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Ray Grogan Marion County Prosecutor's Office, 100 Executive Drive Second Floor, Marion, OH (2026)

06/11/2026

GUILTY VERDICT IN FRIGHTENING INTERSTATE CHILD KIDNAPPING CASE

Bradford Deem Found Guilty of Taking 11-Year-Old Boy From His Marion Home

Yesterday, a Marion County jury found Bradford Deem guilty of kidnapping an 11-year-old autistic boy from his home in Marion and taking him across state lines.

On July 10, 2025, Deem used a video game console to contact the child and convinced him to leave his home. Deem then drove the boy to his house in Indiana. The child’s mother discovered he was missing early that morning and immediately called Marion Police. Investigators, with assistance from the child’s brother, quickly determined that Deem had been communicating with the boy through the gaming system and had traveled from Indiana to Marion to take him.

Through rapid coordination between multiple agencies, investigators identified Deem and located his home in Indiana. Officers safely recovered the child from the home later that same day. The boy has since been reunited with his family.

The child’s name is Gavin Ostrander – his parents encouraged the prosecutor’s office to identify and share a photo of the boy, because his family is proud of his bravery and perseverance in a difficult and frightening situation. They hope that, by stepping out of the cloak of anonymity, more people will see the reality of the dangers on online gaming that involves children talking with unknown adults on the internet.

Yesterday, a Marion County jury found Deem guilty of kidnapping. The verdict followed a trial in which prosecutors presented evidence of how Deem used online gaming to target the child and then removed him from his home.

Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan praised the work of the agencies involved in both the investigation and the successful prosecution. “This was a frightening case that could have ended much worse,” Grogan said. “The quick thinking of investigators and their ability to work across state lines allowed us to bring this child home safely. The jury’s verdict holds Deem accountable for his actions.”

Grogan noted that the investigation required extensive cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies. Detectives worked quickly to trace digital communications, review camera footage, and coordinate with out-of-state law enforcement to locate and recover the child.

“This verdict sends a clear message that we will aggressively pursue those who target children, whether through technology or by physical abduction,” Grogan said. “Parents should remain vigilant about who their children interact with online, especially through gaming platforms.”

The successful outcome of this case resulted from strong teamwork led by Lt. Dylan Reese of the Marion Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Fountain County Sheriff’s Department in Indiana, the FBI, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Assistant Prosecutors John Scott and Heath Findley. Grogan thanked all of the agencies for their professionalism and dedication throughout the investigation and trial.

Deem remains in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled before Judge Matthew P. Frericks. Grogan’s office will seek a lengthy prison sentence given the seriousness of the offense and the vulnerability of the victim.

Grogan encouraged anyone who suspects a child is in danger or being contacted inappropriately online to contact law enforcement immediately. He also reminded parents to monitor their children’s gaming activity and online interactions.

The verdict brings closure to the child’s family while reinforcing the community’s commitment to protecting children from predators who use technology to commit crimes.

Photo below: Gavin with a HUGE fish! (Courtesy of Gavin's mother)

05/08/2026

GUILTY PLEAS IN DRIVE-BY SHOOTING CASE TARGETING MARION RESIDENTS AND POLICE OFFICERS

Tanner Harden plead guilty this week for his role in a violent drive-by shooting case that placed four Marion residents and two Marion Police Officers in immediate and grave danger.

On September 22, 2025, officers with the Marion Police Department responded to the 100 block of North Grand Avenue in Marion. While officers Hannah Greer and Bryon Doubikin were speaking with four citizens on the front porch of a family home, someone fired a gun toward that porch from a vehicle believed to be driven by Harden. Harden was 16 years old at the time when he assisted with this violent offense.

Faced with the thorough investigation by MPD, Harden entered guilty pleas to six counts of Complicity to Felonious Assault. Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan will ask Judge Todd Anderson to sentence Harden to an 18-year prison term.

“This was a brazen act of violence that endangered Marion citizens and two police officers who were simply doing their jobs,” Grogan said. “When gunfire is directed toward the porch of a family home, that’s not just a criminal act. It’s an attack on the peace and safety every Marion resident deserves.”

Grogan praised the Marion Police Department for its work in responding to the scene and helping bring the case to this stage. Grogan also praised the work of Assistant Prosecutor Allison Kesler whose excellent handling of this case achieved this result.

“Marion Police responded to a dangerous and chaotic situation with professionalism,” Grogan said. “Their work helps ensure that the people responsible for placing innocent lives in danger are held accountable.”

Grogan said his office will continue to seek serious prison sentences in cases involving gun violence.

“Thugs who enable drive by shootings must face tough justice,” Grogan said. “Harden helped unleash gunfire in a neighborhood and he placed everyone there in the line of fire. I’ll be asking for an 18-year prison sentence because the danger Harden created was flat out unacceptable.”

03/31/2026

MARION MAN FOUND GUILTY ON THREE FELONY DRUG AND GUN CHARGES AFTER TRAFFIC STOP DISCOVERY

Deonte Fragmin, 32, of Church Street in the city of Marion, was found guilty of major drug and gun charges, which were uncovered during a routine traffic stop.

In April 2025, the Marion Police Department conducted a traffic stop of Fragmin. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene with his K9, Viking. An open-air sniff resulted in a positive alert on the vehicle. Officers searched the car and found three digital scales, multiple tied baggies containing suspected drugs, and an 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Fragmin was holding a 9mm bullet in his hand.

Investigators sent the suspected drugs to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for analysis. Results showed 36.62 grams of white and off-white powders containing fentanyl and 16.85 grams of white and off-white substances containing co***ne.

Following an aggressive and detailed prosecution by Assistant Prosecutor Heath Findley last week, the jury found Fragmin guilty on two drug counts: one first-degree felony and one third-degree felony. Fragmin chose to have the gun charge tried to the Court and Judge Matthew P. Frericks found Fragmin guilty of that charge, a third degree felony.

Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan thanked officers from the Marion, Ohio Police Department, Marion County Sheriff's Office Marion,OH, and Ohio BCI for their hard work and dedication on the case.

“This man was a danger to everyone in our community because drugs and weapons are a deadly mix,” Grogan said after the trial, “my team and I put a lot of effort to see this through to this successful outcome.”

The conviction highlights the Prosecutor’s Office’s commitment to removing dangerous drugs and guns from Marion streets. Fentanyl in that quantity poses a lethal threat to the community. The semi-automatic weapon added another layer of danger during the stop.

Fragmin, 32, faces significant prison time. The first-degree felony carries up to 11 years. Each third-degree felony carries up to 36 months. Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Matthew P. Frericks after a pre-sentence investigation report. Grogan will seek a long prison sentence to protect the public from further harm.

Grogan thanked the agencies that worked together. “This conviction removes a significant amount of fentanyl and co***ne from our streets and holds Fragmin accountable for arming himself while having this poison,” Grogan said. “The collaboration between our law enforcement partners made this possible.”

The evidence included the K9 alert, scales, a handgun, a bullet in Fragmin’s hand, and BCI lab results. Those items left no doubt for the jury.

Grogan noted the case sends a clear message. “Anyone bringing fentanyl, co***ne, and guns into Marion will face the full weight of the law,” Grogan said. “We will keep working with our law enforcement partners to keep our community safe.”

Sentencing will allow the court to consider Fragmin’s criminal history and the danger his actions posed. The public can report suspected drug activity or illegal guns to Marion Police or the Sheriff’s Office.

03/18/2026

I am adamantly against the proposed US23 - I71 connector that (as proposed) runs through Marion and Morrow Counties.

1) Marion County landowners and farmers should NOT bear the burden for Delaware County’s traffic congestion problems.

2) No one from ODOT could tell me how much tax money the schools and local government would lose from this project.

3) No one from ODOT could tell me what coordination there has been between ODOT and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office concerning the inevitable property value dispute litigation.

4) This connector would create dead-end streets, which would increase response times for our first responders - making Marion County less safe.

I’ve written letters to Senator Bill Reineke, Representative Tracy Richardson, and Representative Riordan McClain asking them to oppose this project.

03/06/2026

MARRIED COUPLE PLEAD GUILTY TO INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER IN DEATH OF ELDERLY MARION COUNTY WOMAN

James Fuson and his wife Wendy Fuson pleaded guilty yesterday to Involuntary Manslaughter in connection with the death of James Fuson’s mother, Esther Fuson.

On or about March 26, 2024, deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office Marion,OH responded to Emahiser Road in Marion County on a report of possible elder abuse. Upon arrival, deputies learned that the victim, 80-year-old Esther Fuson, had been transported by ambulance to the emergency department at Marion General Hospital.

Medical staff discovered that Esther’s condition was critical. Her body temperature was so low that it did not register. She was suffering from severe malnutrition, low blood sugar, frostbite, numerous bruises, and open wounds on her back, arms, legs, thighs, and hips. She was also wearing a diaper full of f***s. Doctors later determined she had kidney and liver damage and a blood infection. At some point prior to her hospitalization, she had also suffered a stroke. According to medical personnel, she moaned in pain whenever she was moved.

“This case is a heartbreaking example of what can happen when a vulnerable elderly person is neglected by those responsible for their care,” said Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan. “Esther Fuson deserved dignity, compassion, and basic care in the final months of her life. Instead, she suffered in conditions that no human being should endure. Our office is committed to holding people accountable when that duty of care is so profoundly violated.”

The investigation further revealed that Esther had been living in a camper parked in her son’s driveway. The camper was heated only by two electric heaters. Deputies reported a strong odor of urine when they entered the camper. Pieces of the ceiling and mouse f***s were scattered throughout the interior. The futon that served as Esther’s bed was stained with urine, and she also slept in a nearby rocking chair. Investigators found only a few fruit cups in the refrigerator and no other food in the camper or cupboards.

Following her hospitalization at Marion General Hospital, Esther was later transferred to a care facility in Columbus for continued treatment. She ultimately died on July 7, 2024.

An autopsy performed by the Franklin County Coroner's Office determined the cause of death to be pneumonia due to adult failure to thrive, with noted dementia and hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The autopsy also documented two decubitus ulcer scars on her left buttock and right hip, injuries that had been treated during her hospitalization.

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor John Scott.

Sentencing in the case will occur at a later date.

03/03/2026

Marion Man Sentenced to 27–32.5 Years in Prison for Major Drug Trafficking Operation

Tommy Lee Owens was sentenced yesterday by Judge Matthew P. Frericks to a prison term of 27 to 32.5 years following his convictions for his role in a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking organization.

On January 22, 2026, Owens was found guilty by a jury of one count of Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, a felony of the first degree, one count of Possession of Co***ne, a felony of the first degree, and one count of Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, a felony of the first degree. He has now been ordered to serve an aggregate indefinite prison term of 27 to 32.5 years.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the offenses and the substantial danger posed to our community from illegal drugs,” said Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan. “The coordinated efforts of our task force officers and partner agencies dismantled a significant drug trafficking network and prevented large quantities of dangerous narcotics from being distributed locally.”

The convictions and sentence stem from a months-long investigation conducted by the MARMET Drug Task Force in coordination with the Delaware County Drug Task Force. The investigation uncovered a major drug trafficking operation spanning multiple states, multiple counties, and utilizing a structured network of lower-level dealers to distribute significant quantities of narcotics.

Owens resided at New Park Drive in Marion, Ohio, with Manuel Allen, who previously pleaded guilty to Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, a felony of the second degree and Aggravated Trafficking, a felony of the first degree.

Investigators determined that Owens was instrumental in coordinating the shipment of narcotics from downtown Los Angeles, California, via UPS parcel service to associates in Marion. Those packages were transported to the New Park Drive apartment, where the narcotics were re-manufactured, repackaged, and prepared for distribution.

On November 2, 2022, a search warrant executed at the residence of an associate of Owens in Delaware County resulted in the seizure of approximately eight pounds of ma*****na, $14,000 in cash, and more than $97,500 in high-end merchandise believed to be connected to drug proceeds.

Through court-authorized GPS surveillance of a Hyundai Elantra connected to the investigation, law enforcement established a strong nexus between the New Park Drive residence and the receipt and redistribution of narcotics. Surveillance revealed numerous short-duration stops consistent with trafficking activity.

On May 5, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at the New Park Drive apartment. The search resulted in the seizure of:

203.4 grams of co***ne
447.3 grams of methamphetamine
107.04 grams of fentanyl (enough to kill 50,000 people)
$10,000.00 in cash

Officers also recovered vacuum-sealed packaging materials consistent with kilogram-level distribution, large quantities of plastic bags, digital scales, and individually packaged narcotics. A ledger recovered from a co-defendant’s phone detailed numerous smaller-level dealers, several of whom were already under investigation.

Shortly after the search warrant ex*****on, another parcel shipped from California and destined for an associate in Richland County, was intercepted before delivery. A search of that package revealed approximately 13 pounds of methamphetamine in vacuum-sealed packaging.

The evidence at trial demonstrated that Owens played a central role in the coordination, planning, shipment, and distribution of felony-level quantities of co***ne, fentanyl, and methamphetamine that would have reached the community absent law enforcement intervention.

This case was primarily investigated by Det. Alison Castrilla of the Delaware Drug Task Force. The case was tried to the jury by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys John Scott and Heath Findley.

02/17/2026

We have a problem with our water here in Marion. We deserve answers. Here’s what I am doing to get you those answers.

02/13/2026

MARION POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED FOR R**E

Last night, deputies from the office of Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles arrested a City of Marion Police Officer for a s*xual assault against an adult female family member.

City of Marion Police Officer Brendan Damron, age 24, was taken into custody without incident last night and is being held at the Morrow County jail. He was arraigned today and bond was set

Mr. Damron is charged with two counts of first degree felony r**e, one count of third degree felony abduction. The charges all stem from an off duty incident in a private home on February 11, 2026.

Victim rights protections under Ohio law and in the Ohio Constitution prohibit the public release of the identity of the victim.

“My team and I learned of these allegations and immediately began gathering evidence and once we had enough to make an arrest, we took Damron into custody,” Sheriff Matt Bayles said. “My office is separate from and independent of the City of Marion Police Department and we will be the lead investigators in this matter.”

“The people of this county elected me to prosecute the crimes that happen here, and my prosecutors and I will take this serious case to court,” Prosecuting Attorney Grogan said. “Our office does not represent the city, and we have the experience and the independence to lead this prosecution.”

Each of the two r**e counts is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 11 years. The abduction charge is punishable by up to three years in prison. By law, the Marion County Grand Jury will review the matter and will have the ultimate say on any final charges to be brought.

All suspects charged are presumed innocent until and unless convicted in court.

12/19/2025

MARION COUNTY GRAND JURY ISSUES INDICTMENT AGAINST MAN WHO SEXUALLY ASSAULTED THREE GENERATIONS OF CHILDREN IN HIS FAMILY

The Marion County Grand Jury has issued an indictment against Bobby Joe Endicott, age 77 of Galion, Ohio for one count of R**e and seven counts of Gross Sexual Imposition – all of which are felony s*xual assaults. Endicott’s current victims are the third generation of victims for Endicott. Information in the public record shows that in 2003, Endicott was convicted of s*xually assaulting his current victims’ mother, and in 1982, he was convicted of s*xually assaulting his current victims’ grandmother.

“I’ve prosecuted many child s*x predators in my career,” Grogan said. “But I’ve never encountered a child s*x predator who assaulted three generations of victims in his own family.”

The latest charges stem from an investigation by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators determined that Endicott engaged in s*xual abuse with his current victims.

This week, Endicott was arraigned in front of Judge Todd Anderson, who ordered a $350,000 cash or surety bond. Endicott remains in jail. Judge Frericks ordered Endicott to have no contact with the alleged victims.

“Endicott’s two prior convictions happened long ago, well before any of the current prosecutors or judges were in office,” Grogan continued. “The judges and prosecutors on those prior cases handled them based on the relevant laws at the time, which were nowhere as strong as our current laws.”

The first-degree felony R**e charge carries a sentence of up to life in prison while each of the four third-degree felony Gross Sexual Imposition counts could add up to five years each. The three fourth-degree felony Gross Sexual Imposition counts could result in additional sentences up to 18 months each.

Public records show Endicott was sentenced to 3-10 years in prison for his 1982 conviction and four years in prison for his 2003 conviction.

Pursuant to state victims’ privacy laws, Grogan will not name any of the victims outside court. Also, by law, all charged defendants (including this defendant) are presumed innocent until and unless convicted.

If any member of the public has any more information concerning Endicott, please contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office Marion,OH at 740-382-8244.

11/25/2025

Marion County Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Multiple R**es Against Children

Marion County Prosecutor’s Office has convicted another child ra**st and this one will be behind bars for at least 50 years.

Following the prosecution in a case handled by Prosecutor Ray Grogan, Michael Stith, 51, formerly of Centerville Green Camp Road in Prospect, Ohio, was sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility until at least 50 years have passed. Grogan charged and convicted Stith for ra**ng multiple children over nearly three decades.

In late September, Stith pleaded no contest to five counts of r**e. Marion County Common Pleas Judge Matthew Frericks found him guilty on all counts. Three counts involved conduct committed in 1997 and 1998, when the victim was under the age of 13. Two other counts involved conduct committed in 2013, when the victim was under the age of 13.

“My office and I have the strongest commitment to bringing child ra**sts to justice,” Grogan said. “The general public may not know how common a crime this is and the offenders are from all walks of life.”

Prosecutor Grogan said the victims, who are now adults, showed extraordinary courage by coming forward and agreeing to testify about the abuse they suffered.

“This is one of the worst r**e cases I have prosecuted,” Grogan said. “Stith preyed on multiple boys for nearly 30 years. He should die in prison. If he lives long enough to be considered for parole, the professionals in the Marion County Prosecutor’s office will be there to fight it.”

At the sentencing hearing, one of the victims delivered a powerful, 30-plus-minute impact statement. He described in detail what Stith did to him, calling Stith a “monster” and expressing hope that Stith lives in fear for the rest of his life.

He also spoke about the shame he carried, how difficult it was to come into a courtroom and recount the most intimate details of the s*xual abuse, and how he stayed silent for years because he wanted to protect the people he loved.

“Child r**e victims often remain silent or even initially deny the abuse because of the powerful shame they feel when someone close to them s*xually assaults them,” Grogan continued. “But we know how to prove these cases and justice ultimately prevails.”

Judge Frericks emphasized the gravity of Stith’s conduct and noted his concern that other victims may exist. The judge also explained that Stith used his position as a youth leader at his church to build trust with boys and their families, enabling him to commit these crimes.

Prosecutor Grogan thanked the agencies whose hard work and cooperation led to today’s outcome:
• Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)
• Marion, Ohio Police Department
• Marion County Sheriff's Office Marion,OH - specifically Det. Ken Rittenour, Det. Christy Utley, Det. Katie Barber, and retired Det. Brian Lovell.

“These agencies spent years helping us uncover the truth,” Grogan concluded. “Their diligence brought justice for these men who carried this burden for far too long.”

Ray Grogan Marion County Prosecutor's Office

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