In early January, state prison officials learned of a plan by an inmate assigned to work duty at the residence to have his wife drop a “six-pack” at “Red’s House.”
Though officials thought it might be drugs, they later determined a six-pack is tobacco, which sells for big bucks on the prison black market since it was banned in March 2009.
Cathy Collins-Taylor, director of the Department of Public Safety and a Strickland appointee, canceled the sting after consulting with Strickland’s chief of staff and top lawyer. Following that decision, Collins-Taylor, Patrol Superintendent David Dicken, the governor’s security chief Patrol Lt. Joe Mannion, and others “participated in a cover-up that has tarnished their reputations and the reputations of DPS and the Patrol,” the report said.
The inspector general did not find evidence that the governor, his chief of staff or his attorney interfered in the matter.
Collins-Taylor’s appointment as department director has yet to be confirmed by the GOP-controlled Ohio Senate.
The Department of Public Safety issued a statement that officials would read the report and respond to its recommendations. Charles sent the report to local prosecutors.
Strickland issued a written response, saying he remains confident in Collins-Taylor, Mannion and Dicken.
“I believe that the decisions in this case were made by people acting in good faith. If decisions were made in order to protect me from some kind of embarrassment, that was unnecessary,” Strickland said.
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