Charge against Stark County Jail officer tied to inmate suicide and records tampering

• Charge against suspended Stark County Jail corrections officer Jason Rohr linked to suicide death of inmate David McKain.
• Inmate should have been checked every 15 minutes under Stark County Jail's standard.
• State investigation says inmate was checked hourly, as required by Ohio law.

CANTON ‒ The recent criminal charge against a suspended Stark County Jail corrections officer for alleged records tampering appears to be related to the suicide of an inmate, based on newly filed court records and state and local investigations into the death.

The inmate killed himself Nov. 29, five days after being booked into the Stark County Jail on an escape charge and parole violation allegation. The 41-year-old Canton man died Dec. 3 in a Canton hospital.

Jail corrections officer Jason W. Rohr reported having checked on inmate David L. McKain after starting his shift at 6 a.m. Nov. 29.

The inmate should have been seen every 15 minutes, according to Rohr's statement. Rohr wrote that McKain was “just walking around in his cell” after several checks. He recalled having asked McKain if he wanted to leave his cell for “time out,” but the inmate declined the offer and said he would do so later.

Rohr wrote that he later saw McKain hanged himself at about 7:30 a.m. and used his radio to alert other corrections officers.

McKain was not breathing and without a pulse. Three other corrections officers took him from the cell into a roomier common area on the advice of three nurses. Canton firefighter/medics took the inmate to the hospital.

McKain’s X-rays and other medical records are included in the evidence shared by the prosecution with the defense in the criminal case against Rohr. The list of the evidence in his case also includes an entry for Rohr’s duty log with reference to McKain. No similar evidence regarding other inmates is included in pretrial discovery in the case against Rohr.

Corrections officer charged:Stark County Sheriff's Office worker charged, accused of tampering with jail records

Corrections officer charged with records tampering

Rohr was indicted on a single charge of tampering with records, a third-degree felony.

The 49-year-old Jackson Township resident pleaded not guilty on Feb. 16 to the indictment, which alleges that from Nov. 21 through Nov. 29, Rohr did "with purpose to defraud or knowing he was facilitating a fraud on Stark County Sheriff's Office falsify, destroy, remove, conceal, alter, deface, or mutilate any writing, computer software, data, or record, to wit: employee records and the writing, data, computer software, or record ...."

The indictment "came as a result of an ongoing investigation into potential criminal conduct related to documentation within the Stark County Jail," Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier wrote in a prepared statement following Rohr’s initial court appearance and plea.

He said Rohr was placed on unpaid leave Jan. 23, the same day he was indicted.

Maier declined to outline details or specifics behind the charge against Rohr.

A spokeswoman for the Stark County sheriff declined to say whether corrections officers made timely checks on McKain. Attempts to reach McKain's family for comment have been unsuccessful.

An internal investigation into McKain’s case included Rohr’s statement that he did not have his body-worn camera turned on Nov. 29 during his interactions with the inmate.

Stark jail requires more frequent checks than state

State law requires all inmates in full-service jails to be observed personally every hour. The checks are to be conducted at varying times and be documented after completion by the staff person who performs them. Inmates in physical restraints are to be checked every 10 minutes.

A March 14 report from a jail inspector of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Bureau of Adult Detention about the McKain incident said that the Stark County Jail had made the hourly personal observation checks required by state standards. The Stark County Jail requires more frequent observations of some prisoners.

The Stark County Jail has received national accreditation from the American Correctional Association, the third county jail in Ohio to do so, according to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.

McKain had worked as a laborer in the roofing industry, according to his obituary. He enjoyed canoeing, paddle boarding, riding his four-wheeler and spending time with his three children.

“Just as David was so willing to help others during his lifetime, even in death he continued to give,” his memorial tribute said. “Through Lifebanc and organ donation, David saved the lives of several people and healed so many more.”

Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR.

Where to get help

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The following resources also are available any time of day:

· Stark County Crisis Hotline: 330-452-6000

· Crisis Text Line, text ‘4hope’ to 741-741

· Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ youth: 866-488-7386

· Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

· CommQuest Detox at Aultman Hospital: 330-830-3393

Learn how to make your home a “Safe Home” by removing unnecessary risks for substance abuse and suicide at starkmhar.org/prevention-resources/safe-home.