|
CRISH |
TOLEDO — The FBI says a former Allen County sheriff accused of taking nearly $100,000 in bribes from drug dealers, people arrested in prostitution rings, suspected gamblers and others while in office has been indicted on federal charges.
Authorities say 54-year-old Samuel Crish, of Delphos and formerly of the Lakeview area, was charged Monday in U.S. District Court in Toledo with bribery, extortion and making false statements.
Authorities say Crish extorted almost $100,000 from five people between 2012 and 2016 while he was Allen County sheriff. Investigators allege Crish provided special treatment in return for the money.
Crish resigned as sheriff in 2017 following an FBI raid on his Lima office the previous year.
FBI Special Agent Stephen Anthony said in a statement that Crish made the situation worse by lying to the bureau.
Crish’s attorney declined to comment because he hadn’t seen the indictment.
Crish at one time had a residence on the north side of Indian Lake.
He joined the Allen County Sheriff’s Office in 1991, where he held numerous positions, including commander of the office’s Investigative Division and the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force. He was elected sheriff in 2008, 2012 and 2016.