Skip to content
Investigative Journalism by We the People!
Beyond the Ballot Box: The Unending Political Games of Marion County

Analysis of the Judicial Disqualification Case: In re Disqualification of Edwards and its Context in Marion County, Ohio Introduction: Marion County's Political Landscape Marion County, Ohio, possesses a rich and often dynamic political history, extending from its role as the home of a U.S. President to more recent local controversies.

Kenny Spafford: Remembering A Pillar of Community Engagement in Marion, Ohio

It is with great sadness that the Marion Watch Teams have learned of the passing of hometown hero Kenny Spafford. Kenny Spafford is a highly recognizable and cherished figure in Marion, Ohio, known for his extensive and dedicated community involvement. Honored as a "Hometown Hero," his contributions span decades, encompassing

What does Marion CAN DO Do?: Part I – Unpacking Its Influence Amidst Hidden Realities and Public Disconnect

A Note from Marion Watch: Marion Watch, in collaboration with its dedicated allies, including citizens, is pleased to present the inaugural report in a comprehensive series investigating the multifaceted impact of Marion CAN DO! on our community. Recognizing the depth and complexity of this subject, we have, as is our

Endgame in Iran & The Unfolding Storm: A Historical Investigation into the US Bombing of Iran’s Nuclear Sites

I. Introduction: The Current Crisis and Its Deep Roots The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East was dramatically reshaped on June 21, 2025, when the United States directly intervened with military force, striking key nuclear facilities within Iran. This unprecedented action marked a critical escalation, effectively inserting the U.S. into

“No Kings in Marion”- The Organized “No Kings” Defiance vs. The Cartel-Fueled War in L.A. Differences between Protests and the Riots of June 2025

The "No Kings" Protests: A Nation Divided The Next Generation: Marion Watch Investigative Journalist Trainee at the No Kings Protest Marion, Ohio On June 14, 2025, a wave of demonstrations under the banner "No Kings" swept across the United States. This was not a spontaneous outburst but a pre-planned, ideologically

Sovereign Deception: How a Rehab Empire Allegedly Bilked Millions and Betrayed Trust

I. The Takedown at LAX: Sovereign Health's Ex-CEO Arrested in Massive Fraud Scheme Click for Concise Version Sovereign Health: Anatomy of a Major Healthcare Fraud Case I. The Arrest: CEO Apprehended in $149M Fraud Scheme Tonmoy Sharma, 61, founder and former CEO of Sovereign Health Group, was arrested at Los

Marion Watch Investigates: How a Community Activist’s Struggle Connects to a Pattern of Alleged Harassment, Child Endangerment, and Systemic Conflicts in Marion County

In a concerning Marion County legal dispute, the welfare of a minor child appears to be significantly compromised, prompting serious questions regarding the efficacy of child protection services. A protection order, initiated not by the child's mother but by Skylar Haberman's neighbor and an associate of his ex-partner, is alleged

Ohio’s Heart Shattered – Ohio Unites in Tribute: Mourning the Tragic Loss of Hero Deputy Daniel Sherrer

The state of Ohio has been profoundly impacted by the tragic line-of-duty death of Deputy Daniel Sherrer of the Morrow County Sheriff's Office. On May 26, 2025, Deputy Sherrer, a 31-year-old, four-year veteran, was fatally shot while responding to a domestic situation in Marengo, Ohio. This devastating incident has elicited

“Give Honor to Whom Honor is Due”: Marion Always Answers A Sacred Calling: Remembering Marion’s Own This Memorial Day

When Duty Calls, Marion Always Answers On this solemn Memorial Day, as the echoes of Taps drift across hallowed grounds and flags ripple at half-staff, we at Marion Watch join our community, and indeed our nation, in a profound act of remembrance. It is a day set apart, a day

Walk Away Ray- Expert Level Community Investigative Review of the Wayne E. Sisson III Plea Agreement: Legal Process, Ethical Concerns, and Systemic Implications in Marion County, Ohio

When 'Walk Away Ray' Grogan Holds the Keys, and VanBibber Weaves as He Pleases, How Did Felon Sisson Find Such an Ease? Looking Closer Always Holds the Keys! Click Here for Concise Version (We encourage you to read the full version for a more precise understanding.) A Concise Examination of

Police State Part I: “Fusion Centers” A Solution or a New Problem for National Security and Civil Liberties

1. Introduction: Fusion Centers – The Official Blueprint and the Seeds of Concern Concise Version (Click the Triangle to the left.) Fusion Centers: A Concise Overview of Blueprint, Operations, Concerns, and Calls for Reform 1. Introduction: Fusion Centers – The Official Blueprint and the Seeds of Concern Born from the

Beyond Mercy: Politically Motivated Attacks, Ed Martin, the “Weaponization” Narrative, and the Future of Presidential Pardons

I. Introduction: A Pardon Attorney's Pledge and a Looming Constitutional Question The landscape of presidential power and its enduring customs faced a significant tremor with the appointment of Ed Martin as the U.S. Pardon Attorney under President Donald Trump. Almost immediately upon assuming his new responsibilities, Martin issued a controversial

Marion County Justice Under Fire: VanBibber’s New Ethics Storm & Prosecutor’s Endorsement Raise Systemic Alarms

MARION, OH – Looking closer, Marion Watch has found further troubling details regarding the conduct of local attorney Jack Herchel VanBibber, as a "First Amended Complaint and Certificate" filed by the Disciplinary Counsel of the Supreme Court of Ohio on May 15, 2025, lays bare a litany of serious new

Marion Ethics in Question: Attorney VanBibber Faces Barrage of Charges—Falsehoods, Sexual Misconduct, and Legal Neglect Detailed

MARION, OH – Local attorney Jack Herchel VanBibber (Attorney Registration No. 0097242) is confronting a new and extensive set of misconduct allegations brought forth by the Disciplinary Counsel of the Supreme Court of Ohio, casting a significant and deeply troubling shadow over his professional standing and reputation within the Marion

The Unaccounted: Children Missing from State and Federal Care in the United States

Section 1: The Vanishing Children: An Overview of a National Crisis A. The Dual Crisis: Children Missing from State and Federal Custody A deeply troubling phenomenon persists across the United States: children entrusted to the presumed safety of governmental care are disappearing. This crisis unfolds on two major fronts: within

Epstein’s Shadow Kingdom: Were World Leaders and Global Elites Complicit in a Decade of Horror?

The Epstein Files: Unending Revelations and the Quest for Truth in a Decades-Long Saga of Abuse The shadow of Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose name became synonymous with the predatory abuse of underage girls and the corruption of power, continues to lengthen, casting a pall over institutions and

Ballots & Backrooms: Charges, Accusations Fly in Rural Texas

The quiet, rural landscape of Frio County, Texas, became an unexpected flashpoint in the nation's roiling debate over election integrity in early May 2025. News broke that the county's highest-ranking official, along with city council members, a school board trustee, and the former elections administrator, faced felony indictments stemming from

The Watchdog That Watched It Burn: Ignored Warnings, Policy Failures, and the Government’s Hand in the Opioid Catastrophe

1. Introduction: The HALT Fentanyl Act – A Contentious Solution to a Catastrophic Failure In the face of an unrelenting overdose crisis, particularly fueled by the synthetic opioid fentanyl and its analogues, the United States Congress has sought legislative remedies. One such measure, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of

Operation Restore Justice: Unveiling the Shadows and the Enduring Fight Against Child Sex Trafficking

1. Introduction: The Persistent Scourge of Child Sex Trafficking Child sex trafficking, a heinous crime that inflicts profound and lasting trauma on its victims, remains a significant challenge for law enforcement and society at large. This investigative article delves into the Justice Department's "Operation Restore Justice," a recent nationwide crackdown

Taking Back America: Record Fentanyl Seizure Dismantles Major Trafficking Ring with Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Links

Introduction Taking Back America A Multi-State Dragnet Unveils an Unprecedented Fentanyl Operation In a meticulously coordinated series of actions culminating in early May 2025, federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies across five western states dismantled what authorities have described as one of the largest and most dangerous drug

The Boy Who Cried Wolf : Marion City Council

MARION, Ohio – May 6, 2025 – Marion City Council Meeting 5/5/25Marion City Hall became a crucible of civic debate Monday night as a mayoral proposal to significantly limit public access after council meetings sparked intense, vocal citizen protest and exposed sharp, deeply felt council divisions. The contentious session, lasting

Silent Sabotage: Did Marion Insiders Let Financial Problems Fester?

*All data regarding Audits were obtained through the Ohio Auditor of State.  (This directory holds .docx converted versions of the official Ohio Auditor of State Reports. Recreated for ease of research.) Marion, Ohio, a municipality possessing deep historical roots, continues to confront significant fiscal challenges that jeopardize its future prospects,

A Quick Look: Marion’s Auditor Office: A Decades-Long Disaster Zone (Full Investigation Coming Soon)

Legal Analysis of Alleged Misconduct by the Marion City Auditor Meginness Introduction For the City of Marion, Ohio, the Auditor's office appears to be less a center of fiscal control and more the epicenter of a decades-long financial storm. The latest chapter involves current Auditor Miranda Meginness, who faces serious

Judge Accuses Border Patrol of Racial Profiling in California Sweep, Limits Border Patrol Actions

1. Introduction: Federal Court Restricts Border Patrol Practices in Eastern California On April 29, 2025, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California issued a significant preliminary injunction, temporarily curtailing certain operational practices of the U.S. Border Patrol within the district. Presiding U.S. District Judge Jennifer L.

The Price of Neglect: Fines and Closures Reveal Deep Problems in Ohio’s Treatment Industry

Foreword: Unveiling the Shadows, Inspiring Change The journey towards mental wellness and recovery from addiction is often walked by our most vulnerable citizens, individuals placing immense trust in the hands of those promising care and healing. It is with a heavy heart, therefore, that we confront the grim realities detailed

Is Council Listening? Citizens Demand Answers on Leaked Audio, Finances in Heated Confrontation

Marion Council Faces Public Outcry: Leaked Audio, Financial Warnings, and Calls for Accountability Dominate Session MARION, OH – April 29, 2025 – Marion City Council endured a barrage of criticism from frustrated citizens during a tense and lengthy meeting Monday night, April 28th. Representatives from Marion Watch Investigates and allies attended

Operation Tidal Wave: Looking Closer at Florida’s Multi-Agency Immigration Crackdown 700-800 Arrested

Overview: A sprawling, multi-agency immigration enforcement blitz dubbed "Operation Tidal Wave" swept across Florida last week, resulting in the arrests of nearly 800 undocumented immigrants in its first four days and signaling a dramatic escalation of enforcement under the Trump administration. Characterized by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials

Hiding in Plain Sight: The Gardener of Bridgehampton: Faustin Nsabumukunzi and the Echoes of Rwanda’s Genocide

1. Introduction: The Gardener of Bridgehampton and the Ghosts of Rwanda In the tranquil, affluent community of Bridgehampton, New York, known more for its sprawling estates and summer retreats than international intrigue, the arrest of Faustin Nsabumukunzi in April 2025 sent ripples of disbelief. At 65, Nsabumukunzi was known locally

Federal Blitz in Colorado Springs: DEA-Led Raid Nets 114 Immigrants, Military Personnel at Alleged Drug & Gang Hub

Anatomy of a Raid: Federal Operation Shuts Down Colorado Springs "Underground Nightclub," Detains Over 100 Immigrants Introduction: Anatomy of a Raid In the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, April 27, 2025, a massive federal law enforcement operation descended upon an alleged "underground nightclub" in Colorado Springs. Initial reports painted a dramatic

#walkaway Locked Out & Kept in the Dark: Legal Challenges Loom Over Marion Mayor’s Suggested Exclusion of Whistleblower, Closed Council Meetings

#walkaway Locked Out & Kept in the Dark: Legal Challenges Loom Over Marion Mayor's Exclusion of Whistleblower, Closed Council Meetings I. Introduction Purpose and Overview: This analysis examines the legality of two specific actions within the context of Marion, Ohio's municipal government: (1) the exclusion of an elected city council

Vulnerabilities and Documented Overreach in Federal and State Firearms Regulation Systems

Introduction to Vulnerabilities and Documented Overreach in Federal and State Firearms Regulation Systems This report examines the legal framework surrounding federal and state firearms regulation in the United States, with a specific focus on identifying potential vulnerabilities and documented instances where government actions may have exceeded legal authority. The analysis

Marion Watch Investigates: RepliesRegarding Serious Allegations and OhioMHAS Visits First Step Recovery, Others

NewsForce247.com and MarionWatch Investigates: As a watchdog for our community, MarionWatch has received disturbing reports concerning addiction treatment facilities in Marion, particularly First Step Recovery. Allegations have surfaced that go beyond operational concerns and into deeply troubling territory, including sexual misconduct, substance use within facilities, questionable practices in drug testing,

Breaking: OhioMHAS Visits Marion Addiction Centers as Concerns Linger; Whistleblower Bravery Highlighted

Following the release of a detailed report outlining significant ethical and legal concerns within addiction recovery frameworks and highlighting specific allegations at First Step Recovery in Marion, Ohio, state officials have reportedly visited local facilities. According to information received by MarionWatch in the last several hours from treatment center administrators,

BEYOND THE BALLOT: MARIONWATCH INVESTIGATES THE SHADOW WAR OF POLITICAL CHARACTER ASSASSINATIONS –

Part I: Robert Landon: Timing, Resources, and Political Motivation in the 2019 Marion City Auditor Election Executive Summary This report examines the circumstances surrounding the criminal charges filed against Robert Landon during his successful 2019 campaign for City Auditor in Marion, Ohio. Landon, a Republican candidate, was charged with misdemeanor

Battlefield Marion Flashback: Politically Motivated Character Assassination a Long Standing Marion Tradition

Please find below a PDF of an article from 2019. With our newest investigation nearing completion after nearly 5 months, we wanted to make this available to anyone who hasn't had a chance to read it. The media mentioned in the article can be found by clicking the URL/hyperlinks. We

With Lives on the Line: Marion not Immune to Nationwide Pattern of Breaches, Standards, and Oversight: Ethical and Legal Complexities in Addiction Recovery

*A Note from the Senior Editors of Marion Watch: With deep concern for our community, we share the following information, compiled over months of careful work. Please know that gathering this was difficult, and there is more that needs to be understood. We believe these sensitive issues must be brought

“Walk Away Ray”: Marion County Prosecutor Faces Public Outcry Over Mishandled Cases

Justice Questioned in Marion County: An Investigation into Prosecutor Ray Grogan's Case Handling Introduction: Scrutiny on the Marion County Prosecutor's OfficeSetting the Scene Marion County, Ohio, a community known for its rich history and as the birthplace of Orville Redenbacher's popcorn, operates within Ohio's established legal framework.1 Central to its

Deadly Merchant Part II: Ohio Connections to Mexican Cartels and International Networks (2014-April 2025)

Executive Summary This report provides an updated analysis of fentanyl trafficking in Ohio from January 2014 to April 2025, expanding on previous investigations to incorporate a more comprehensive timeframe. Key findings reveal a significant and evolving role of Mexican drug cartels, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación

Hometown Hero: Ed McCants – A Marion Champion Building a Stronger Town

Hometown Hero: Ed McCants - A Marion Champion Building a Stronger Town  Marion, Ohio, a city with a storied past and an eye firmly on the future, is currently capturing national attention as a determined contender in the prestigious Strongest Towns contest.  This competition, which recognizes communities demonstrating innovative and

Deadly Merchant: The little known Mexican Cartel-Chinese Connections

Deadly Merchant: The little known Mexican Cartel-Chinese Connections Executive Summary The analysis of available information reveals a strong indication of collaboration between drug cartels, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel, and Chinese actors in the broader fentanyl supply chain. This collaboration manifests in several ways, including the supply of precursor chemicals from

Marion, Ohio: A Community Forged in Crisis Rises as a City Reborn

From Scarce Resources to a Network of Hope: How Marion, Ohio, is Building a Stronger Future by Confronting Addiction and Mental Health Challenges.   A note from the Senior Editors: An Exciting Note from the Original Marion Watch Core Team: We recently had an insightful discussion with Mr. Walker focusing

Walk Away Ray- Expert Level Community Investigative Review of the Wayne E. Sisson III Plea Agreement: Legal Process, Ethical Concerns, and Systemic Implications in Marion County, Ohio

The controversial resolution of serious felony charges against Wayne E. Sisson III has intensified public concerns about justice in Marion County. Felonious assault, strangulation, and domestic violence charges, potentially carrying over eight years in prison, were dismissed. Instead, Sisson pleaded

Look Closer

The Boy Who Cried Wolf : Marion City Council

A contentious Marion City Hall meeting saw a mayoral proposal to limit public access spark citizen protest and council division. The “Can Do” organization faced financial scrutiny, contrasting with strong community support for Leapin’ Ministries. The meeting ended with unresolved

Look Closer
0