A man with a dangerous history behind the wheel is once again in custody. Marcus Riley, previously convicted of aggravated vehicular assault and child endangerment after a drunk driving crash that brought down utility poles and put children at risk, has been booked into the Scioto County Jail on a parole violation.
Past Conviction
Three years ago, Riley crashed into a utility pole at 17th and Waller while driving under the influence with children in the vehicle. The crash downed power lines and forced the road to be blocked for repairs. Police charged Riley with multiple felonies, including three counts of aggravated vehicular assault and three counts of child endangerment, along with operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI).
He later waived a jury trial and accepted a plea deal. The OVI charge was dismissed, and in December 2022 he was sentenced to three years in prison.
Push for Release
In 2024, Riley sought early release, writing to the court that his drunk driving with children in the car was the “worst choice” he had ever made. He said he had been a model prisoner, completing substance abuse programs, job training, and charitable activities. His mother also wrote a letter on his behalf, urging the court to give her son another chance.
The court granted parole in September 2025.
Back in Custody
Now, just weeks later, Riley is back behind bars. While no new criminal charges are listed, court records show the court billed him for $1,167 in unpaid court costs on October 1. It remains unclear whether the alleged parole violation is tied to failure to pay those costs or another issue.
