An Ottawa County grand jury indicted State Rep. Elgin Rogers following an August traffic stop. The lawmaker faces charges of operating a vehicle under the influence and weapons offenses. A grand jury issued the formal indictment on September 30, court records show.
The indictment charges Rogers with OVI. It also includes two counts of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.
Clay Township police stopped Rogers on State Route 51 near North Billman Road on August 12. Officers stopped the vehicle for several moving violations. Rogers drove below the posted 55 mph speed limit, police said. Officers reported that Rogers was under the influence during the stop.
Police offered Rogers a breath test. The chief did not disclose the results. He also did not disclose whether Rogers took the test.
Officers found a loaded 9 mm handgun inside the vehicle, according to court records. It was located between the center console near his right foot.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office booked Rogers into the Ottawa County Jail at 12:55 a.m. on August 12. Initial charges included OVI, driving too slow and improper handling of a firearm. Rogers appeared in Ottawa County Municipal Court later that day. A judge released him on his own recognizance.
Rogers is a Democrat in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents District 42, which includes much of Toledo and eastern Lucas County. Rogers is on the November ballot for re-election.
An indictment is a formal charge issued by a grand jury when evidence suggests a crime occurred. Grand jury proceedings remain private until court filings become public. The criminal justice process moves cases toward trial or resolution through pretrial hearings.
Rogers must return to court in Ottawa County on Oct. 28.
