Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that two Fugitive Safe Surrender programs will be conducted simultaneously in Columbiana and Trumbull counties at the end of July.
The Fugitive Safe Surrender program provides an opportunity for adults with outstanding, non-violent warrants to turn themselves in to authorities in a peaceful, faith-based environment.
| Trumbull County |
Columbiana County |
| First United Methodist Church of Warren |
Lisbon Church of the Nazarene |
| Rev. Rick Oaks |
Pastor Brian Brown |
| 309 North Park Avenue |
505 North Market Street |
| Warren, Ohio 44481 |
Lisbon, Ohio 44432 |
Fugitives with non-violent misdemeanors and low-level felonies can turn themselves in at either location between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on July 26, 27, and 28. A secular surrender location will also be available. Fugitives should turn themselves in in the county where their warrant was issued.
"There are currently over 8,000 outstanding warrants on record in Trumbull and Columbiana Counties, situations that could lead to unnecessary confrontations between offenders and law enforcement. Thanks to the partnerships with local law enforcement, judges, and political and religious leaders, Fugitive Safe Surrender has potential to have a tremendous positive impact and make these communities a safer place for families and law enforcement," said Attorney General DeWine.
The Ohio Attorney General's Office began funding the Fugitive Safe Surrender program last year after federal dollars for the program were cut.
In October, a Fugitive Safe Surrender event in Mansfield, Ohio, resulted in the voluntary surrender of 121 people. More than 180 warrants were cleared over the four day period, and one person was incarcerated.
"Fugitive Safe Surrender is a proven program to get persons with outstanding warrants to turn themselves in safely before situations escalate. It works because of the partnerships between the community and law enforcement. The leaders here in Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties, just like Cleveland, Akron, and Mansfield before it, have shown tremendous resolve to work together to make their communities safer," DeWine said.
Authorities in Trumbull County estimate that they have approximately 5,000 outstanding, non-violent warrants. In Columbiana County, the estimate is around 3,000 warrants.
A Fugitive Safe Surrender program for Mahoning County is being planned for September 2012.
Community members can find more information on the program by visiting the Ohio Attorney General's Fugitive Safe Surrender FAQs website or by calling 877-647-8773.
Video
Fugitive Safe Surrender Richland County
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Lisa Hackley: 614-466-3840