OFFICE OF THE

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
ROSS COUNTY, OHIO

JEFFREY C. MARKS
Chief Deputy

JUDITH HEIMERL BROWN

Assistant Prosecutor

ROBERT C. HESS
Assistant Prosecutor

MATTHEW S. SCHMIDT

JENNIFER L. ATER
Assistant Prosecutor

Prosecuting Attorney

CYNTHIA G. SCHUMAKER
Assistant Prosecutor

PAMELA C. CHILDERS
Assistant Prosecutor

OVERDOSE AMNESTY PROGRAM

RICHARD G. HANNAN, JR.

Investigator

PURPOSE: Ross County, like many other counties in Ohio, is faced with epidemic opiate
abuse. A tragic result of this epidemic is an alarming increase in drug overdose deaths. Far too
often, emergency responders are not alerted to an overdose until it is too late to provide critical
treatment. Fellow drug users frequently attempt to treat an overdosing acquaintance themselves,
often by running cold water over them, throwing ice on them, and even striking them with blunt
objects in an attempt to wake them up. Often they delay calling 911 until after they have taken
time to clean up the scene and hide evidence of their drug activity. Sometimes they simply
abandon the person who has overdosed.
The Ross County Prosecutor, Chillicothe Law Director, Ross County Sheriff, and Chillicothe
Chief of Police want to make very clear: HEROIN IS NOT WORTH DYING OVER . Law
enforcement officials in this county would rather see addicts get help, than get arrested. We
would rather see lives saved, than lives lost. Therefore, the following policy has been enacted to
encourage those struggling with addiction to seek helpfor both themselves and otherswhen
the need for help is most critical.
POLICY: Any person who witnesses another person overdosing, or believes that they
themselves are overdosing, and calls for emergency assistance without delay, may request
amnesty. That person will be granted amnesty from prosecution for Possession of Drugs 1,
Possessing Drug Abuse Instruments2, Permitting Drug Abuse3, and Drug Paraphernalia4 for any
drugs, instruments or paraphernalia in their possession or being used upon the premises during
the occurrence of the overdose.
Additional Resources The Ross County Prosecutor will collaborate with the Ross
County Heroin Partnership Project and Paint Valley ADAMH to ensure that law
enforcement officers and emergency medical responders have available information
about how to obtain help for opiate addiction, to provide to all persons requesting
amnesty.
EXCEPTIONS: Amnesty is intended to aid persons struggling with drug addiction and to
preserve life. It will not be granted to individuals engaged in Trafficking in Drugs 5, and it will
not be granted as a defense for prior offenses. It may not be used to avoid service of an

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2
3
4
5

O.R.C. 2925.11
O.R.C. 2925.12
O.R.C. 2925.13
O.R.C. 2925.141
O.R.C. 2925.03

outstanding warrant. It may not be used to avoid a probation violation or Drug Court sanction 6,
or to avoid a parole violation.

DATE: ___________________, 2015

______________________________
Matthew S. Schmidt
Prosecuting Attorney
Ross County, Ohio

Probation violations and Drug Court sanctions are solely within the discretion of the Courts.
TELEPHONE (740) 702-3115 * 72 NORTH PAINT STREET * CHILLICOTHE, OHIO 45601-2418 * Fax (740) 702-3106 * E-Mail: rcpros@horizonview.net