WestChesterBuzz.com

With gun sales soaring, a West Chester Township trustee is banking that there will be a market for those who may need legal protection for armed self defense.

George Lang, a West Chester trustee, and defense attorney Sean Maloney of Liberty Township came up with the idea of offering self-defense membership plans 2 1/2 years ago, before launching Second Call Defense in late February.

Lang and other investors have spent $200,000 in legal fees to make their dream a reality. They have 500 members from Washington state to Florida, and hope hope to have to 100,000 members in two years.

Maloney says their program, which is backed by the NRA Endorsed Insurance Program, is the only one in the United States that provides comprehensive legal and financial resources for armed self defense.

Unlike self-defense coverage offered by the NRA, which doesn’t provide financial assistance until after the court process is over, Second Call Defense provides immediate help by providing money for bail and an attorney retainer. With that help, Maloney claims court appearances can be avoided.

“We knew that if a law-abiding citizen properly uses a firearm in self-defense and they have immediate representation, then the case is going to end right there,” Maloney said. “If you don’t have that representation, anything can happen.”

Second Call Defense provides five levels of coverage that range from $8.95 up to $35.95 a month. Besides offering bail and money for an attorney’s retainer, all levels offer a 24/7 emergency legal hotline, a local attorney referral, accidental shooting protection and criminal defense reimbursement.

Certain levels of coverage also provide compensation while in court, psychological support, on-site gun/legal training and civil suit defense protection.

To help avoid providing a criminal with legal support, Lang and his partners set up a foundation made up of investigators to determine if their clients’ shootings are criminal, accidental or in self-defense.

Regardless, the membership plan will automatically provide money for bail and for the retainer.

“When we first approached the NRA, their big concern was about protecting someone who uses their gun in a criminal fashion,” Lang said. “We had to think long and hard. This probably added six months to our launch date. We are not going to protect a criminal.”

Butler County Prosecutor Michael T. Gmoser said that he takes self defense cases very seriously and looks at them carefully.

“In a self-defense case, you have to consider who the aggressor is, which may change,” Gmoser said. “You can be the aggressor initially, but end up being aggressed upon by the person you initiated the confrontation with.”

Gmoser also believes there are many misconceptions about the public’s rights for self defense. For instance, a homeowner who uses deadly force when they don’t appear be in real danger from an intruder could face murder charges.

“The Castle Doctrine does not give you carte blanche to execute someone who trespasses into your house,” Gmoser said.

“If you are able to disable the assailant and they are no longer a threat and you just decide to shoot them because you reason that you can kill someone who enters your house, you will be prosecuted for murder if that person dies.”

For information, call 513-463-0075 or visit secondcalldefense.org.

MEMBERSHIP PLANS

Basic: $8.95 per month. Includes member newsletter, self defense news, 24/7 emergency legal hotline, local attorney referral, up to $2,000 immediate attorney retainer, up to $1,000 immediate cash for bond up to $10,000, accidental shooting protection of $10,000 and criminal defense reimbursement of $10,000.

Advocate: $14.95. Includes $3,000 immediate attorney retainer, up to $2,500 immediate cash for bond up to $25,000, accidental shooting protection of $25,000, criminal defense reimbursement of $25,000, civil suit defense protection of $100,000 and civil damages protection of $25,000.

Defender: $19.95. Includes $5,000 immediate attorney retainer, up to $5,000 immediate cash for bond up to $50,000, accidental shooting protection of $50,000, criminal defense reimbursement of $50,000, civil suit defense protection of $250,000 and civil damages protection of $50,000, as well as online classes, $250 compensation per day while in court and 10 sessions of psychological support.

Protector: $29.95. Includes $7,500 immediate attorney retainer, up to $10,000 immediate cash for bond up to $100,000, accidental shooting protection of $100,000, criminal defense reimbursement of $50,000, civil suit defense protection of $500,000 and civil damages protection of $100,000, as well as online classes, $375 compensation per day while in court and 20 sessions of psychological support.

Ultimate: $35.95. Includes $10,000 immediate attorney retainer, up to $25,000 immediate cash for bond up to $250,000, accidental shooting protection of $250,000, criminal defense reimbursement of $50,000, unlimited civil suit defense protection and civil damages protection of $250,000, as well as online classes, on-site training, $500 compensation per day while in court and 40 sessions of psychological support.

Posted in: Business, Crime, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Butler County Prosecutor Michael T. Gmoser, George Lang, gun, gun control, Michael Gmoser, Michael T. Gmoser, NRA Endorsed Insurance Program, Sean Maloney, Sean Maloney attorney, Second Call Defense, Second Call Defense membership, Second Call Defense membership plans, Second Call Defense Ohio, Second Call Defense US, Second Call Defense West Chester, West Chester Township Trustee George Lang, West Chester Trustee George Lang

According to Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Sheila McLaughlin, the “I-75 Bandits,” Bryan Freeze of Middletown (photo – left) and Wesley Moore of Columbus (photo – right) met in prison. Once released, the two criminals formed a partnership police contend.

Freeze and Moore were arrested last Wednesday, Jan. 19, after having the license plate of their getaway car identified by a witness just moments after they allegedly robbed the Batteries Plus in Liberty Township.

The press release of the arrest showed that the investigation of these accused robbers has produced evidence linking them to multiple aggravated robberies in Butler County since October 2010.

One of the nine linked robberies took place shortly after midnight on Oct. 5, 2010, at the Waffle House located at 7312 Kingsgate Way in West Chester.

According to witnesses, shortly after the robbery took place, two white males entered the business brandishing a shotgun and demanding cash. Before leaving, the suspects forced employees and patrons into the restrooms and then fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Since they were allegedly forced into the restroom, Moore is facing the charge of kidnapping. Overall, Moore, who was also indicted Wednesday, Jan. 26, is facing eight counts of robbery, four counts of theft and six charges of kidnapping.

Freeze, who faces similar charges, is waiting for prosecutors to present his case to a grand jury, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. (more…)

Posted in: Business, Crime, News |

Tags: Tags: Batteries Plus, Bryan Freeze, Buter County Sheriff's Office, Butler County Jail, crime, gun, gunpoint, robbery, Waffle House, Wesley Moore

Two men, who robbed the Batteries Plus in Liberty Township, were arrested today, Jan. 19, by investigators of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. The men robbed the store at gunpoint yesterday, Jan. 18, at around 5:15 p.m.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office sent out a press release late this morning that gave information on the robbery itself.

The owner reported two men entered the store. One of the men, wearing a mask, brandished a black handgun, demanding money. The robbery suspects then took the victim outside where the deposit bag was taken from his car. The suspects locked the victim out of the store and fled in a vehicle after taking an undisclosed amount of money.

A witness was able to get the license plate from the fleeing vehicle and passed the information onto the sheriff’s office.

The two men, who were taken into custody, were identified as Bryan Freeze of Middletown (photo – left) and Wesley Moore (photo – right). Moore was located in Columbus, Ohio.

Also, according to the press release, the investigation has produced evidence linking these suspects to multiple aggravated robberies with Butler County since October 2010.

It is not clear at the time which robberies these men are linked to, but recent local robberies include the robbery at Jimmy John’s off Union Centre Blvd. in West Chester on Jan. 8, the Kroger on Tylersville Rd. in West Chester on Jan. 5, the U.S. Bank on Rt. 4 at Liberty-Fairfield Road in Liberty Township and the Waffle Rouse at 7312 Kingsgate Way in West Chester on Oct. 5.

Both suspects have been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, which is a felony of the first degree.

Batteries Plus is located at 4887 Princeton Road in Liberty Township.

More information to come as it becomes available

Posted in: Business, Crime, News |

Tags: Tags: Batteries Plus, Bryan Freeze, Butler County Sheriff's Office, gun, gunpoint, Jimmy John's, Kroger, robbery, U.S. Bank, Waffle House, Wesley Moore

The West Chester Police Department released images of the two suspects, who robbed the Jimmy John’s in West Chester Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 at 8:36 p.m.

The suspects both shown above (click on images to enlarge) are being described as white males, while wearing ski masks, black hooded winter coats and dark pants. One suspect, who is described as being 5-foot-9 or 5-foot-10, used a black pistol in robbery. The unarmed robber is being described as 5-foot-10 or 6-foot.

According to the incident report, filed by the West Chester Police Department, the suspects made off with $1,200.

No shots were fired and no was injured during the robbery.

The suspects fled on foot in an unknown direction.

According to the Pulse Journal, the West Chester Police Department is not linking this robbery to other recent robberies.

Recent local robberies include the Kroger on Tylersville Rd. in West Chester on Jan. 5, the U.S. Bank on Rt. 4 at Liberty-Fairfield Road in Liberty Township and the Waffle Rouse at 7312 Kingsgate Way in West Chester on Oct. 5.

The Jimmy John’s restaurant is located at 9239 Floer Drive, which is located off Union Centre Boulevard.

Anyone with information about any of the robberies should contact the West Chester Police Department tip line at 513-759-7272.

Posted in: Crime, News |

Tags: Tags: crime, gun, gunpoint, Jimmy John's, Kroger, photos, robbery, suspects, U.S. Bank, Waffle House, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Department

The Jimmy John’s located off Union Centre Boulevard was robbed Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011. Two suspects robbed the restaurant while brandishing firearms.

According to the incident report, filed by the West Chester Police Department, the suspects made off with $1,200.

The robbery took place at 8:36 p.m.

According to the Pulse Journal, the West Chester Police Department is not linking this robbery to other recent robberies.

Recent local robberies include the Kroger on Tylersville Rd. in West Chester on Jan. 5, the U.S. Bank on Rt. 4 at Liberty-Fairfield Road in Liberty Township and the Waffle Rouse at 7312 Kingsgate Way in West Chester on Oct. 5.

The Jimmy John’s restaurant is located at 9239 Floer Drive.

Anyone with information about any of the robberies should contact the West Chester Police Department tip line at 513-759-7272.

Posted in: Crime, News |

Tags: Tags: crime, gun, gunpoint, Jimmy John's, Kroger, robbery, U.S. Bank, Waffle House, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Department

The Kroger, located at 7855 Tylersville Road in West Chester, was robbed at gunpoint Wednesday night, Jan. 5, according to the Pulse Journal.

According to the weekly newspaper, the man remains at large and made off with “bundles of cash.”

The Journal goes into further detail about the robbery itself and describes the suspect.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s with a full beard and red and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket and black ball cap, according to reports.

For more information about the robbery, visit the Pulse Journal’s website.

UPDATE – 1/6 at 9:52 a.m. - The Cincinnati Enquirer reported on the robbery this morning

A man held a gun to a female employee and stole cash from a register Wednesday night at Kroger, 7855 Tylersville Rd., store workers said.

The suspect was already gone when West Chester police responded to the store at 9:12 p.m., according to emergency communication reports.

The employee was not injured, and store workers estimate no more than $300 was taken.

Police have not yet released a description of the suspect.

(THIS STORY WAS FIRST POSTED 1/5 AT 11:44 P.M.)

Posted in: Crime, News |

Tags: Tags: crime, gun, gunpoint, Kroger, robbery

Derrick Bryant, 51, of Bond Hill, was arrested and charged late Wednesday, Dec. 1, after he held two of his co-workers at Superior Environmental Services in West Chester at gunpoint earlier in the day.

According Sgt. Matt Tombragel of the West Chester Police Department, Bryant (photo) confronted his boss at Superior Environmental Services, which is located at 9996 Joseph James Place, to complain about his current pay.

“We don’t know the specifics of the pay dispute other than that’s what appears to be the trigger for the confrontation,” Tombragel said.

After the confrontation, Bryant returned to the office with a hunting rifle which was inside his vehicle. According to a report by Cincinnati.com, Bryant held his boss for 20 minutes at around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The argument involved a third employee of the business, who actually helped to calm Bryant down.

“The argument was between the suspect and the supervisor and a third employee, who was present was able to speak to the suspect and calm the situation down,” Tombragel said. “It appears he did a great job in light of being in the middle of a frightening situation.”

Employees of the business called police after Bryant left the scene.

No one was injured and no gunshots were fired at the incident.

Bryant was booked into Butler County jail early today, Dec. 2, and faces two counts of aggravated menacing and one count each of kidnapping and having a weapon under a disability.

Cincinnati.com received information from company president Dean Wallace, who said Bryant has been an equipment operator with the company for about five years and, until now, had a good work record. Wallace went to say that 20 workers were in the building when the incident occurred and that Bryant has been fired.

For more on this story visit Cincinnati.com.

Posted in: Crime, News |

Tags: Tags: crime, Derrick Bryant, gun, gunpoint, Sgt. Matt Tombragel, Superior Environmental Services, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Department