IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, PIKE COUNTY, OHIO. STATE OF OHIO CASE NO. 2019CR68 PLAINTIFF JUDGE COSGROVE vs CHARLES READER SENTENCING DEFENDANT MEMORANDUM Charles Reader, 47 years old, is a lifelong resident of Pike County. He graduated from Waverley High School in 1992, the same year that his parents divorced, Following graduation, he lived on his own and supported himself. He lives with Ramona, his wife of 24 years, and Charles Reader Jr. age 18, a senior in high school. He has been a law enforcement officer for over 24 years. Mr. Reader was appointed Sheriff in 2015 and elected the following year. Counsel will not further retrace the facts set forth in the PSI. During his four years tenure as the Sheriff of Pike County, the department opened investigations into 15 homicides, including the execution style killing of eight members of the Rhoden family in April 2016. These investigations were exclusive of the numerous deaths by overdose and accident. The letters attached to the presentence investigation of his wife, children, and members of the community who have known him for years, record the fact that the obligations of the office consumed him, During this period, he suffered an accelerating deterioration in his mental and physical health. In the words of his wife: “In the process of all this (his tenure as Sherif), | feel that my husband's career has changed him in a negative way. He relives most of his experiences on a daily basis. | have researched his diagnosis and try my best to understand why he does the things that he does but it this has put a huge strain on our family. | myself have seen my husband tum into a totally different person. The man who always put his family first has withdrawn himself from us. On most occasions, we have to go but of tovnt fo-ayP_ husband to feel like he can let his guard down enough to enjoy MO MMAPN Boa yrOURT MAR 1 6 2021 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLERKanything to have my husband back, At the very least, for him to find a way to have peace.” His mother, Brenda Reader Erb, witnessed a downward spiral accelerated with the Rhoden homicides in April 2016 and the death threats made against the Sheriff and his family: “Ihave seen my son put 200% of his being into being the people Sheriff and protecting and serving them better than any law enforcement we have ever had in Pike County. But at the same time, | could tell my son was suffering from posttraumatic stress. He wound up in the hospital several times. | don't really know how many, sometimes | didn’t know until later and then the doctor would put them on more medication, and we worried sick that was too much or not the right combination. He had so many different Jobs he had to do all at one time to try to deal with his employees his deputies the families of the murder victims the press it was overwhelming. We could see that it was becoming too much of a burden for him to bare(sic) but yet he was trying his best to hold it all together... We could see that we were losing Charlie the way he always was. He wasn't smiling and laughing and being his self anymore he was so stressed out you couldn't even talk to him he would just start freaking out because his phone was about to blow up from all the phone calls and all the messages he was determined that he « would find the murderers who massacred that family if it took everything that he had to do it after the arrest was made and even before the commissioners cut back his funds make it almost impossible to run his office. He had to lay people off which upset so many and then he not only had to work the office during the day he worked the night shift as a deputy himself going completely without rest sleep even eating most of the time no time with his wife and his children in no time with his mother or his brothers and sisters. The stress we've all suffered has been overwhelming | for one have nearly had a nervous breakdown and on medication myself. | also had shootings next to my house on each anniversary of the murderers six shots were fired and I had to call the local sheriff. There are six in our family also | have lived with the fear of the knock on the door that would tell me that he had been killed by someone as | know his life is been threatened many times and so has his family.” In addition to the letters which accompany the PSI, counsel has received dozens of letters of support addressed to the court, some of which are placed in the attached appendix. The people who wrote these letters share the opinion that Sheriff Reader did many good things for the citizens of Pike County and made Pike County a safer place to COMMON PLEAS COURT MAR 1 6 2021 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLERKlive, Below are representative excerpts from letters contained in the appendix and located sequentially at the beginning of the collection for convenient reference: From Rev. George M. Whitley : “Charlie has made mistakes. Who hasn't? But | believe the good he has done in Pike Co, should be considered. Crime, | believe was at an all-time low because the criminals knew Charlie was going to get them if they did their deeds in Pike County. He and his deputies had the respect of law-abiding citizens. That hasn't happened in years. He worked countless hours during the Rhoden investigation. I can't imagine what he saw or has to live with. 1am a pastor and had several talks with Charlie over the past couple of years. | know things have taken a toll on his life and health. In my opinion it would not serve justice for him to go to prison.” From Rev. Catherine Elliott, former teacher “Charlie was then, and | believe him to be to this day, a man of integrity and faith. He put his heart and soul into his duties for Pike County, just as he put his heart and soul and everything he did as a youth. Whether in the choir room or on the Basketball Ct, Charlie was someone to count on. | believe that he tried to be a good and true servant for his community. His objective was to protect and serve..... At this point, Charlie has realized that he will not be able to return to serving his community. Stress has taken a toll on his physical body. | understand he has undergone heart surgery. As you consider appropriate sentencing, | implore Your Honor to take all this into consideration and ask what purpose would be served by Charlie serving jail time. | hope and pray that decisions will be made with compassion. This is a good man from a good and hard- working family.” From Connie Yeager “When he ran for Pike County Sheriff, | voted for him in at election time. And if he was able to run again, | would still vote for him. He did more for our county than any other sheriff in my lifetime. He cared about cleaning up the drugs and helping young people get on the right path. He worked tirelessly in the office and on the road to catch those doing wrong. He was on the job when a family was murdered in the westem part of the county. Long sleepless hours took its toll on him. When my husband died, he told me they were moving into my area and if! had any problem to call him day or night. That made me feel more secure since ! was alone. | knew Charlie would be there if ! needed him....Charlie was a "hands-on Sheriff’ and tried to improve and protect people of Pike County. When | heard he was in trouble for ‘suspected wrongdoing, | couldn't believe it. | am sure he is not perfect and perhaps has done some undesirable things, but | still rust him. There is more good in this iiak Ban bad. He has a good heart.” ‘COMMON PLEAS COURT MAR 1 6 2021 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLERKFrom Ron Chandler “t have only known Charlie Reader for about nine years, but | could see how much he loved this his county. He tried to do what he could daily to stop drugs from coming into Pike County and hurting children, individuals and destroying families. Charlie worked countless hours and | respected him for the job he did... He did not hide in an office, he was out trying to keep the peace, find stolen items, or help whoever he could.” From Mistti Osborn, a friend for 30 years: “Frespect the fact, that Charlie has chosen to plead guilty to the charges he was facing. I would however, like fo offer you a glimpse of the man | know and admire... Not many people vould go out of the way to look after their friends and loved ones the way Charlie does. There is not enough time, in this lifetime, to repay his friendship. He was always my hero, from the time | was 16 years old, and he will forever and always be my hero, his compassion, determination, and his love for his family friends and neighbors in his community will forever make him a hero in my eyes... J would like to ask you, to please take all this into consideration when you make your sentencing determination. | ask that you please consider sentencing Charlie to community control. | know for me, and my family, it would mean the world to know, he is still out and available to us should the time arise or the need. From Carl Wolf, former coach, teacher, and athletic director for 51 years “t realize the difficulty in attempting to review an individual by submission of letters like this one. However, it needs to be emphasized that you will not regret giving a positive analysis for a man of this caliber. He has suffered greatly from the ordeal and the personal anguish he is already endured should be enough. He has so much to offer our society and it is time fo proceed with a productive life again. | appreciate you taking the time to read this letter and giving Charlie Reader a chance to prove himself worthy of your kindness.” From Rev. Roger L Steppe: “I have observed Charlie's career in law enforcement, especially after the former sheriff resigned abruptly and Charlie was asked to assume the role of sheriff under difficult conditions. He handled his new responsibility with the same professionalism as he has always exhibited. His family and friends are very proud of how he has conducted himself through some very unique and challenging situations, as you are well aware of. 1 think the main reason Charlie is well respected and loved by so many citizens of Pike County and other professional law enforcement officials is that he truly cares about those he serves... Reh STS Cesc oP eT WAR 1 6 2021 In my opinion, the great injustice of the whole scenario is that a his best to a community to serve and protect has his career cut| JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKi INVPike County are without their duly elected sheriff who they love and respect... Sheriff Charlie Reader should still be serving his community. Our country needs more young ‘men like Charlie Reader serving in law enforcement...” Douglas Keechle, Paramedic/EMT: “.. !would like to inform you of the character of Charlie Reader. This man when he was sheriff of Pike County was more involved than any other sheriff of this county with what was going on in the villages and back roads of this county than any other sheriff before him. Thave been a paramedic in this county for approximately 15 years and no other sheriff before him has been on any of my EMS or fire scenes to personally make sure that everyone is safe, and their needs are met. ‘Mr. Reader has put in more time on the roads in this county than any previous sheriff. 1 have personally witnessed this with my own eyes. This man has gone above and beyond what was required of them as sheriff." Many letters of support of the same tenor are contained in the Appendix. The authors express appreciation for the work Charles Reader did as sheriff, regret that he can no longer serve as a law enforcement officer, and hope that he will not be imprisoned. Many of the letters were written prior to an earlier scheduled sentencing date and addressed to Judge Martin. All were composed after Charles Reader pled guilty. Counsel has edited the above quoted correspondences, excising the numerous anecdotes of Charles Reader's acts of kindness and concern upon which the authors base their opinions of his character. These are available for review in the full texts contained in the appendix. Sheriff Reader has his detractors in Pike County, the most prominent being the present Chairman of the County Commissioners, Mr. Tony Montgomery. Prior to December 2017, Mr. Montgomery suggested during a commissioner's meeting that “it’s cheap to pay someone to kill the sheriff of the county if the goi Mr. Montgomery and his father Skid had been interviewed sev} CMR GRCOURT MAR 1 6 2021 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLERKRhoden murder investigation. In July 2017, deputies of the Pike County Sheriff's Department interviewed a Mr. Chris Madden who confirmed efforts made to employ him to “take care of” Deputy Jason Savage, investigator Brian Reader, and his brother, Sheriff Charles Reader. SYNOPSIS OF FELONY CHARGES BEFORE THE COURT FOR SENTENCING ‘The gravamen of the two felony charges of theft in office to which Charles Reader has pled guilty is that sometime between June 22, 2017 and December 20, 2018, he opened two evidence envelopes containing money seized as the proceeds of drug trafficking and removed currency with a value more than $1000.00, but less than $7500.00 from each. He then replaced the removed currency with other monies in the same amounts as taken. The June 22, 2017 seizure concemed currency found in the possession of April Smith and immediate family members of Richie Smith who as an inmate in the Southern Ohio Correctional facility at Lucasville supervised an active drug trafficking network, The July 22, 2017 seizure was from a Mr. John Strong as suspected proceeds from drug trafficking. The gravamen of the two felony charges of tampering with evidence, Counts Four and Five, is Sheriff Reader's presentation on December 20, 2018 of two previously ‘opened evidence envelopes containing replaced monies to state auditor investigators. At the time of this delivery, the envelopes in question were in a condition that made it immediately apparent they had been opened at an earlier point in time. These envelopes were included in the simultaneous delivery of twelve other evidence envelopes, including those supporting Counts Two and Three, as well as associated materials, including thumb drives containing videos of the counting of seized mire p) ‘COMMON PLEAS COURT MAR 1 6 2021 6 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLERKThe envelopes in question were supposed to contain suspected drug proceeds seized from Mr. Raymond Willis on September 19, 2017, and monies seized from Mr. Brian Woodruff on March 9, 2018. The envelopes did contain the exact amounts of the initial recorded counts but in different denominations or with new bills substituted for old, The indictment against April Smith for trafficking in heroin as a third-degree felony, tampering with evidence, and possession of heroin was dismissed for lack of a speedy trial. The indictment against John Strong for tampering with evidence and weapons under disability was dismissed without prejudice and has not been refiled. The indictment against Raymond Willis for trafficking in heroin as a third-degree felony and obstruction of official business as a fifth-degree felony was dismissed for lack of speedy trial. Brian Woodruff was indicted for aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a second-degree felony and aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine. He pled to aggregate related possession as fifth degree and the court ordered that the money seized from him be returned. There is no evidence that the order to return the Sheriffs. money was ever communicated to the Sheriff's Department. There is no record of Mr. Woodruff seeking such return. The Sheriff's Department retained lawful custody of all ‘the monies related to Charles Reader's four felony charges until same were presented and then surrendered to the state auditor's office under court order on December 20, 2018. Counsel relates the disposition of these four cases as an indication of the milieu in which Sheriff Reader made a concerted and often futile effort t discharge WEE COMMON PLEAS COURT] MAR 16 2021 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLE}responsibilities of his office. During the same year that the state auditor's office began its investigation of the anonymous’ tip that Sheriff Reader had a gambling problem and Was misusing his office to gain funds for it, the Ohio Auditor reported that the Pike County Convention and Visitors Bureau had undocumented expenses of over $85,000. The Auditor presented the results of the investigation to the Pike County Prosecutor. No criminal charges were filed. Instances of misfeasance and malfeasance were and remain rampant in Pike County. Few are investigated, and fewer still are prosecuted. Based on the scope of knowledge contained in the “anonymous” tip, Charles Reader was targeted by a member, or recently suspended membef of his own department. These matters are not raised to excuse his conduct, but to provide a point for calibrating the good that he did for his community in relation to the damage that his conduct has inflicted upon it. SENTENCING FACTORS Purposes of felony sentencing are threefold: to protect the public from future crime by the offender and others, to punish the offender, and to promote rehabilitation of the offender using the minimum sanctions necessary to accomplish these purposes, 2929. 11(A). in exercise of the broad discretion that falls within the stated purposes, the 'egislature has directed the court to consider the factors outlined in 2929.12 (B) (C) (D). (8) (1} requires the identification of a victim. In this case the persons most directly affected by Charlie Reader's criminal conduct or the citizens of Pike County. Itis clear from the letters that have been submitted on behalf of Mr. Reader that a substantial swath of the county's population is aggrieved that he can no longer be a law enforcement officer and felt safer when he was in office. FILED COMMON PLEAS COURT, MAR 1 6 2021 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLERK _|(B) (2) again requires the identification of a victim. It would be difficult to identify physical and psychological harm on the part of the “public”. The economic harm in this situation is minimal and solely related to the misdemeanor offense. It could be argued that the expense of investigation is a form of “economic harm” but the Ohio Supreme Court has declined to include the state of Ohio or its political subdivisions within the definition of “victim” as that term is used in the Ohio Constitution, article 1, Sec 10a. (8) (3}, (4) and (6) apply to the four felony counts. (8) (6) applies if the victim is identified as the public, but this relationship seems ‘subsumed in the three preceding factors. (8) (7), (8), and (9) do not apply. Sheriff Reader acted on his own and without prejudice based on race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or religion. (C) (1) and (2) do not apply unless “strong provocation” includes extreme posttraumatic stress. (C) (8) does apply. Sheriff Reader did not cause or expect to cause physical harm to any person or property. (C) (4) speaks in terms of substantial grounds to mitigate the conduct. This is likely a point of contention between the state and the defense. From the defense perspective Sheriff Reader paid substantial psychological and physical costs in attempting to discharge the responsibilities of his office. He was unable to compartmentalize his life during his tenure in office. His work consumed him and left him in a precarious mental state, (See Summary of Stephanie Craft, Ex.1; Progress Notes, Dr. Stiltner, Ex B). ‘Subsection (D) focuses on factors that bear upon the risk of recidivism. None of these factors apply to Sheriff Reader. He has led a law-abiding {i terized by COMMON PLEAS COURT MAR 1 6 2021 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLERKacts of generosity and kindness towards friends and strangers alike. There is no indication that he is ever abused alcohol or drugs. His life has been devastated. He has suffered and will continue to suffer public humiliation. He is permanently deprived of the only career he aspired to in his adult life. All the factors set forth in (E) do apply. 2929.13 provides guidance by degree of felony. The court has the discretion to sentence Charles Reader to a term of imprisonment for the fourth-degree felony offenses of theft in office. 2929.13 (B) (1) (b) (vil). If the court were to sentence Charles, Reader to prison for the third-degree felony tampering with evidence charges, the court must comply the purposes and principles of sentencing under section 2929.11 of the Revised Code and section 2929.12 of the Revised Code. (2929.13 (C). DECLINE OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH Healthcare professionals have confirmed the observation of the personal acquaintances of Sheriff Reader who have known him through the years he was Sheriff: that the job took a toll on his physical and mental health. Dr. Stiltner, who has treated him since 2013, records in August 2019: “..He had then gotten elected as the County Sheriff this led to him having some significantly increased stressors which he handled well until the large murder case that happened in the County that he dealt with. This is the point in time when as his physician | saw a significant change in not only his physical but his mental health. We had much more frequent visits and Mr. Reader expressed that he was having trouble with sleeping and not sleeping at all due to paranoia about threats that had been made against him and his family. He also had significant flashbacks to the crime scene that Jed to him having night terrors. All of this had led to Mr. Reader not being able to focus well on his job and we tried to help him with medication for the anxiety and that attention deficit due to these increased events. He also had more uncontrollable blood pressure at the time and has since had to be sent fo for mental health evaluation and counseling that has been significant, Mr. Reader is currently facing a new set of challenges that are significantly affecting his ability to work and therefore is not curretiy employment as Sheriff. This has led Mr. Reader to have to contingeywith oR bse MAR 1 6 2021 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLERKhe has clearly been traumatized by the events that have taken place during his career as a police officer.” Stephanie Craft LISW-S undertook the counseling referenced in Dr. Stitner's progress note. She has been counseling Charles Reader since March 2019. In her December 31, 2020 correspondence, Ex A, she provides the following diagnosis: “His work-related diagnoses are as follows: acute stress disorder — F 43.0; anxiety — F 41.9; depressed mood — F 32.9; and PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) ~ F 43.10. Charlie's symptoms, include, but are not limited to, the following recurrent involuntary and intrusive distressing memories of traumatic work-related events; recurrent distressing dreams; dissociative reactions; psychological distress at exposure to internal and external cues that symbolize or resemble the traumatic event; efforts to avoid external stimuli/reminders of traumatic events; persistent negative emotional state; markedly diminished interest/participation in significant activities; feelings of detachment from others; problems with concentration/focus; sleep disturbance; appetite disturbance. These mentioned are trauma related symptoms specifically. In addition to the above Charlie also experiences symptoms consistent with anxiety (panic attacks) and depression..." Ex A. Sheriff Reader drove himseif hard and encountered situations that he was unable to manage and maintain his own physical and mental health. The wheels came off. It is difficult to conceive of how putting him in prison will protect the public from future harm or in any way work to rehabilitate a person who devoted himself to public service to the point of self-destruction. The question becomes one of what further should be meted out to vindicate the interest of the state of Ohio. 45 West Fourth Street Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 740-775-5312 Fax 740-775-6: boulgerlaw@hprizonviewsnbt E D COMMON PLEAS, COURT YAR 1 6 2021 cry JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE Calin ienePROOF OF SERVICE A copy of the foregoing was served upon Robert F Smith, Special Prosecutor, 88 E. Broad St, Columbus, Ohio 43215, by FAX on this 12 day of March 2020. ies T. Bolliger ttomey for Defendant FILED COMMON PLEAS COURT: MAR 1 6 2021 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER a PIKE COUNTY CLERKJackson HS00 St. 99 Jackson, Ot 0405 aaa? 18004708135 ee December34, 2020" 130 Wayne Frye Ds Manchester, On 4 (937)-54971290 Five i 144 On behatt of tae. 2029. His work related diagnoses Ft:9: Depressed Mood =F32,9, {have née treating him ti my offi since Narch of are follow: Acute tress Disorder = 43.0; y= Charters sy 0 F928 nd PTS0 post raul ses corel F420, varlie’s ‘ors, Include, but are not limited.to, the recurrént, involuiitai end erase ae limited, te foiowtng: ecurén, ivalutdey sing memories of trauriatic Work related evris;recutent Istressing dreams; dissociative rene Charlie Reader Piketon 777 US. Re. 23 Pikéton, OH 45661, (740) 289-3508 : tiv reactions psjehologial cites at ezpasu to inter 1-866-470-8129 ead external cues that symbolize or fdcembie the traumatic avert; effort to avoid ‘tishoumn nan uleerindersof traumatic evens; porsient negathe arelcnal 623 Brosdway Stet { Portsiotth, OF 45662 (749) 961-4011 2 :felngs of foblems with concentraton/focus sleep distufbence, - [These mentioned are traumé related symptoms specifically n addition 6 the above, : | ‘Waverly View drive {Charlie aso experiérices symptoms consistent with anwiéty (panic attacks) and 7 << dawn oe [cePression. AS the legal proceedings in his case have continued to be put on hold ar Bed a9) 940.7728, ; le has experiericed an increase in inost of his symptoms, as his seep ie d linferrupted from hightiares and/or Testlessness, and he experiences a continual weight’ i airlt dié to the unkndwh Gurcomes of te fire; as well as an unknown date for BB fiir this oi everibe determined ational, the fn stress and strain placed see Poh Charla he dos not have a curcnt Ineo’ and hs. fe ve [iteinent/pensioiyaisabiity continues tebe! urresolved, ads i cbahhe boas Sadi ono symptoms, eae fy ageea edation for origoing treatin it fave foutine vit every 33 weeks theo y i duly to lg as gece should sjinptofisworsénigr charg. tis the hope << | | i 229 valgy Viet Brie, OEE tal rece a eli his ecemant/penon/atbiy, requesticatiba. “Waverly, OH 4569 NeeLUe Ven) neat fivure.t6-avotd frther complicating Chatlie's already (740) 947-3133 ‘ompronisednehaipechi i, 1-866-267-0834 cafe {sinotewarttiy-to mention that this patient fad no, sey pelerarti rs hitrgatéaumentaltines prior tohisareeriniaw,, BEG developed and then further tensed the isk 2 Billing Questios ‘941 Market Street Piketdh, OH 4566: (740) 289-2371 1-866-820-1185 FILED COMMON PLEAS COURT war 16 2021 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER & 8 g Bi z g = 2 &: ‘ ExB Page | of 4 Progress Notes Patient: Reader, Charles Z Eeeent ianee aoeee Provider: Sean Stiltner DO DOB: 03/03/1974 Age: 45Y Sex: Male Date: 08/07/2019 Phone: 740-222-2928 Address: 2101 PENNINGTON RD, WAVERLY, OH-45690-9422 Subjective: Chief Complaints: 4. Paperwork. Previous Screenings: ‘Mammogram: No N/A PAP: No... N/A Colonoscopy: No Diabetic Eye Exam PCMH Annual Assessment: Family/Social/Cuttural characteristics Family support Yes Social-support Yes ‘Communication needs Hearing/Vision No Cognition issues No Behaviors affecting health Oral heaith/Dental care needs No Social Functioning Social anxiety No Dectining cognition No Concerns with ADL's No Eollow Up: Follow up Patient presents to follow up. Patient presents to the office to follow up. Since his last visit he has had a ‘change in his employment status. He Is still haivng some significnat issues due to his mental health. he has ‘continued to follow with mental Health since las visit and is going there on a fairly regular basis. I am discussing with Mr. Reader that I have been his Doctor since about 2013, when I first started seeing him it was due to a syncopal episode and he had a slightly elevated blood pressure at that time. I would see him back then on a more as needed basis. As time progressed he had changed his work status to where he was working in a prosecuters office, I started to see him more frequently as his hypertension became more uncontrolled and he began to pick up ‘more bad habits with his smoking and poor diet. This lead to him haveing more frequent health problems and we continued to try to manage those. He had then gotten elected as the County Sherriff this lead to him having some significantly increased stressors Which he handled well until the large murder case that happened in the county that he deatt with. This is the point in time When as his physician I seen a significant change in not only his physical but his mental health. We had much more frequent visits and Mr. Reader expressed that he was having trouble with sleeping and not sleeping at all due to paranoia about threats that had been made against him and his family, He also had significnat flashbacks to the crimeseen that lead to him having night terrors. All of this had lead to Mr. reader not being able to focus well on his fob and we tried to help him with medication for the anxiety and that attention deficiet due to these increased events. He also had more uncontrolled blood pressures at the time and has since had to be sent for mental health evaluation and counselling that hes been significant. Mr. Reader is currently facing a new set of challanges that are significantly affecting his ability to work and therefore Is not currently active in his employment as Sheriff. This has led Mr. Reader to have to continue with counselling but he thas clearly been traumatized by the events that have taken place during his career as a peace officer. FILED COMMON PLEAS COURT | MAR 1 6 2021 Pp BREWSTER Jus TIN SUNTY. CLERK, Ros: ‘AlL Other Systems: : Review of Systems (ROS) All others negative except those mentioned in HPT. General/Constitutional: ‘Change in appetite denies. Chills denies. Fatigue denies. Fever denies, Weight gain denies. WeightA ppendtry Letters 0 f Supp eT : the opecble Tiel Sy ZL woul hike AT This Time 73 tome Fé you OA behalf of forme SheriFF Charhe Kercler TZ persewally Would Like To ASK For hentency AT his Sewrencing easing. Chari has macle nustakes, Who Haswt. But believe The govel He has lene im fike Co. Shoulol b Considered. Crime, = beleve was aFAN All Time Lee because The erimuals Kuew Charlie was Gorng Ta er Them (€ The oli! Thee ceeds yu Ke Co. Hert his Depities hacl the Respect of haw Abling Crees, That hasw't_happeweat in years, He worked Coumthess howes n Testa, A aut imagine WAR he sad of has had 7% Live turth Dam A Pas Tee anol have hacl Several TAIKS ith Chaele over The PasT Couple of yeaes. TF Kyou) Tung s_Mwe Taken a 7el/ ow his hike + Heatth = my opin £7 would wot serve Taste Fok him Fo go 2 Prisid. we hoth Kus) An oFFicee »@ PriswaA 1S MARKee munity Seeuice 1S What ASK oF yourE heave Thus. Le gone. hasds awel ask you cowsiclen his Seguice [Anch way ReguesT. eset ‘wll uUkS Tre, fj Pas 708 oF Me Chunerl COMMON MAR 1 6 2021 TER, “PIKE COUNTY CLERKREV. KATHRYN ELLIOTT October 23, 2020 ‘To Whom it May Concern: 1 am writing this letter in support of Charlie Reader, and to ask the court to deal with his case compassionately ‘and fairly. Although I have not seen Charlie for many years, I have remained in contact with him and his fam- ily through the years. I was Charlie’s vocal music teacher when he was a student at Eastern Local Schools in |Beaver, Ohio. Many years ago, yes, but he was the kind of student — “one-of-a-kind” — that you do not eas- ily forget. Charlie was then, and I believe him to be to this day, a man of integrity and faith. He put his heart and soul into his duties for Pike county, just as he put his heart and soul into everything he did as a youth. Whether in the choir room or on the basketball court, Charlie was someone to count on. I believe that he tried to be a good and true servant for his community. His objective was to protect and serve. It is my understanding that he developed a gambling addiction, possibly in conjunction with PTSD, that caused, him to lose focus of that objective, and make unfortunate choices for self and family. As a pastor, L have dealt [often with people who have succumbed to one addiction or another. In my opinion, the best and only way to address addiction is through the highly successful 12-Step programs. Punishing an addict for their addiction can often make matters worse. Yes, they need to take responsibility for the wrongs they have committed, but it is best achieved with an understanding of the addiction as am illness that cannot be “cured”, but can be managed” through regular participation in a group such as Gambler's Anonymous. At this point, Charlie has realized that he will not be able to return to serving his community. ‘The stress has taken a toll on his physical body as I understand he has just undergone heart surgery. As you consider appro- priate sentencing, I implore Your Honor to take all this into consideration, and ask what purpose would be served by Charlie serving jail time. 1 hope and pray that decisions will be made with compassion. This is a good man from a good and hard-working family. FILED Sincerely, COMMON PLEAS COURT! Po Nitheay Elliot oe f JUSTIN P. BREWSTER Rev. Kathryn Elliott PIRI TERK NOTARY PUBLIC Jest County Roa 100 South SI Genesis PUTNAM COUNT, STATE OF INDIANA (COMMISSION NO. NPO720106 MY COMMISSION EXPIRES MAY 05, 2027 ca 7655774452 atten ot & ENwot Sign thacboe ten Eliar bang dub Vevitetd, oy groper identification. Monin Rowier,November 17, 2020 ‘When my daughter was in high school, there was another student there named Charlie Reader. From that time on, I knew Charlie. He grew into a fine young man with a respectable wife and family. I would see Charlie from time to time. My husband and I took our concealed carry class from him, He was very thorough and informative. When he ran for Pike County Sheriff, I voted for him at election time, And if he was able to run again, I would still vote for him. He did more for our County than any other Sheriff in my lifetime. He cared about cleaning up the drugs and helping young people get on the right path. He worked tirelessly in the office and on the road to catch those doing wrong. He was on the job when a family was murdered in the western part of the county. Long sleepless hours took its toll on him. When my husband died, he told me they were moving into my area and if] had any problem to call him day or night. That made me feel more secure since I was alone. I knew Charlie would be there if I needed him. One night my daughter had stayed very late at my house and we were outside as she was leaving. A truck slowly came up my driveway. It was well after midnight and Charlie Reader noticed something unusual was happening at my house as the garage door was open, outside lights on and a strange car in my drive. Charlie drove passed my house then turned around and came back to check on me. He had never met my oldest daughter and did not know who was there. He talked briefly to let me give him an indication if I was unsafe or having a problem. I introduced hhim to my daughter and he smiled and explained he had gone to Walmart to get some medicine for his sick daughter. He said his goodbyes and went on home. It was a comfort knowing Charlie cared about my safety and took his time to check on me. Charlie was a "hands on sheriff" and tried to improve and protect the people of Pike County. ‘When I heard he was in trouble for suspected wrong doing, I couldn't believe it. I am sure he is not perfect and perhaps has done some undesirable things, but I still trust him. There is more ‘00d in this man than bad. He has a good heart. Sincerely, FILED sincerely, GOMMON PLEAS COURT pa page aR 16 2021 rin P. BREWSTER Connie Yeager wee COUNTY CLER!November 2020 J have only known of Charlie Reader for about 9 years, but | could see how much he loved his county. He tried to do what he could daily to stop drugs from coming into Pike County and hurting children, individuals and destroying families. Ihave never seen so much activity in any other county by a sheriff. |! don't know when that man had time to rest. His deputies were active and you could see sheriff cars on the road, as a warming to people looking to do wrong. Pike County is a large county, but when | was out on the county roads, | frequently saw someone from the sheriff's office out doing their jobs. Under Charlie's leadership, they covered a large area, Charlie worked countless hours and | respected him for the job he did. He was active and available at fairs, festivals and county activities. He did not hide in an office, he ‘was out trying to keep the peace, find stolen items, or help whoever he could. Yours truly, Kot barlle- Ron Chandler FILED. COMMON PLEAS COURT MAR 1 6 2021 JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLERKTo the honorable Judge Martin, My name is Mistti Osborn, and | have known Charlie reader for over 30 years. In all that time, he has always been, one of my best friends and one of my favorite people ever. | respect the fact, that Charlie has chosen to plead guilty to the charges he was facing. | would, however, ike to ofier you a glimpse, of the man ! know and admire, in August of 1992, | found out | was pregnant with my first child, and just a few short weeks later | lost that baby, the baby that | had been praying for. | was unable to mourn this horrific loss at home, because my husband at the time could not Understand how you could mourn someone you'd never met. So | mourned in my car, on the way to ‘work, just two short days later and I was crying at work, when Charlie stopped in to grab some dinner. He took one look at me, and asked what he could do. He sat in my office with me, for an hour or more and let me, just let it all out, He just sat and listened and hugged me when | cried, that's the kind of friend he is. Then again, more recently, when me and my family moved into a new home, in a new area, and my husband worked overnights, a stranger from the neighborhood was terrorizing me and my kids at night, while my husband worked. Charlie reached out to me, and told me, he wanted me to attend his next conceal carry class. He hated that we were afraid, and that I didn't know my rights, in order to protect us. The man would come, at all hours of the night, and try to get me to come outside with him. He would try the doors, to see if they were locked, then bang on them as hard and as loud as he could, ‘causing me to be afraid to be in my own home. I went and | took Charlie's class, where he made sure to not only teach me tne law surrounding my specific issue, but most importantly that | could not take any previous encounters with the stranger into account, to determine the use of the gun .. had to be in fear for our lives in that very moment. He even went so far, as to use a night mimicking shield on me, during ‘my shooting portion, so that he could determine, if | would be able, to hit the target in the dark, if the need arose. He gaye me back, the courage and knowledge, that | thought I'd lost, due to the constant fear we lived in. By-the time I left there, | knew | could protect my children And myself, i | had to. Not many people would go out of the way to look after their friends and loved ones the way Charlie does. There is not enough time, in this lifetime, to repay his friendship . He was always my hero, from the time | was 16 years old, and he will forever and always be my hero, His compassion, determination, and his love for his family, friends, neighbors, and his community, will forever make him a hero in my eyes. | would lke to thank you, for taking the time to learn more about Charlie, In my eyes, fram my point of view, so that you can see the type of person | believe him to be. | would like to ask you, to please take all this, into consideration when you make your sentencing determination. | ask that you, please consider sentencing Charlie to community control. I know for me, and my family, it would mean the world to know, he is still out and available to us should the time arise or the need. | thank you, my family thanks you, and I'm sure his family thanks you, as well for your consideration. Sincerely, Mistti Osborn FILED > | COMMON PLEAS COURT, 913 S. Hinde St. MAR 16 2021 ‘Washington GH.,Oh misttiosborn@yahao.com JUSTIN P. BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLERKCarl Wolfe 2853 Nova Way Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 ‘Novermber 2, 2020 Dear Judge Martin: My name is Carl Wolfe and I was the boys varsity basketball coach at Waverly High School for four years. | was a teacher, coach and athletic director for fifty-one years in Southeastem Ohio. It isa pleasure for me to write this letter for Chalie Reader. Charlie was a student athlete at Waverly High School. He was a member of the boys basketball team. He was a calm achiever who always worked well with a variety of people in the academic and athletic programs. He was never a problem to those in authority over him, He was an asset to his team and community. I wish to give him my highest personal character reference. I realize the difficulty in attempting to review an individual by submission of letters like this one. However, it needs to be emphasized that you will not regret giving a positive analysis for a man of this caliber. He has suffered greatly from the ordeal and the personal anguish he has already ‘endured should be enough. He has so much to offer our society and it is time to proceed with a productive life again, I appreciate you taking the time to read this letter and giving Charlie Reader a chance to prove himself worthy of your kindness. Sincerely, Cashih4f Carl Wolfe FILED COMMON PLEAS COURT MAR 1 6 2021 JUSTIN P, BREWSTER PIKE COUNTY CLERKHonorable Judge Martin: Greetings your honor. My name is Roger Steppe and I'm writing in support of Sheriff Charlie Reader. I've known the Reader family for many years, Charlie's mother Brenda and I graduated from Piketon High School the same year. We also publish Marietta Neighbors Magazine in Marietta Ohio. Charlie's father, Blaise Reader and I roomed together before Blaise ‘went into the Marine Corps. Brenda was the Valedictorian of our senior class. Thave observed Charlie's career in law enforcement, especially after the former sheriff resigned abruptly and Charlie was asked to assume the role of sheriff under difficult conditions. He handled his new responsibility with the same professionalism as he has always exhibited, His family and friends are very proud of how he has conducted himself through some very unique and challenging situations, as you are well aware of. I think the main reason Charlie is well respected and loved by so many citizens of Pike county and other professional law enforcement officials is that he truly cares about those he serves. T would like to tell you about a couple of cases that support my opinion, The first is about a young man Charlie had to arrest and who was sentenced to prison. After his release he and his family personally thanked Charlie for saving his life and helping him get his life back. The second case is about a suspect who pulled out a gun as Sheriff Reader was struggling with the suspect. When the suspect tried to pull the trigger, Charlie inserted his thumb in front of the hammer which kept the weapon from being discharged. Lesser men would have used deadly force in this situation. Charlie even in the stress of the moment kept his composure. In my opinion, the great injustice of the whole scenario is that a young man who gave his best to a community to serve and protect has his career cut short and the citizens of Pike county are without their duly elected sheriff who they love and respect. In closing your honor, I'm reminded of the most righteous man who ever walked on this, earth because of jealousy, envy and political maneuvering had his life cut short, Sheriff Charlie Reader should still be serving his community. Our country needs more young men like Charlie Reader serving in law enforcement. My prayers are with you Sir, as you prayerfully endeavor to minister justice, Sincerely, Rev. Roger L. Steppe Publisher, Marietta Neighbors Magazine LLC Rev. fo x SK FILED COMMON PLEAS COURT Mar 1.6 2021 TIN P. BREWSTER wee COUNTY CLERKDouglas Keechle EMTP,FF 54 Carl Penn rd Waverly OH 45690 (740)222-3593 November 26, 2020 Dear Judge Martin, My name is Douglas Keechle, I am a paramedic, Fire Fighter and [ would like to inform you of the character of Charlie Reader. This man when he was sheriff of pike county was more involved then any other sheriff of this county with what was going on in the villages and back roads of this county then any other sheriff before him. I've been a paramedic in this county for approx {Surs.and no other sheriff before him has been on any of my ems or fire scenes to personally make sure that everyone is safe and their needs are met. Mr reader has put in more time on the roads in this county then any previous sheriff. 1 have personally witnessed this with my own eyes. This man has gone above and beyond what was required of him as Sherrif. He has spent many hours on crash scenes and over dose scenes to render aid and to comfort victims families. He has a good heart,and | believe that he truly loves this county Sincerely yours, Wyle Douglas Keechle EMTP.FF FILED COMMON PLEAS COURT aa od © MAR 2 6 202° JUSTIN P. BREWSTER wee ” “L_PIKE COUNTY CLERKJu Ige Martin —___1T am ri ghi-ting this _Jedter an be half of Chacke Reader Neecte Rare ig tl aod als _-ho +e: C Charlie. Has a vigton atd_& Pasnion foc this Counc pot * only ——_ldlial in 2} ves this County and -the People in if He ! if — |e worked \rgrl ~fo clean thi back width aug) when Charlie. “took 29 Fice this County up ard don a Good Soh ott+ we. 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