Why destroyed scarecrows spark a debate over where prisoners are released

RAVENNA, Ohio – A Ravenna city council member is calling for change, criticizing the Portage County Sheriff’s Office for its practice of dropping off released inmates in downtown Ravenna at night.

Councilor Amy Michael said a woman dropped off by prison staff had taken off clothing made from decorative scarecrows so she could stay warm at night.

“I think it’s inhumane and I feel like you can’t do that to anyone. Would you do that to your own family members?” Michael said.

Body camera video released by the Ravenna Police Department shows officers confronting the woman holding the clothes just outside Guido’s Pizza.

An officer asked, “Why are you destroying stuff here? Why are you taking apart all the scarecrows and stuff?’

The 44-year-old Akron woman replied, “I don’t know.”

According to a police report, the woman said she was in jail for a probation violation.

She told officers she was dropped off at the Portage County Courthouse by jail staff on Monday around 7 p.m. The woman indicated she only had $2 in her wallet and did not have a cell phone.

Michael said the buses were not running at the time. She thinks the woman couldn’t get a ride home, so she ripped clothes off the scarecrows and packed them up overnight.

“The temperature that night was 43 degrees and it was very cold for her,” Michael said. “You’re setting these people up to fail when they get out because she had nothing to keep her warm.”

The councilman said the Portage County Sheriff’s Office practice of dropping off released inmates in the heart of the city has been going on for years.

She has no problem with it during the day, as long as people have the resources. However, Michael has a problem with the nighttime drop-offs – when those just back on the streets – may not be able to get the help or transportation they need.

“There have been situations that we felt were inhumane,” Michael said.

Mindy Leonard, manager of Guido’s, believes there should be a better system.

“I think for the safety of the city and for every individual that is deposed, they need to have some form of recourse,” Leonard said.

Ravenna police did not charge the woman who destroyed the scarecrows and took her to Akron Tuesday morning.

Michael hopes the incident will lead to a change in where and when released prisoners are left in the city.

“This last incident was really the one that made us think, OK, enough is enough,” he said.

News 5 stopped by the Portage County Sheriff’s Office and left multiple messages with jail officials and command staff, including Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski. There was no response Friday evening.