Housing inspector’s rape case proceeds
The former Ashtabula city housing inspector accused of rape, kidnapping and sexual battery is going to stand trial later this month, according to Ashtabula County Prosecutor Nicholas Iarocci.
The (Ashtabula) Star Beacon reports John Artuso has declined a plea deal and his trial is scheduled for Sept. 18, according to his attorney, Thomas Simon.
Artuso, 47, pleaded not guilty Feb. 2 after a grand jury returned a secret indictment against him on the three felony charges. If convicted, Artuso faces life in prison, Iarocci said.
The felony rape, kidnapping and sexual battery charges surfaced in late December, shortly after it became public police raided Artuso’s home as part of an investigation into whether he stole money and property from a vacant house in Ashtabula.
A 47-year-old woman came forward and told police that, during a housing inspection in September 2017, Artuso forcibly raped her, according to Iarocci. Ashtabula police and the FBI interviewed the woman and an investigation “immediately ensued,” Iarocci said.
In May, Artuso was indicted on two felony theft charges stemming from accusations he removed money and property from a West Avenue house, court records show. Prosecutors have said they believe Artuso, during his tenure as housing inspector, took a significant sum of money from the vacant property, and allowed others to take and/or receive money and other property.
The indictment said Artuso stole more than $7,500 but less than $150,000.
After Artuso’s indictment on rape charges, City Manager Jim Timonere fired him.
Gurto was charged with murder and rape Oct. 13 by Conneaut Law Director Kyle Smith. He fled the area, hitchhiking and camping in the woods until his capture Oct. 27 in Franklin Park Borough, Pennsylvania.
Gurto was secretly indicted by the Ashtabula County grand jury Nov. 7 and returned to the county from Pennsylvania two days later. He is being held in Ashtabula County Jail in lieu of a $1 million cash or surety bond.
A jury trial is scheduled for April 2019. Age 87, of Washington Twp., passed away at home with her loved ones on Friday, August 31, 2018. She was born in Dayton on May 17, 1931 to the late Clarence & Carrie Bellman. Rose was preceded in death by her husbands, David R. Aker Sr. and John E. Rahn. She is survived by her sister, Irma Beech; children, Ange (Jim) Morris, Chuck (Sue) Aker, David (Marilyn) Aker and Lori (Michael) Alexander; grandchildren, Michael (Angie) Kleckner, Jenny (Marc) Huber, Julie Aker-Salazar, Dr. Crystal Aker, Amy Burton, David Aker, Hollie Pachmayer and Emily (Sam) Wilson; numerous great-grandchildren; and best friends, Angenette Carpenter and Joan Rice. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 14, 2018 from 9-11 am at Newcomer South Kettering Chapel, 3940 Kettering Blvd, Kettering, OH 45439. The memorial service will follow at 11 am. Rose will be laid to rest at David’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rose’s memory to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. To send a special message, please visit
www.NewcomerDayton.com Age 96, of Miamisburg, passed away Sept. 7, 2018. Visitation Sept. 11, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM at Newcomer South Chapel, Kettering, OH.
Age 80, of Dayton, passed away Aug. 31, 2018. Private Services. Kindred Funeral Home, Englewood, OH. Age 62, of Dayton, departed this life Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Hospice of Dayton. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., MONDAY, September 10, 2018 at THOMAS FUNERAL HOME, 4520 Salem Ave., with Reverend Mary Parker, officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Interment: West Memory Gardens. On-line condolences may also be sent to the family at www.thomasfunerals.com Trotwood, OH Beloved husband of
Mrs. Janine Brown, peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. J. W. Woodward Funeral Home, Inc. Spartanburg, SC.