Ottawa County (OH) Sheriffs Office, Robert L. Bratton - Sheriff Charges File Against Grove City Man for Three Rescues

Charges Filed Against Man After Being Rescued Three Times in Portage River

On January 18, 2006, Deputy James Hanney of the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office filed seven misdemeanor charges against Donald Neff, age 38, 7300 Kropp Road of Grove City, Ohio. Those charges, approved by Ottawa County Prosecutor Mark Mulligan, were filed as a result of Mr. Neff becoming stranded in the Portage River three times in five days in November of 2005, requiring his rescue by the United States Coast Guard and other agencies.

The following charges were filed in Ottawa County Municipal Court:

For the November 12, 2005 case:

1- Reckless or Unsafe Operation of a Vessel, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree

For the November 13, 2005 case:

1- Reckless or Unsafe Operation of a Vessel, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree

2- Failure to Comply, a misdemeanor of the first degree

3- Inducing Panic, a misdemeanor of the first degree

For the November 17, 2005 case:

1- Reckless or Unsafe Operation of a Vessel, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree

2- Failure to Comply, a misdemeanor of the first degree

3- Inducing Panic, a misdemeanor of the first degree

Reckless or Unsafe Operation of a Vessel is defined as operating a vessel or manipulate water skis, aquaplane, or similar device on the waters in the Station of Ohio, carelessly or heedlessly, or in disregard of the rights or safety of any person, vessel, or property, or without due caution, at a rate of speed or in a manner so as to endanger any person, vessel or property.

Failure to Comply is defined as failing to comply with any lawful order or direction of any law enforcement officer having authority to direct, control or regulate the operation or use of vessels.

Inducing Panic is defined as causing serious public inconvenience or alarm, by committing any offense, with reckless disregard of the likelihood that its commission will cause serious public inconvenience or alarm.)

Mr. Neff has been issued a summons on all charges and is scheduled to make his first appearance in Ottawa County Municipal Court on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at 8:30AM.