Vigil to raise awareness about alleged sex crimes
Former Buckeye Lake councilman still missing
By RUSS ZIMMER
Advocate Reporter
BUCKEYE LAKE -- Buckeye Lake residents are organizing a candlelight vigil to remind the community about a suspect who has been indicted on 23 sex charges.
John F. Cortez, a former Buckeye Lake councilman, is suspected of 23 sex crimes involving three boys between the ages of 13 and 16 years old during a 11-month period beginning in September 2006.
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Cortez originally was indicted on a weapons charge after deputies found multiple firearms during a Nov. 8 raid at his 4796 Walnut Road residence. Authorities were checking the home because of allegations of sexual conduct with a juvenile, Thorp said at the time. A $5,000 own-recognizance bond was set by Licking County Municipal Judge Michael Higgins, who said afterward he was unaware of the pending investigation.
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The top vote-getter in the 2003 and 2005 Buckeye Lake council elections, Cortez was removed from office in August for excessive absences.
More:
http://www.centralohio.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/BF/20080127/NEWS01/801270308/1002