(LISBON, Ohio) — Agents with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force arrested an attorney from Mentor, Jeffrey McGaffick, for allegedly engaging in illegal activities during an undercover operation. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene made the announcement today, revealing that McGaffick, 62, has been charged with both engaging in prostitution and possession of criminal tools.According to reports, McGaffick, who practices law in the Cleveland area with a focus on real estate title work and claims to have served as a part-time...
Ohio Law Allows Concealed Carry of Handguns with Threaded Barrels and Muzzle BrakesIn a recent article by Dean Rieck, the question of whether it is legal to carry a concealed handgun with a threaded barrel in Ohio was addressed. Rieck confirmed, "Yes, you can." He also pointed out the source of confusion regarding threaded barrels, attributing it to misinformation circulating online.Rieck clarified that while some states categorize pistols with threaded barrels as illegal "assault weapons," Ohio does not have such restrictions. He stated, "The Buckeye State has no laws...
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is seeking the public's feedback on potential new protections for signatures. Yost emphasized the importance of this issue, stating, "A gap in state law has left your signature – a symbol of your identity – vulnerable to misuse." He further added, "It’s your signature, and we want your input on how to protect it."The request for comments aims to gather opinions on a proposed rule that would require businesses to adhere to specific guidelines when using a person's signature for purposes unrelated to a transaction. Yost's office is...
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has recently introduced a new rule under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, causing concern among Second Amendment advocates. The rule, titled “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Conforming Regulations,” aims to supplement existing federal gun control regulations in accordance with the BSCA.According to the National Rifle Association (NRA), the ATF's latest rulemaking is being met with skepticism regarding its necessity and compliance with legal requirements. The NRA states, "The Biden administration has...
Attorney General Dave Yost has taken emergency action by filing a motion with the Ohio Supreme Court, asserting that Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Michael Holbrook exceeded his judicial authority by halting the implementation of House Bill 68. Yost's filing contends that Judge Holbrook's decision on April 16 to issue a broad injunction on the entire law was an overreach. "One judge from one county does not have more power than the governor’s veto pen," Yost stated in response to the injunction placed on HB 68 by Judge Holbrook. The Attorney General argued that the...
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Mention the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and Ohio residents probably think about its efforts to protect consumers, combat human trafficking, or investigate crime. But the office also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the state’s environment. Today, in honor of the global observance of Earth Day, Attorney General Dave Yost is spotlighting the accomplishments of his Environmental Enforcement Section thus far in 2024."Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder of our duty to help preserve the planet for future generations," stated Attorney General Dave...
In the latest episode of the Keep and Bear Radio podcast, legal expert Sean Maloney, firearms attorney and co-founder of Second Call Defense, addressed various legal questions related to concealed carry and firearms ownership.Listeners tuning in to Episode 113 were able to hear Maloney provide insights on a range of topics, including the legality of carrying a concealed handgun with a threaded barrel. When posed with the question, "Can you carry a concealed handgun with a threaded barrel?", Maloney offered his expertise on the matter.Furthermore, Maloney tackled another...
In a tragic incident that shook Sydney, Australia, on April 13, six innocent shoppers lost their lives in a mass stabbing at a busy shopping mall. The assailant, a 40-year-old man with reported "mental health issues," was known to the local police and targeted his victims deliberately. The attack, which lasted only four minutes, was brought to an end by the swift intervention of armed police.John Farnam, in a commentary on the incident, highlighted the vulnerability of unarmed security personnel, noting, "Unarmed 'security guards' are a joke! Never expect them to protect...
On Friday, The Buckeye Institute took a stand against unconstitutional forfeiture laws by filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Sanchez v. United States. The institute's senior litigator, Jay R. Carson, highlighted the concerning nature of these laws, stating, "The result of forfeiture laws is a system where revenue generation—not crime prevention—is the primary driver of law enforcement decisions."Carson referenced the infamous words of Willie Sutton to emphasize the influence of financial incentives on human behavior, stating, "When asked why he robbed...
A former Canton-area attorney has been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution after pleading guilty to stealing from his clients. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier made the announcement regarding the sentencing of William Sparks, 71, of Jackson Township.Yost emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “Robbing elderly clients behind their backs is a disgraceful betrayal of trust that warrants stiff consequences. This sentence should serve as a warning that targeting older Ohioans for exploitation won’t be tolerated.”...
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the Firearm Industry Trade Association, has released a report indicating that detachable magazines with a capacity exceeding 10 rounds have become the norm for firearm owners across the United States. The report, which analyzed over 30 years of detachable magazine production and distribution, revealed that a significant majority of the estimated 963,772,000 detachable magazines in circulation have a capacity exceeding the 10-round limit imposed by some states.Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel,...
Columbus, OH – The Buckeye Institute has taken a stand in the case of Gonzales v. Inslee, as it filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to safeguard the private property rights of landlords. David C. Tryon, director of litigation at The Buckeye Institute, emphasized the importance of the takings clause in the U.S. Constitution, stating, "The takings clause—which says the government cannot take private property ‘without just compensation’—is a bedrock principle of the U.S. Constitution."Tryon further highlighted the significance of the case, noting, “And this...
Katie Share of Columbus has been named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau, as announced by the organization. She transitions into this role from being the organization's operations coordinator. In her new position, Share will take on responsibilities such as overseeing the planning, marketing, and implementation of the ExploreAg program.The ExploreAg program was established by the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation with the aim of encouraging young individuals to think critically about the food and farm industry, as well as the associated issues...
Congress members have expressed sharp criticism towards a proposed rule that would prioritize a climate change agenda over a proven hunting conservation strategy beneficial for wildlife conservation and sportsmen and women. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposed Biological Integrity, Diversity and Environmental Health (BIDEH) rule update has raised concerns about the potential negative impact it could have on wildlife conservation through hunting and angling.House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman highlighted the importance of proven conservation...
Columbus, OH – In a new policy memo, The Buckeye Institute has put forth recommendations to tackle the increasing need for classroom space in private and charter schools in Ohio. Greg R. Lawson, a research fellow at The Buckeye Institute, suggests specific actions in the memo, such as authorizing the state treasurer to implement financial programs for non-district schools.Lawson, in the policy memo, emphasized the importance of implementing programs to support non-district schools, stating, "authorize the state treasurer to make linked deposit programs and a loan...