Welcome To MarionWatch!
Police State Part I: “Fusion Centers” A Solution or a New Problem for National Security and Civil Liberties
Ever heard of “fusion centers”? These roughly 80 state-run hubs, created post-9/11, are meant to help law enforcement share intelligence. But significant concerns exist regarding their operational secrecy, lack of independent oversight, and “mission creep” into collecting data on everyday
Beyond Mercy: Politically Motivated Attacks, Ed Martin, the “Weaponization” Narrative, and the Future of Presidential Pardons
The appointment of Ed Martin as U.S. Pardon Attorney under President Trump has ignited a firestorm around presidential clemency. Martin’s immediate declaration to review all pardons issued by former President Biden for “lawful authorization” signals a radical departure from the
Marion County Justice Under Fire: VanBibber’s New Ethics Storm & Prosecutor’s Endorsement Raise Systemic Alarms
Local attorney Jack Herchel VanBibber is confronting a new wave of serious misconduct allegations, detailed in a “First Amended Complaint” filed on May 15, 2025, by the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Disciplinary Counsel. This follows a May 7, 2024, two-year
Marion Ethics in Question: Attorney VanBibber Faces Barrage of Charges—Falsehoods, Sexual Misconduct, and Legal Neglect Detailed
Local attorney Jack Herchel VanBibber is facing severe misconduct allegations from the Disciplinary Counsel of the Supreme Court of Ohio. A “First Amended Complaint and Certificate,” filed May 15, 2025, details numerous alleged professional failings, including neglect of client duties,
The Unaccounted: Children Missing from State and Federal Care in the United States
The state of Ohio serves as a relevant example of the types of systemic issues within CPS that can contribute to child instability and, potentially, disappearance from care. Ohio’s child welfare system is administered by county-level Public Children Services Agencies
Epstein’s Shadow Kingdom: Were World Leaders and Global Elites Complicit in a Decade of Horror?
Years after his death, the shadow of Jeffrey Epstein’s predatory network persists, fueled by recent revelations. Attorney General Pamela Bondi’s claim that the FBI is reviewing “tens of thousands of videos of Epstein with children or child porn” involving “hundreds
Ballots & Backrooms: Charges, Accusations Fly in Rural Texas
In early May 2025, Frio County, Texas, became central to the national election integrity debate following felony indictments against six individuals, including the county judge, city council members, a school trustee, and the former elections administrator. Brought by Attorney General
The Watchdog That Watched It Burn: Ignored Warnings, Policy Failures, and the Government’s Hand in the Opioid Catastrophe
Amidst an unrelenting overdose crisis, Congress passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs and mandating stringent minimum sentences. Despite bipartisan support, this move sparked profound concerns. Critics argue its “class-wide scheduling” is overly
Operation Restore Justice: Unveiling the Shadows and the Enduring Fight Against Child Sex Trafficking
Operation Restore Justice resulted in significant outcomes: the arrests of 205 individuals alleged to be child sexual abuse offenders and the rescue of 115 children. Those arrested faced charges for a range of crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession
Taking Back America: Record Fentanyl Seizure Dismantles Major Trafficking Ring with Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Links
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 trafficking organizations
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
Silent Sabotage: Did Marion Insiders Let Financial Problems Fester?
Marion, Ohio continues to face significant, long-standing fiscal challenges rooted in decades of documented financial mismanagement and increasing, often unnoticed, debt since the late 1990s. This extensive report, significantly shaped by the work and input of Marion citizens, details the
A Quick Look: Marion’s Auditor Office: A Decades-Long Disaster Zone (Full Investigation Coming Soon)
The Marion, Ohio, Auditor’s office faces a financial storm, with current Auditor Meginness accused of misappropriating funds and concealing IRS penalties. This follows years of financial mismanagement, including a predecessor’s resignation and issues dating back to 1999. Persistent failures raise
Judge Accuses Border Patrol of Racial Profiling in California Sweep, Limits Border Patrol Actions
On April 29, 2025, Judge Jennifer L. Thurston issued a preliminary injunction in California, limiting U.S. Border Patrol stops and warrantless arrests. The ruling, in United Farm Workers v. Noem, stemmed from a lawsuit alleging targeting during a sweep far
The Price of Neglect: Fines and Closures Reveal Deep Problems in Ohio’s Treatment Industry
MarionWatch, in collaboration with our national allies such as Jennifer Barton’s team and others unequivocally condemns these abhorrent acts, attributing them to individuals who are “oath breakers”. We stand firm in our support for the relentless pursuit and maximum legal
Is Council Listening? Citizens Demand Answers on Leaked Audio, Finances in Heated Confrontation
Ultimately, ensuring council adheres to these principles may require sustained public engagement. Marion Watch encourages residents to attend future meetings – because if we, the people, do not speak up now, our grounds to complain about what happens next are
Operation Tidal Wave: Looking Closer at Florida’s Multi-Agency Immigration Crackdown 700-800 Arrested
A large-scale immigration enforcement operation, dubbed “Operation Tidal Wave,” led to the arrest of nearly 800 undocumented immigrants across Florida in its initial four days. ICE officials hailed the effort as a “massive” and unprecedented collaboration between federal, state, and
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Gardener of Bridgehampton: Faustin Nsabumukunzi and the Echoes of Rwanda’s Genocide
In affluent Bridgehampton, NY, where Faustin Nsabumukunzi was known as a quiet gardener and beekeeper, his April 2025 arrest shocked the community. U.S. charges linked the 65-year-old to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, decades and continents away. His seemingly tranquil life hid
Federal Blitz in Colorado Springs: DEA-Led Raid Nets 114 Immigrants, Military Personnel at Alleged Drug & Gang Hub
Federal authorities raided a suspected underground nightclub in Colorado Springs early Sunday, arresting over 100 undocumented immigrants. Led by the DEA and involving multiple agencies, the operation targeted a hub for alleged drug trafficking, prostitution, and violent crime, reportedly linked
#walkaway Locked Out & Kept in the Dark: Legal Challenges Loom Over Marion Mayor’s Suggested Exclusion of Whistleblower, Closed Council Meetings
This analysis examines the legality of excluding a Marion, Ohio council member from meetings due to whistleblower actions, and closing meetings to discuss related matters. A leaked audio recording features Twila Laing and Mayor Bill Collins discussing Councilman Jason Schaber’s
Vulnerabilities and Documented Overreach in Federal and State Firearms Regulation Systems
When we look at the views of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, we get a better viewpoint regarding a tyrannical government—the type of government the Founding Fathers had just escaped from.
Marion Watch Investigates: RepliesRegarding Serious Allegations and OhioMHAS Visits First Step Recovery, Others
As a watchdog for our community, MarionWatch has received disturbing reports concerning addiction treatment facilities in Marion, particularly First Step Recovery.
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.
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
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
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
“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
Deadly Merchant Part II: Ohio Connections to Mexican Cartels and International Networks (2014-April 2025)
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
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
Deadly Merchant: The little known Mexican Cartel-Chinese Connections
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: