For Immediate Release:
July 24, 2023
After a week-long jury trial, Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney Mark J. Tekulve is pleased to announce the conviction of Jacob Bumpass for his role in the disappearance of Paige Johnson.
The case was tried in front of Judge Miles by Assistant Prosecutors Clay Tharp and Zachary Zipperer. “We are pleased to have been able to bring some semblance of justice to the Johnson family”, said Assistant Prosecutor Clay Tharp. The State was able to present evidence during the trial that Bumpass was the last person seen with Paige while she was alive. The Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office worked extensively with law enforcement from the Covington Police Department, the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.
“The massive amount of time, work, and energy law enforcement officers from all three jurisdictions put into finding Paige over the last ten years, paled in comparison to the emotional toll this investigation took on everyone involved. There was no stone left unturned, and ultimately, all of the hard work paid off”, according to Assistant Prosecutor Zachary Zipperer.
“Our office is hopeful that this verdict will bring peace and closure to Donna, Brittany, and all of Paige’s friends and family. While, I could not be more proud of my assistants’ work on this case, unfortunately, no amount of prison time will truly hold Bumpass accountable for all of the pain and suffering that he has caused over the last 13 years”, noted Prosecutor Tekulve.
Bumpass was taken into custody upon the jury’s verdict. Judge Miles remanded Bumpass without bond and scheduled his sentencing for September 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
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July 14, 2023
For Immediate Release
My office has received several inquiries regarding a Motion for Special Prosecutor filed with the Clermont County Common Pleas Court on July 12, 2023. An Entry to Appoint Special Prosecutor was filed on July 13, 2023, Case Number 2023 MISC 19.
The motion was filed due to the potential conflict of interest should a criminal investigation be initiated in the referenced matter.
Special Prosecutor Press Release.docx_
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June 23, 2023
Clermont County Man Indicted for Aggravated Murder of his three children
Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney Mark J. Tekulve announces the indictment of Chad C. Doerman, by a Clermont County Grand Jury. Doerman was indicted on June 22, 2023, in a twenty-one (21) count indictment. After the June 15, 2023, murder of his three children (ages 7, 4, and 3), Doerman now faces nine separate counts of aggravated murder, eight separate counts of kidnapping, and four separate counts of felonious assault. The numerous aggravated murder charges include various aggravating circumstance specifications, which subject Doerman to the possibility of the death penalty.
On June 23, 2023, Doerman appeared in court for his initial arraignment and entered a “Not Guilty Plea” to each count. Chief Assistant Prosecutor, Lara Baron Allen, reviewed each count in the indictment individually, laying out the possible penalties of each charge. Doerman, through counsel, agreed with the possible penalties he faces as set forth by Chief Assistant Baron Allen.
Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve, then addressed bond, requesting that Doerman be held without bond pursuant to the Ohio Constitution. Prosecutor Tekulve indicated that Doerman “slaughtered his three boys, ages 7, 4, and 3.” Prosecutor Tekulve went on to describe the manner in which each boy was executed by Doerman, noting that each boy was shot in the head. Prosecutor Tekulve further indicated that the 7 year old boy fled from Doerman, running approximately 300 feet before Doerman shot him from behind. Doerman then approached the boy and executed him at close range. Counsel for the defendant did not request a bond on his behalf. Ultimately, Judge Victor Haddad ordered the defendant be held without bond.
Doerman is next scheduled to be in court on July 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., in front of Judge Richard Ferenc for a pretrial setting.
March 30, 2023
Clermont County Man Indicted on 2 counts of Gross Sexual Imposition, 1 count of Sexual Imposition and 1 count of Unlawful Restraint with a Sexual Motivation
In response to numerous inquiries from local media outlets, Clermont County Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve announces that a Clermont County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Windell “Frank” Morrow, age 53. The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of these sexual offenses and took immediate action to investigate the allegations.
Morrow was indicted today on 2 counts of Gross Sexual Imposition, 1 count of Sexual Imposition and 1 count of Unlawful Restraint with a Sexual Motivation. If convicted on all counts, Morrow could be sentenced up 3 years in prison and 120 days in jail.
Morrow is the Executive Director of the Clermont County Veterans Services. These crimes did not occur on Veterans Services premises. Morrow was taken into custody on a warrant and will be arraigned Friday 3/31 at 10:00 am in the Clermont County Court of Common Pleas.
“Regardless of who the victim is or who the perpetrator is, the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office, along with Law Enforcement, will do everything within our power to administer justice. Together we strive to safeguard victims of all ages and walks of life.” -Mark J. Tekulve, Clermont County Prosecutor
March 23, 2023
Today, Clermont County Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve announced that a Clermont County Grand Jury returned an indictment against David Sears, age 51 of New Richmond, Ohio. Sears was indicted on March 21, 2023 for 25 counts of Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor. If convicted on all counts, Sears could be sentenced up to 200 years in prison.
The New Richmond Police department was made aware of Sears’ potential possession of child pornography by an online group who targets sexual predators. While pretending to be an eleven-year old female, the online group communicated with Sears through Telegram and Instagram. Expecting to meet up with this eleven-year old girl, Sears drove to a parking lot at night, armed with alcohol and lotion. Instead of the young girl, he was greeted by adult males who questioned him about his communications and intentions. As a result of this meeting, the New Richmond police went to Sears’ residence, spoke with him and confiscated the physical evidence.
The indictment is based on numerous images and videos of young children engaged in sexual activity. These images and videos were found on Sears’ computer. Sears admitted to possessing, downloading and sharing these disturbing images and videos of the young children. This was a direct indictment brought down by the Grand Jury. There is currently a warrant for Sears’ arrest.
“The Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office along with law enforcement and concerned citizens will work relentlessly to protect children and to prosecute depraved individuals such as David Sears. If anyone knows of David Sears’ whereabouts or has any additional information relating to him, please contact the New Richmond Police Department via the Clermont County Communications Center (513) 732-2231.” -Mark J. Tekulve, Clermont County Prosecutor
March 16th, 2023
Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney Mark J. Tekulve announces that a Clermont County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Alexander James McKenzie (2/7/1994) for two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Manslaughter, two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Assault, two counts of Vehicular Assault, and two counts of Operating a Vehicle under the Influence of Alcohol or Drug of Abuse or a Combination of Them.
On December 19, 2022, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers responded to a two vehicle, head-on crash on Old State Route 32. Upon arrival, officers observed the defendant, who was the at fault driver standing in the roadway. The defendant exhibited indicia of impairment consistent with methamphetamine usage and was determined to have been operating his vehicle under the influence. The driver of the vehicle he struck was 12 weeks pregnant and had to be extricated from the vehicle, at which time she was flown to University Hospital with multiple severe injuries. The 18 month old passenger in the rear of the vehicle struck by the defendant was transported to Children’s Hospital and found to have a traumatic brain injury as well as injuries to her spine. The passenger riding in the defendant’s vehicle, Joshua Moore, was later pronounced deceased.
An arrest warrant was issued following the indictment and the defendant was arrested on March 15th. A bond hearing was held this morning and the defendant is currently being held in the Clermont County Jail on a $150,000 cash or professional bond.
January 20, 2023
Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney Mark J. Tekulve seeks the assistance of the public, and any information as to the whereabouts of Jaydon M. Pierce, (DOB: 06/29/2000). Pierce has been identified by witnesses as being involved in the murder of Casey Moss, in Amelia, Ohio, on January 17, 2023. Ryan Vest, aka. “Ace” has also been arrested and charged for his involvement in the murder of Casey Moss.
Charges of Aggravated Murder and Attempted Aggravated Murder have been filed against Pierce, and warrants for his arrest are outstanding.
Pierce should be considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities are offering a $5,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest of Jaydon Maurice Pierce. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of Pierce, please contact the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office at 513-732-7510 and/or Sgt. Nick Crouch at 513-781-2256.