When BCI raided Mearans house late last month, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost was at the scene. I dont worry. He is 14 now and is being raised by his grandparents (Megan Lancasters mother and father). CINCINNATI For more than15 years, accusers of Michael Mearan felt as ifthey were screaming into the void. The Boy Scout troop dismissed Malonein 2011 after the allegations surfaced, according to media reports at the time. Michael Faustino Moran. PORTSMOUTH A Portsmouth attorney and former city councilman has been put on house arrest after the judge in his case was notified Michael Mearan had taken on new clients, a violation of his bond agreement that got him out of jail. The women also told The Enquirer that Mearans operation included some of the most powerful men in Scioto County as customers and participants. Because youre a part of it and no one wanted to listen to people.. "His victims were utterly powerless," Yost said. Ive never cheated. Marshall retired suddenly in 2018 after a 16-year career as a common pleas court judge as well as running the Scioto County Drug Court through his courtroom. His file includes several commendations during the 1990s, including his performance during the riots at the state prison in Lucasville in 1993. It was the escape Linda Mills had long sought from a life she said was filled with physical and sexual abuse. An arraignment, where a judge will set bond and Mearan will appear with an attorney, is expected to take place Monday. I just couldnt believe it had finally came to a head.. Wife is shocked after husband of 15 years asks for permission to have an affair: 'I don't know what to do', My Daily Horoscope: What does March 2nd hold for MY star sign? Its legal in Las Vegas. Its all false., (Re-Elect Judge T. William Marshall Facebook page), Severe thunderstorm produces hail, high winds in the Tri-State, 17-year-old seriously hurt in Northside shooting, rumors of sex trafficking in the southern Ohio city. (614) 476-6453 I would never do anything like that,' he told the newspaper. I was thankful that I didnt go to Chicago.". He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Linda Lackey . She wonders why Megan had his phone number. None of it is true: Portsmouth attorney under state investigation speaks out. I accept full responsibility for it. Mike has been a subject matter expert and consultant on firearms-related litigation. He said he was impressed by the six women who are already a part of the case for their strength and resilience. Mearan operates his own law firm, the website for which describes him as accomplished, humble and passionateandsays he has created quite the reputation for himself during his years of practice.. A look back: Judge modifies Michael Mearan's house arrest after health 'visibly declined,' attorney says. And then it became to where it was sexual. Mike Mearan, he just leaves a bad taste in your mouth and you want to brush your teeth real quick.. Moran's professional experience is as an attorney for a corporate law firm and the Department of Justice. Copyright 2018 GunRightsAttorneys.Com Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, talked with Cincinnati Enquirer James Pilcher about the state of sex trafficking in Ohio and what can be done. "I have spoken to Mr. Mearan on more than one occasion in reference to this case and I assure you no one has received any kind of special treatment. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. We are a grassroots team of local journalists on a mission to give our community up-to-the-second news and events for Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Western West Virginia. The alleged sex trafficking was based in Portsmouth, a city about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Cincinnati, along the Ohio River, where Mearan operated a law firm and had served on the city council. When we asked if he had a lawyer, he responded: He who represents himself has a fool for a lawyer, but I havent been charged with anything. She said her handler drove her across the country in a Ford Mustang to have sex with other men, and once flew her to New York for more of the same. The 80-page affidavit, filed in August 2015 by DEA Senior Special Agent Keith Leighton, said Mearan had been known to law enforcement in Portsmouth since the 1970s. Rumors about Mearan sex trafficking made national headlines in December 2017. Submit Your News. The lawyer promised them lenient sentences from judges he knew and parole officers willing to ignore probation requirements, but there was a catch: The women had to agree to have sex for money. Find your friends on Facebook. A cause of death has not yet. Mills said she doesnt know how Malone set her up with the man in Chicago. Thats it. In late 2018, the Cincinnati Enquirer investigated long-time rumors of Mearan being involved in the trafficking of women for sexual purposes and talked to women who claimed they were prostituted to officials in return for a number of things, including money and reduced sentences in criminal cases. But in an interview last year, Malone said he was called to help with a fight at the Scioto County Jail that resulted in a broken neck and serious injuries to his hand. In denying his claim against Mowery, the disciplinary counsel wrote this to Malone: It is sufficient to note that you engaged in inappropriate physical contact with two of the women.. I feel very sorry for the family.. Youre supposed to serve and protect,and there was no serve and protect.. The women were paid $200 to $2,000 per encounter, and in some of the instances, Mearan himself handled the payment, they said. taffy nivert obituary michael moran portsmouth ohiohydrocephalus prefix and suffixhydrocephalus prefix and suffix He said he never engaged in a sex ring, period and said he was not aware of related to Portsmouth. He said that was something he never liked, that he was somehow rumored to be involved. Well, they now say its OK because 18 states have passed it. The Enquirer interviewed10 women who separately shared accounts of working for Mearan as a prostitute at various times over the last two decades. Through Michael's vast experience supporting and working alongside doctors and clinicians, he will lead Mount Carmel's network of more than 250 primary . Records show that Mearan had represented six of the women facing drug charges. Megan Lancaster, who had a history of drug abuse, was 25 at the time of her disappearance. Michael R. Moran is a trial attorney with an extremely unique skill set he has experience as a defense lawyer, prosecutor, and judicial officer (criminal court magistrate), in defending, prosecuting, and judging weapons control violations. Southern Ohio Sexual Assault Treatment Center, Man Arrested for Impersonating a Police Officer, Shameless Snap Scammers Already on the Prowl. I just hope he doesnt get bond. No ones ever believed me, said Mills, her voice thick with tears. "No ones ever believed me," Mills said. Were one more step in the right direction. In October 2020, Mearan was indicted on 18 charges, some dating back to 2005, including one count of first-degree felony of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity; three counts of first-degree felony of trafficking in persons; five counts of first-degree felony compelling prostitution; and nine counts of promoting prostitution. The case remains open. He acknowledged the women came to his home,but deniedwrongdoing and denied using prostitutes. I have related this to the family as a possibility as well. They have 10 years of my emails and messages and pictures. I didnt want to do that lightly. We got a hold of Brewer to try to get an update on the investigation into Megan Lancasters disappearance. I do not believe any evidence was lost, based on what I read in Detective Davis notes. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Connect With Us. We have enough going on with this virus to let something like this get me down.. She said he used to give her gifts, including inexpensive jewelry and cards to play at the local bingo hall. The Lancasters believe Mearan had something to do with Megan Lancaster's disappearance. Ohio Attorney General David Yost onMichael Mearan: 'At least he died publicly charged for his crimes', MichaelMearan facedmultiple felonies related to sex trafficking, former Portsmouth city councilman and lawyer, Why it took decades to arrest Michael Mearan, Judge modifies Michael Mearan's house arrest after health 'visibly declined,' attorney says, changed the conditions of Mearan's house arrest, Trapped and trafficked, Portsmouth's dark secret, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The letter did not specify what illegal activity was being investigated. We cant find his money as far as where he keeps it.". Yost said Mearan's crimes were "egregious" because he was an attorney and had specialized knowledge of the criminal justice system. They have these private parties in homes and businesses. He said he never used her as a prostitute and/or engaged in sex trafficking with her. His listing indicates he has no record of disciplinary problems, nor of administrative sanctions and suspensions. The report investigates claims in the affidavit that Mearan has for years pressured women into prostitution by telling them he could get lenient sentences from friendly judges. ", "Her heart obviously sunk. If you know more about these allegations, please reach out to The Enquirer atPortsmouth@enquirer.com. We call him the Million Dollar Man. Told Friday of Mearans arrest, she started to cry. Federal officials received complaints for years about Michael Mearan being involved in prostitution and sex trafficking, a federal record shows. All rights reserved. Lived In Tipp City OH, New Carlisle OH, Yorktown VA, Panama City FL. The Ohio Supreme Court thensuspended his law license. Kegley, in a letter to Mark Malone announcing the move, wrote he had "been informed of an investigation into alleged illegal acts allegedly committed by you.". Mearan, 74, has denied having anything to do with trafficking,prostitution or drugs. I asked what did she do? He got snappy with me. When we contacted Mearan for comment, he insisted hes done nothing wrong and also defended the judge. I am still actively investigating the case whenever I get any new potential leads. After The Enquirers story was published, BCI began investigating the case and reflects what was initially outlined in a sealed federal wiretap affidavit issued as part of a separate Drug Enforcement Administration investigation several years ago. Mearan had consistently maintained his innocence. Mearan has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released from jail on bond. Theyd go broke in Portsmouth," he said. I was never fired from a job in my life. Now, attorney, Michael Mearan, has been arrested. The Enquirer also published another report outlining other possible sex trafficking and sexual misconduct by two brothers who worked in the Portsmouth City Probation Office. They also told him they sent letters backing him to BCI. And so they came in the hotel room, they searched it and they told her you need to get Angie back to wherever you met. So I feel sorry for them. "I do not have any suspects or persons of interest at this time. Several women interviewed by the Enquirer identified the unnamed judge as William T. Marshall, who has denied any involvement with drugs or prostitution. Green flag, they both drive it deep into turn one. He said since the Enquirer story came out, it has been a nightmare. Thats what a person who cares about someone does. In May,Judge Patricia Cosgrove changed the conditions of Mearan's house arrest after court documents stated his health had "visibly declined." Thats privileged (client) information.. Agents with Ohio Bureau of Investigation recently raided his home, which also serves as his office and is across the street from the Scioto County Courthouse. Select this result to view Michael Joseph Moran's phone number, address, and more. Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 7, 2021, Mearan on house arrest after taking on new clients. Liz Dufour and James Pilcher, Cincinnati Enquirer. But I can still handle it. Mearan, 74, faces more than 70 years in prison if convicted. Mearan, 74, faces 18 charges including . Instead, Mills said she was trafficked at age 15, sent to be a prostitute in Chicago by a member of local law enforcement. 75-year-old Michael Mearan of Portsmouth, OH, who was facing human trafficking charges, has been confirmed dead by @Yost4Ohio. He was admitted as an attorney in 1971 after graduating from Ohio State University and passing an exam. It was a lot.. But it was a betrayal at 15. He thought he fell in love with her. I think everyone does. I saved his life.. Marshall said he started the first drug court in southern Ohio, served as prosecutor for 12 years and the municipal court judge in 1995 before becoming common pleas court judge in 2002. My theory is Megan was taking advantage of older men, taking a lot and the families were filing stalking on the cases. Malone did not respond to recent messages seeking comment left at the courthouse before his suspension and at his home. His trial was set for January.At least he died publicly charged for his crimes, and his victims knew the dignity of being heard and believed. In the early hours of March 25th, members of BCI . When we reached out to the Ohio Public Defenders Office about Mearan, we received this response from their chief legal counsel: We do not have information we can share at this time and we are awaiting the disclosure of more information related to Atty. If you already know your current password OR If you forgot your current password you can Click here to change your password.. Michael James Moran, Esq. Mearan said he called BCI since the raid and told them he needed his things returned. The Enquirer spent the last two months investigating the claims against the Malone brothers after publishingthe results of a yearlong investigationin March into allegations of sex trafficking here against former Portsmouth Councilman Michael Mearan and others. He was admitted as an attorney in 1971 after graduating from Ohio State University and. She was introduced to Mark Malone, who was the chief probation officer at the time. He said he had two cases involving her, civil protection orders filed against her. Mearan pleaded not guilty to all charges in October and was freed after posting bail. Her best friend and sister-in-law, Megan Lancaster, 25, is the woman who vanished seven years ago Friday, on April 3, 2013. Michael Mearan Mearan on house arrest after taking on new clients PORTSMOUTH A Portsmouth attorney and former city councilman has been put on house arrest after the judge in his case was. The whole thing was just surreal, she said. Sort:Default. Linda Mills, 35, was promised a modeling contract in Chicago by Phil Malone, former Scioto County sheriff's deputy and dispatcher, only to be sex trafficked at the age of 15. OTWAY-Gail Moore, 86, of Otway, passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth. Ive been through hell. Mike wanted to give his time. He said he has been practicing law with an unblemished record for 50 years, served in the U.S. Army in the medical service corp in San Antonio and then returned to Portsmouth and served in the reserves. The sexual liaisons allegedly occurred in Portsmouth, Cincinnati and Columbus, but also outside Ohio. Mearan had denied the accusations against him, saying in a court filing that the allegations were based on testimony from "numerous felons" who received favorable treatment for cooperating with investigators. Mills said her maternal grandfather abused her from a very young age, raping her repeatedly throughout her childhood (he died several years ago). I had her in my courtroom for stalking older men. Michael Mearan, a former Portsmouth city councilman and lawyer who was facingmultiple felonies related to sex trafficking, died Friday afternoonfollowing health complications, his attorney confirmed. Hren pleaded guilty to aggravated drug possession in 2006 and received probation in a case separate from the one that involved the Malones. 1. Judge Kegley, who was technically Phil Malone's supervisor, sealed the records. I think the only connection they can make between Mike and me is drug court. I am doing it. "The case was originally assigned to then-Detective Ron Davis. 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