After a flood of requests from media, Scioto County Prosecutor Shane Tieman addressed some of the legal issues concerning the death of Mike Mearan.
The prosecutor reminded citizens that while the initial investigation originated on the local level, he asked for and received assistance from state and federal authorities. Ultimately, the Ohio Attorney General’s office took over the investigation and then the prosecution. Prosecutor Tieman did not want any conflict of interest (or perceived conflict of interest) due to Mearan’s long history as a local attorney.
Prosecutor Shane Tieman did not mix words with his statement to the public: A prosecutor, at his or her core, is considered a “minister of justice.” Justice takes place when all the parties in a case have their day in Court so that their voices can be heard in a fair trial and a jury can render a just verdict. With Mr. Mearan’s passing, this will not occur for any and all parties involved in this matter.
He concluded his remarks by reinforcing the important role local law enforcement played in triggering the initial investigation. “It is very important to note that this investigation arose from local law enforcement officers, who took the time to listen to the concerns of some of our most ill-used citizens and the courage of those citizens to speak out.”
The Scioto County prosecutor’s office also gave resources for those who feel they may have been trafficked, abused, or neglected in any way. “In addition to our local law enforcement agencies, a person can contact Appalachian Voices Unite, part of the Scioto County Health Coalition, or the Ohio Attorney General Human Trafficking Initiative.”
“I think they took him”
In high-profile cases, such as this, there are often murmurs of conspiratorial undermining of justice. We have all heard the rumors of the Witness Protection Program and sipping umbrella drinks on the beach. Several sources have repeatedly confirmed they were in the ICU where Mearan was being treated and verified that he did die.
The completed death certificate has not been issued. Toxicology reports always take the most amount of time. In addition, every aspect of the postmortem will be inspected very closely. When that document is available, we will bring that information to you.