State launches new Put-in-Bay probe

Read more news from Ottawa County.PUT-IN-BAY — State investigators are heading back to Put-in-Bay.One day after a Register news report about Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's apparent disinterest and lack of urgency concerning numerous allegations of wrongdoing, his spokesman announced that action would be taken. DeWine still has refused any comment, but his spokesman, Dan Tierney, said two state agencies will open a new investigation of several Put-in-Bay officials, including Mayor Bernard "Mac" McCann and police Chief Steve Riddle.More than six weeks ago, Ottawa County prosecutor James VanEerten asked DeWine's office to review allegations of harassment by the police department and alleged fiscal wrongdoing by village officials."We met with the Ohio Ethics Commission on the referral from Prosecutor VanEerten," spokesman Dan Tierney said. "There was enough substance to the allegations to warrant opening a joint criminal investigation."The exact scope of the investigation isn't known.The allegations, brought forward by island resident Keith Blumensaadt, specifically claim village officials engaged in theft, conflicts of interest, illegal contract awards and the possible mishandling of village finances.Blumensaadt said he's been harassed by members of the island police department for blowing the whistle on village officials.Put-in-Bay police Chief Steve Riddle testifies during a civil protection order hearing in Ottawa County Common Pleas Court. This investigation, conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the State Ethics Commission, is not the first criminal probe of Put-in-Bay. In 2014, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office investigated "roofie" rapes and alleged wrongdoing by several Put-in-Bay police officers, including former Chief Robert "Ric" Lampela. That investigation was turned over to DeWine's office, which in 2015 indicted Lampela on four misdemeanors. Those charges didn't stick, however, and Lampela, after being fired by Put-in-Bay, was acquitted of all charges. The Register attempted to contact Riddle and McCann on Friday seeking comment. Riddle did not return calls, and McCann, who did respond, didn't appear concerned."I don't know anything about it," McCann told the Register in reference to the investigation. "It's not my concern. If that's what they're going to do, that's what they'll do."Put-in-Bay Mayor Bernard "Mack" McCann listens during a village council meeting. Tierney said the investigation isn't expected to finish soon as probes involving deep financial record analysis can be "lengthy."Meanwhile, Paul Nick, executive director of the Ohio Ethics Commission, confirmed the office has been talking to the Ohio Attorney General's Office about the case. Case specifics, including investigatory findings and possible witnesses, are not made public until prosecution or settlement, said Matt Lampke, general counsel for the Ohio Ethics Commission.Lampke described the general scope of the commission's investigations, which can include reviews of alleged misconduct involving government contracts, public funds and nepotism. "The commission is granted broad powers to investigate allegations of wrongdoing from any public official or employee, except legislatures or judges," Lampke said. "Our investigations determine whether or not there is cause to continue the matter to the prosecution, settlement or the closing of a case." Reach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterMike DeWine, during an earlier appearance on 'Between the Lines.'