BUCYRUS — A Crawford County Sheriff’s Department corrections officer resigned on Monday, according to a letter sent through attorney Adam Stone to Sheriff Scott Kent.
Jason Michael Tupps’ resignation, delivered at noon, came after he was charged last month in a six-count indictment that included two felonies for abduction and improper handling of a firearm.
“I resign because I know that, once this matter has concluded and I am determined innocent of the allegations lodged against me by the State of Ohio, there is no way for me to come back to work,” Tupps wrote in his resignation letter to Kent. “And it would be unfair of me to ask you or any other officer to have me back in this office as a peace officer.”
Galion Police reported that on July 9, a car driven by a woman allegedly collided with Tupps’ vehicle at the Crawford-Morrow Line Road south of Galion. Tupps allegedly followed the woman into the Kroft Street area in Galion.
Police say Tupps, 43, of Galion, made the woman exit her vehicle and held her at gunpoint while calling authorities. According to the report, police arrested Tupps and he was taken to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office. During the arrest, a 40-caliber handgun and 45 rounds of ammunition were reportedly found. Officers also found a metal vial which contained a white power-like substance. The vial was submitted for further testing.
Tupps, who was with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office since 1993, faces charges including abduction, a third-degree felony, and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony. He also was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, using weapons while intoxicated, aggravated menacing, and assured clear distance, all first-degree misdemeanors.
During a July 30 court appearance, Crawford County Common Pleas Judge Sean Leuthold released Tupps on his own recognizance under a series of conditions, including that the defendant have no contact with the other subject in the case as well as law enforcement.
“I thank you for the opportunity to serve this community,” Tupps wrote in his resignation letter. “I am sorry that our relationship has been forced to end on these terms. I wish you and the entire department nothing but the best in future.
“Please give my best to all members who serve under your command. Again, thank you.”
