U.S. marshals capture Texas fugitive in hotel

        BLUE ASH — U.S. marshals stormed a Kenwood Road hotel room to capture an armed fugitive facing a 99-year sentence in Texas on a sexual assault of a minor conviction.

        Authorities arrested Kevin Michael Shea, 42, about 5 p.m. Friday at the hotel, which they would not name. He was sitting on the bed with a .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a box of ammunition just out of reach and did not put up a fight, officials said.

        Mr. Shea, who was out on bond, fled San Antonio before a jury could reach a verdict on the charges.

        “The trial was in progress when he jumped bond. He was found guilty in absentia and sentenced to 99 years,” said Chris Riley, supervisor with the local U.S. marshals.

        Mr. Riley said Mr. Shea will face federal weapons charges in Ohio.

        Mr. Shea's criminal history dates to 1979, including convictions on armed robbery, escape and various other sexual assault charges, Mr. Riley said.

        U.S. marshals locally were tipped to Mr. Shea's presence in the Tristate by Texas officials but did not why he had chosen to flee here.

Suspect eludes police after bank holdup

        A white male in his 30s held up the PNC Bank at 3 West Fourth St. Friday about 2 p.m. and managed to elude officers who arrived on the scene less than two minutes later.

        The man has a stocky build and is about 5-feet-10-inches tall. He had a short beard and mustache, and was wearing a white baseball cap, white print T-shirt, dark shorts, white socks and gym shoes.

        Police say two potential witnesses were in the bank but did not realize a holdup was taking place and left before police arrived.

        It is the 23rd bank robbery in Cincinnati this year, 17 of which have been solved with arrests. There were 58 bank robberies last year.

        Anyone with information is asked to call Detective William O'Brien or Donald Brichler at 352-3542. They can also call Crime Stoppers at 352-3040.

Inmate alleges contact with Clermont officer

        BATAVIA — A Clermont County corrections officer is on administrative leave with pay after a female inmate alleged he had improper contact and conversation with her.

        The corrections officer has worked for the Clermont County sheriff's office for five years. He has not been identified.

        Clermont County Sheriff A.J. Rodenberg would not go into details of the alleged conduct, but did say it doesn't involve a violent assault or vicious physical attack. The allegation was made and the corrections officer placed on leave within the last week.

        An investigation into the allegation continues.

        “We don't know what we have yet,” the sheriff said. “It may turn out to be something. It may not. We take these things seriously. We're not going to overlook them.”

Smog alert declared through Monday

        A smog alert will be in effect in the Tristate today, Sunday and Monday.

        The alert, declared by the Regional Ozone Coalition, means that children, senior citizens and anyone else with respiratory problems should stay indoors.

        Smog is caused when sunlight forms ozone by reacting with air pollution, making it difficult for lungs to absorb oxygen.

        Individuals can help limit smog in several ways, including: waiting until evening to refuel vehicles or mow lawns; walking, cycling or combining trips; and carpooling or riding the bus.

Acting Springboro city manager named to job

        SPRINGBORO — City Council picked a known quantity for its new city manager this week after sifting through 54 risumis.

        Council unanimously approved a three-year contract for Christine Thompson Thursday.

        She has worked for the city for 13 years, the last six as assistant manager.

        “We felt it was important to open it up and do our due diligence,” Mayor John Agenbroad. “As we went through the candidates, she stood above them.”

        Ms. Thompson had been acting city manager since Wally Douthwaite resigned in May after a controversy over the hiring of a police chief.

        She was one of 54 applicants and one of three finalists.

Revenues rise in Aug. for Ind. riverboats

        INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana's riverboat casinos took in nearly $198 million during the first month of dockside gambling in August, an increase of $25 million, or 14.5 percent, over July when more stringent boarding restrictions were in place.

        The $198 million in adjusted gross revenue - the amount of gambling money casinos made after payouts - was 24 percent higher than the $159 million the 10 casinos took in during August 2001, according to preliminary figures released Friday by the Indiana Gaming Commission.

        Total admissions and wagering taxes last month were about $38.2 million, down from the $50 million the casinos paid to state and local governments in July.

        That was no big surprise since it was just the first month the casinos were subjected to a new, graduated wagering tax the General Assembly established for dockside gambling.

        Under the new graduated system, the first $25 million in annual revenue is taxed at a lower rate of 15 percent. The next $25 million is taxed at 20 percent, and the scale increases, to a maximum of 35 percent for revenue above $150 million.

High court to rule on inmate's bid to live

        COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Supreme Court said Friday that it will hear arguments Sept. 25 on whether condemned inmate Gregory Lott is mentally retarded and should be spared from execution.

        The court postponed Mr. Lott's scheduled Aug. 27 execution for the 1985 murder of John McGrath, who was set on fire in his East Cleveland home.

        The court acted two months after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that executions of mentally retarded are unconstitutionally cruel.

Long-lost soldier buried in Arlington

        ARLINGTON, Va. — A Vietnam War soldier from Ohio missing for 33 years was buried Friday at Arlington National Cemetery.

        About 50 people, including family members and Vietnam veterans, attended the funeral of Chief Warrant Officer Charles Stanley of Cleveland.

        The Army pilot disappeared Feb. 6, 1969, aboard a UH-1H helicopter on an emergency supply mission in Vietnam.

        A horse-drawn carriage brought the coffin to the cemetery. The U.S. Army Band played “America the Beautiful” while a folded flag was presented to his brother, Ron Stanley of Huber Heights in southwest Ohio.

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