On Thursday evening, Portsmouth City Council Member Joey Sandlin made disparaging and threatening remarks to SCDN Publisher, Mark Craycraft.
The unprovoked attack was perpetrated by Sandlin after he became upset over social media comments. Those comments were largely the result of an argument initiated by Sandlin’s own son.
Sandlin’s tirade began shortly after 10 p.m. and lasted almost two hours.
SCDN did not publish the content he was angry about. Rather, he was incensed about the comments that others made. Mr. Craycraft reminded him that SCDN had not published any articles about the 5th Ward Council Member, but that fact did not deter him.
The SCDN staff waited all day for a comment from our publisher. We were told that the legal team was reviewing the options.
Finally, just before 6 p.m., Mr. Craycraft issued this brief statement.
“I appreciate your concern for my fragile health condition during this immensely confusing and frustrating time. The information has been reviewed by our law firm, and a plan of action will be forthcoming. There are several legal remedies available, including the filing of a restraining order. SCDN has issued cease and desist orders in the past, including to government department heads. This, to me, rises above sending a letter.”
The incident was examined by attorneys who have so far determined the statements meet the criteria set forth by ORC 2903.22 as menacing. Depending on the severity of the offense, it can be classified as a first-degree misdemeanor or a fourth-degree felony. The punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor is up to $1,000.00 in fines, 180 days in jail, or both. In addition, the ORC 2917.21 plainly defines a second offense of telecommunications harassment. Finally, the initial reports also consider Intimidation by a Public Official and taking this incident to the State Ethics Commission.
Craycraft says that Sandlin has a history of attacking a small business and forcing them to appear before the council. In addition, Mr. Craycraft says that he’s encouraged Councilperson Sandlin on multiple occasions to attend to the needs of the residents of Wayne Hills.
“There are 243 individual apartment homes there full of families that need representation from their first line of defense, their Ward Councilperson. If their own Councilperson doesn’t give a damn about them, how can they have hope that anyone from the city will hear their voices? What other Councilperson would ignore 243 homes in their Ward”?
Upon receiving approval from the law firm, SCDN plans to publish Sandlin’s threats and unflattering remarks about the rest of council and city leaders.
