Prosecutor Melissa A. Schiffel and Assistant Prosecutor Christopher E. Ballard recognized Ohio Department of Natural Resources Officer, Heidi Hayes as a "Top Cop."

On August 3, 2020, a group of young men went tubing on the Alum Creek reservoir in a rented ski boat. What was initially a fun afternoon ended in tragedy when one of them took the wheel of the boat without prior training or experience, and ended up colliding with the tube he was towing, killing one man and seriously injuring another.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources was on scene with other first responders, and took immediate steps to preserve potential evidence and interview all relevant witnesses to determine the cause of the crash. Investigator Heidi Hayes was assigned as lead case agent on this matter, and in the ensuing weeks and months pursued all leads and consulted leading experts to rule out any mechanical failure on the ski boat as having caused the fatal crash.

At trial in November 2021, a jury convicted the driver of the ski boat of having recklessly caused the death of one of his friends, and serious injury of the other. Such a case could not have been proven without the diligence and professionalism of Investigator Hayes and ODNR.

Thank you, Investigator Hayes, for being a “Top Cop” and helping to protect our community, and a special thanks to “Top Cop” sponsor, Cracker Barrel, for providing each of our “Top Cops” with a complimentary dinner for two! Thank you, also, to The Dipped Donut for sponsoring our reception and providing amazingly yummy treats to celebrate our newest "Top Cop!"

Out in the Community

Deputy Chief Jeff Balzer and Prosecutor Schiffel join Delaware County Victim Services Coalition at a display in front of the old courthouse honoring past victims bringing awareness to National Crime Victims Rights Week.
 

 

Presenting to the Olentangy Rotary Club
 

Delivering safety messages to children at the Sunbury Community Library with Sgt. Mead, K-9 Ace, and School Resource Officer Whiteside.