Straight Flush or Fleece

The previous issue of the Black Swamp Chronicles mentioned a gambling ring in Findlay. This gambling ring is more than just a friendly neighborhood poker game.

The participants and the deals made at these games affect the lives of everyone. One such individual, a small businessman of Findlay, has just given us more details of theses games. Unfortunately, this same businessman has lost nearly all of his wife's inheritance. He has lost as much as $30,000 at a time due to these poker games and betting activities. Afraid to tell his wife, this individual wants the truth to be heard in order to end the ring and prevent others from possible scams by the same individuals.

Weekly poker games are held at the homes of Thomas Romaker (Highway State Patrol Officer) on Lonetree Drive and Red Lanagan (Lanagan Construction) Byal Ave in Findlay. These games have been going on for over 10 years. The participants include Attorney William Clark, Assistant Prosecutor Bob Beutler, former Findlay Police Officer John Frullo, Bob Hudson, Lynn Biddle, Roy Benson, Mel Brooks, Jeff Augustine and others.

Some of these individuals have been victims of the scam, according to our informant. Investigation shows that money is not the only thing gambled for at these poker games. The participants, many of which are legal officials, bet verdicts and favors.

Could the very lives of Findlay citizens be jeopardized by the deal of the cards? Additionally, could legal officers also be turning their heads when the losers commit illegal activities in order to get enough money to pay gambling debts?

Poker games are not the only gambling activity. Dave Haynes (along with his partners) is the ring leader of a widespread booking business. At one time Dave used the telephone number (419) 425-5118. Haynes' takes bets from employees at the Jeep, British Petroleum, etc.

Haynes once operated his business with a partner from Ralph's Alterations in the Carriage House Plaza. Next door to the alteration shop was a hair salon. The two businesses shared a doorway. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, a steady stream of visitors came to Ralph's and the hair salon to place bets and settle the winnings or losses.

Ralph's wife worked at Patty Raye's with Judge Patterson's wife. Was this part of the protection relationship? Did Judge Patterson every take money in order to turn his head?

Amazingly, a Hancock County Sheriff Deputy lives across the street from Haynes and his business. Sheriff Michael Heldman was given the information regarding these businesses. However to this date, Sheriff Heldman has failed to end the gambling. Yet, the local law enforcement prosecuted members of The Moose, The Elks and other organizations in Findlay.

Were organizations like The Moose and The Elks ever extorted for protection payments by law enforcement of Findlay and Hancock County? Further investigation shows that former Findlay Police Officer John Frullo was the bagman for the local organization extortion.

Why would one group be prosecuted while others operate openly across the street from law enforcement? What kind of payoffs are being made? Did they refuse to continue payment? What exactly is the focus of these games of chance? Do these individuals find themselves so important and elevated that the lives of others are cheap enough to throw for a hand of cards or a boxing match?

The people of Findlay and Hancock County deserve are real justice system. The time is now. The next publication will give you, the citizens of Hancock County, the legal instructions to rid your city and county of these parasites.