LOGAN, Ohio — The Hocking County Republican Party has unanimously called on Prosecutor Ryan Black to resign “immediately” amidst mounting allegations of misconduct and malfeasance, threatening to invoke a little-known law for his removal from office if he does not comply.
The party’s decision came Monday night at its regularly scheduled meeting, where members voiced concerns over Black’s leadership and integrity. In a strongly worded letter addressed to Black, Michael D. Harris, Chairman of the Republican Party, demanded his resignation citing “misfeasance, malfeasance, and gross misconduct” that brought disrepute to the office and the community. Harris’ letter was supported by all members of the central committee that were present for the meeting; approximately 50.
Central to the unfolding drama are allegations of sexual harassment levied against Black by two former female employees of the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office, Kate Ricketts and Kelsey Vanscyoc. Their lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio Eastern Division, paints a disturbing picture of a hostile work environment perpetuated by Black’s inappropriate behavior. The suit alleges demeaning comments, offensive conduct, and retaliation against the plaintiffs for speaking out.
Compounding the situation is Black’s alleged extramarital affair with Hocking County Commissioner Jessica Dicken, herself embroiled in a separate scandal. Dicken faces a litany of criminal charges, including telecommunications fraud and theft, stemming from alleged misuse of public funds. Their alleged entanglement has drawn sharp criticism, with accusations of ethical breaches and conflicts of interest.
Further complicating matters is Black’s association with Sheriff Lanny North and former employee Alisa Turner. North, a key ally, and Turner, a former staffer, have emerged as central figures in the unfolding saga. Turner’s abrupt resignation and subsequent political aspirations have raised eyebrows, with allegations of complicity in the face of misconduct within the Prosecutor’s office. Sources suggest a potential quid pro quo arrangement between Black and Turner, wherein political favors are being exchanged for silence on internal matters. It’s been said by sources inside the Prosecutor’s office that Turner has copped a deal with Black that if she is elected on March 19 to succeed him, she will not pursue a criminal investigation or indictment against him.And, in fact, keep him employed as an assistant prosecutor.
Amidst the tumult surrounding Black, Olen Martin emerges as a central figure, adding another layer of controversy to the unfolding scandal. Martin, a former investigator for the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office, found himself concurrently employed as the Police Chief of Great Falls, South Carolina, since December 4, 2023. Despite his relocation, Hocking County continued to pay Martin’s salary until last week, raising questions about fiscal oversight and the potential misuse of public funds. Martin was also employed as a deputy Sheriff by North, while Martin, himself, was on criminal probation for obstruction of justice.
More scandal was broke this week when revelations surrounding the employment of Elizabeth (Bull) Williams, an assistant prosecuting attorney, have added another layer of controversy. Williams, who was initially hired by Black in December 2022, left her position in June 2023 to move to Colorado. Despite her relocation, Williams continued to work remotely, reportedly reviewing old cases from her apartment in Denver. Despite living in another state, Williams is still being paid by the county.
The Hocking County Republican Party’s ultimatum to Black, demanding his resignation “immediately,” shows the seriousness of the situation. With Ohio Revised Code 309.25 looming, Black faces the prospect of removal from office should he fail to comply. Party officials clarified that “immediate resignation” entails stepping down as soon as paperwork can be drafted and filed with the Court of Common Pleas — just a matter of a couple days.
