Crime Podcaster Convicted of Felony Crimes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Ashli Ford, a true crime podcaster based in Eerie County, Ohio could end up in prison after being convicted on multiple felony charges, following a Facebook post which threatened public officials.
Newsweek has reached out to the Eerie County Sheriff's Office via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Ford is the host of ALLEGEDLY: with Ashli Ford, in which she discusses legal cases and controversies. The podcast's description reads: "Through in-depth investigative journalism and compelling interviews, we tackle political corruption, dark media, corporate scandals, human trafficking and more. Our goal is not only to unveil these injustices but also to inspire action and drive positive change."
Stock image showing police tape.
Stock image showing police tape.
GettyImages/JaysonPhotography
Though true crime podcasts have at times played a crucial role in advancing criminal investigations there have been tensions between true crime podcasts and law enforcement in the past. Officials have expressed concern about a lack of formal training, and there is an apprehension that podcasters might not always grasp the nuances of criminal investigations or the implications of publicizing sensitive information.
What To Know
Ford, 40, was found guilty on Thursday, May 22nd on four counts of intimidation stemming from a 19-count indictment, according to court documents obtained by the outlet WTOL.
Sixteen of the charges were felonies, including intimidation, extortion and telecommunications fraud. The other three were misdemeanor falsification charges. Ford was acquitted of these remaining 15 counts.
Each of the third-degree felony intimidation convictions carry a sentence of between 9 to 36 months in prison under Ohio law, as well as a fine of up to $10,000.
These charges are linked to a Facebook post Ford made on September 22, 2023. In this post, she accused several Norwalk city officials of corruption including Mayor David Light, law director Stuart O'Hara, safety and service director Michael White and former police chief David Smith, all of whom testified for the prosecution during the trial.
The post read in part, "I will slowly crumble the reputation [of] every single person who stands in the way of justice," "I will escort you to your demise in a manner more akin to Malcolm X than Martin Luther King Jr," and "This is your VERY LAST opportunity to end this in a respectable manner."
The post was seen as an attempt to intimidate public officials and witnesses who were involved in a criminal case against Ford, as per WTOL, who reported that at the time the post was made, Ford was facing two criminal falsification charges in Norwalk Municipal Court, following allegations of corruption and evidence planting within the Norwalk Police Department. She was acquitted of these.
What People Are Saying
Ashli Ford, in a Facebook post on May 23: "I am honored to be your voice! Thank you so much for being mine. Your support means everything to me. I am okay. God built me to withstand storms like this. I continue to walk in faith and without an ounce of fear. The actions throughout my life will always defend me."
What's Next
Ford is due in court for sentencing on Wednesday, July 16.
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