Schumaker appointed deputy attorney general for law enforcement

SPRINGFIELD — Longtime Clark County Prosecutor Stephen Schumaker has been appointed deputy attorney general for law enforcement by Ohio Attorney General-elect Mike DeWine, officials announced Tuesday.

In his new role, Schumaker will oversee several state agencies and departments, including the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, known as BCI.

Schumaker was elected county prosecutor in 1984. He came to the prosecutor’s office as an intern in 1976 and became an assistant prosecuting attorney in 1978.

“I’m just delighted with Steve’s willingness to take on this responsibility,” said Dewine. “He truly is a prosecutor’s prosecutor.”

Schumaker said he is “overwhelmed” by the opportunity.

“It’s a new and exciting mission,” said Schumaker.

He will assume the post Jan. 10.

Officials did not announce who is among the candidates to complete Schumaker’s term. A replacement will be appointed by the central committee of the Clark County GOP in the weeks following Schumaker’s departure.

Tom Stickrath, the current director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, will head BCI.

DeWine made the announcement at a press conference in Clark County Judge Richard O’Neill’s courtroom Tuesday morning.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or vlough@coxohio.com.

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