meet for the first time Tuesday afternoon.

The group will also hear updated state revenue and Medicaid caseload projections.

Lawmakers face a June 30 deadline to pass the $62 billion, two-year spending plan with the new fiscal year beginning July 1.

The two chambers have separate tax plans and school funding formulas that must be reconciled.

Lawmakers are considering a separate, bipartisan bill to make changes to Medicaid after dropping the governor's proposal to expand the health care program from the budget.

The federal-state Medicaid program for poor and disabled people provides coverage for one of every five residents in Ohio.

Photo courtesy Alexander Smith]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 07:52 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_compromise-talks-ohio-budget-begin-tuesday-14100.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_armed-suspects-flee-after-robbing-restaurant-14098.shtml?wap=0
It happened about 3:00 Tuesday morning. Initial reports say four men walked into the restaurant wearing disguises and demanded money. It is believed that two of the men were armed at the time of the robbery.

The suspects got away with an unknown amount of money. No one was hurt.]]> Tue, Jun 18 2013, 04:50 AM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_armed-suspects-flee-after-robbing-restaurant-14098.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-woman-killed-fiery-crash-clayton-identified-14081.shtml?wap=0
Clayton Police say the car caught fire, trapping the woman inside.  Authorities say it appeared the woman never hit the brakes before crashing into the back of the truck.

Passersby tried unsuccessfully to rescue the woman.

One witness, Joshua Watson, recalls, "it just happened too quick and so fast, we just tried to get her out before she died, tried to help her out."

---

Earlier coverage:

CLAYTON -- Police say a woman was likely killed instantly when her car slammed into the rear of a wrecker this afternoon on National Road.

Police say the woman likely didn't brake at all before hitting the wrecker that had stopped at the Hoke Road intersection. She was likely killed upon impact.

People nearby rushed to try to help her by breaking out the car's window, but flames overtook the car before they could pull her out.

The driver of the wrecker was taken to a hospital with injuries that were described as not life-threatening.

We spoke with a man who was there and tried to help the woman. See what he has to say at 6 pm on ABC 22 and at 6:30 on FOX 45.]]> Mon, Jun 17 2013, 01:29 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-woman-killed-fiery-crash-clayton-identified-14081.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_osp-joins-focused-five-state-effort-stop-distracted-driving-14086.shtml?wap=0
On the hunt for distracted drivers, it did not take long for Sgt. Joe Gebhart to find one.

"The reason I'm stopping you is I had a turn arrow, and I went to turn left and you came and turned right in front of me and you almost hit me. You know the construction threw me off there," he said to the driver as our crew waited in the car.

"There's construction and he had his McDonald's next to him. Obviously it distracted him," Sgt. Gebhart explained.

The ticket is $109 for the moving violation. Troopers in Ohio and five neighboring states are on the ground and in the air, looking for people who aren't giving the road their full attention.

On our way to meet Sgt. Gebhart, we saw a woman with her dog on her lap, and another man who was texting while driving about 65 mph. We don't have a distracted driving law but we do have texting while driving as a secondary offense, meaning you have do be doing something else wrong. Sgt. Gebhart says it typically goes hand-in-hand.

"You're going to see marked lane violations, you're going to see following too close, reckless operation, where somebody they're not paying attention - they're weaving, cutting in and out," said Gebhart.

Another person Sgt. Gebhart pulled over was a woman headed from Michigan to Florida. She was pulled over for doing 81 in a 65 mph zone.

"I wouldn't want to pay 100 or 200 dollars out of my pocket either but if it's going to change their behavior and hopefully they're not injured or killed then to me, it's worth it," said Sgt. Gebhart.

The effort lasts all week.]]> Mon, Jun 17 2013, 05:59 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_osp-joins-focused-five-state-effort-stop-distracted-driving-14086.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_consumer-alert-credit-card-fraud-14089.shtml?wap=0
We found your dormant accounts might be the best targets for fraud.

Work on a construction site came to a halt after contractors on the job were arrested for their role in a credit scam that cost consumers more than half a million dollars.

It all started with one bad credit card company employee.

U.S. Postal Inspector Mona Hernandez explains, "she knew that there were dormant accounts which the businesses had lost track of, so she would go in and manipulate the account."

She would create new credit cards based on these dormant accounts and ask accomplices to use the cards.

Hernandez notes, "multiple contractors were arrested in this case.  Many of them were recruited as the runners to purchase equipment that was used for the purposes of building materials."

The contractors would buy construction equipment and either sell it or use it on their projects.

In all, there were 50 victims.

Postal inspectors caught the mastermind behind the scheme.  Hernandez recalls, "she ended up confessing to compromising 30-40 dormant accounts."

Hernandez has some advice for consumers:  "This is something that can affect anyone, not just businesses.  If they have accounts that are dormant or unused, they have to get those closed."

Postal inspectors also recommend checking your credit report, which may list any unused or dormant accounts in your name.]]> Mon, Jun 17 2013, 07:38 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_consumer-alert-credit-card-fraud-14089.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_daycare-owner-accused-drugging-children-14087.shtml?wap=0
Tammy Eppley of Westerville, near Columbus, was arrested and charged with six counts of child endangering. 

Police say she slipped cold and allergy medication into the food she fed the children she was babysitting.

Eppley was caring for six children at the time of her arrest, including her 2-year-old daughter.

The children ranged in age from 2 to 5.

Eppley denies the charges, saying she only administered medication to children at the request of their parents.

If convicted, she faces up to nine years behind bars.

Image courtesy of ABC 12.]]> Mon, Jun 17 2013, 06:01 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_daycare-owner-accused-drugging-children-14087.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_child-struck-car-xenia-14096.shtml?wap=0
It happened late Monday afternoon at Market and Dayton Streets.

The child was taken to Dayton Children's Hospital.

Xenia's accident reconstruction team was called to the scene to investigate.

We have no word on the child's condition at this time.]]> Mon, Jun 17 2013, 10:17 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_child-struck-car-xenia-14096.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_rochester-man-faces-charges-after-detaining-four-young-suspected-vandals-14095.shtml?wap=0
The man who caught them is also facing charges.

Jesse Daniels says he caught the boys, who were armed with hammers, in the act. They were shattering porcelain tiles, smashing power outlets and they cranked the heat up all way.

Daniels confronted the kids while his wife called 911.  He got them into a closet and kept them there until police arrived.

Daniels is now facing child endangering charges for his actions.

Paul Bowler, the father of two of the suspects, says Daniels went too far: "there's no excuses to be made.  I understand they were in the wrong but there are other ways to handle it.  He knew who the kids were, it's not like they were strangers.  Send the kids home and call the cops then.  You don't sit there and torment them and tell them you're going to bash their skulls in with a hammer."

Daniels says, "no I'm not regretful, I just thought that I was doing the right thing."

The prosecutor says the incident is still under investigation, so it's not known if those charges against Daniels will stick.

The boys will be prosecuted in family court.

Image courtesy of ABC 13.]]> Mon, Jun 17 2013, 09:54 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_rochester-man-faces-charges-after-detaining-four-young-suspected-vandals-14095.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-latest-colorado-theater-shooting-trial-13951.shtml?wap=0
An order filed by the judge says as many as 3,500 people could get a jury summons.  The large pool will be necessary to find an impartial jury, since the court denied a motion for a change of venue.

Holmes is accused of planning and executing an assault on a packed movie theater in a Denver suburb last July, killing 12 people and injuring 70.

One of those killed was Springfield native Matt McQuinn.

Holmes plead not guilty by reason of insanity.  His trial is set for next year.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

---

Earlier coverage:

Colorado Theater Shooting Suspect Pleads Not Guilty Due to Insanity

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) -- Colorado theater shooting suspect James Holmes will be allowed to wear civilian clothing at his trial.

Attorneys issued a request for Holmes to not be required to wear a jail uniform.

Holmes is accused of killing 12 people and injuring 70 last July at a Denver movie theater.

He plead not guilty by reason of insanity.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Image courtesy of ABC.

---

Earlier coverage:

Holmes Charged With 24 Counts of Murder, 116 Counts Of Attempted Murder

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) -- Colorado prosecutors have formally charged a former doctorate student with 24 counts of murder in the shooting at an Aurora movie theater.
 
Twenty-four-year-old James Holmes appeared Monday and was also formally charged with 116 counts of attempted murder.

Twelve people were killed and 58 people were wounded or injured. The breakdown of the charges was not immediately clear.

He's also charged with a one count of possession of explosives. Authorities say he booby trapped his apartment.

Holmes was arrested early July 20 outside a Century 16 theater in Aurora during a midnight showing of the new Batman movie.

Legal analysts expect his court the case to be dominated by arguments over his sanity.

Holmes was a student at the University of Colorado Denver before withdrawing last month.]]> Tue, Jun 11 2013, 05:39 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_update-latest-colorado-theater-shooting-trial-13951.shtml?wap=0 http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_snowden-says-us-government-also-spying-other-governments-13996.shtml?wap=0
Former National Security Contractor Edward Snowden says the U.S. government was not only spying on its own people but also on other governments.

Snowden tells the Guardian newspaper the U.S. and the UK were spying on heads of state at a previous G-8 summit, even tapping into the phone calls and emails of the former Russian president.

Yesterday, former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney appeared on Fox News with harsh words for Snowden.  "I think he's a traitor.  If we had this before 9/11, and we were able to use this program, we might have been able to prevent 9/11."

In a new CNN/ORC International poll, 52% disapprove of Snowden's actions while 44% approve.

National Security Agency Chief Gen. Keith Alexander will address the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday.  He has already said that NSA surveillance has foiled dozens of terror plots.

---

Earlier coverage:

WASHINGTON DC -- There is new information tonight on the government's secret surveillance program.

Leaders on Capitol Hill grilled the director of the NSA about collecting millions of phone records from Americans.

They wanted to know if the program really prevents terrorism.

The director said another classified program prevented an attack on New York's subway system.

He's promised to declassify more information. But he's also warned that a lot will remain secret.]]> Wed, Jun 12 2013, 11:10 PM EDT http://www.abc22now.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/wkef_snowden-says-us-government-also-spying-other-governments-13996.shtml?wap=0