PROMINENT FINDLAY CITIZEN COMMITS RAPE: THE COMPLETE COVER-UP
In Edition One, we promised you more information on James C. Koehler and Dennis Lane. We still intend to provide you with that information in the next Edition to be released this week. However, the following story is so amazing that we decided to release it first. Informing the residents of Hancock County of this story is of the utmost importance. Their very safety depends on it. The name of the following victim will be withheld, only her initials will be released in the hopes of allowing her some privacy.
In February 1990, a local woman, B.L., hired Coldren- Crates Funeral Home for the funeral of her deceased husband. While making the arrangements, the victim met Jack Crates. On June 1, 1990, she made an appointment with Jack Crates to settle the funeral costs and discuss the grave marker. At the appointment, Jack asked to set an additional appointment at her home to finalize the grave marker arrangements. She told Jack Crates that a special trip was not necessary and she would return to his office for any additional meetings. He insisted on not burdening her. He would come to her home to finish the last few details. Before she left this meeting on June 1st, Jack told her that she was a good looking woman and that she seemed to be compassionate. He also told her that eventually the pain in her life would subside and then she could lead a full life. Jack Crates also began telling B.L. that he was unable to go out to local bars because of his position with the funeral home. He relegated to having parties at his home. He suggested bringing beer to the meeting. Jack told B.L. that she was very easy to talk to and he didn't know why he was telling her all of this information. Uncomfortable with the direction of this conversation, B.L. excused herself saying she had another appointment. Jack begged her not to leave because he did not want the conversation to end. He asked B.L. about coming to her home to finish the details later that same day, which she declined. Crates patted her knee and put his hand on her. B.L. said she would contact him later about the final payments. As she exited, Jack Crates followed her to the door and hugged her.
On June 26, 1990 B.L. called the funeral home about a missing flower arrangement. Jack Crates told her that the caretakers had removed the flowers while preparing for summer mowing. He then asked her about coming to her home to decide on the tombstone. He wanted to come by around 12:00, however B.L. told him to arrive at 2:00p.m. so that her son could help make the decision. At 2:00 Jack Crates arrived. He complimented B.L. on her beautiful home. She offered him a drink. Jack drank a beer. They began some small talk. Jack told her she had beautiful teeth and her lips were "like angel wings." He then leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. B.L. was not quite sure what was happening. Crates then knelt on the floor in front of her and began unbuttoning her dress. B.L. jumped up and went into the bathroom to collect herself. After a few minutes, she exited the bathroom to find Jack Crates standing in her living room naked. He asked her to go the bedroom. She refused. Crates approached her and pulled off her pantyhose pulled her dress over her head and drug her to the couch. He then raped B.L. During the rape he asked her which position she liked the best. He continued the rape until his orgasm then commented "Isn't that the greatest feeling in the world?" Crates then went into the bathroom. In shock, B.L. stood in the living room trying to come to grips with what had just happened to her. Crates exited the bathroom, dressed and suggested that they finish the paperwork. B.L. asked Crates why he had just done this to her and he replied that he had been attracted to her since the very first day when she came to arrange the funeral. He gave her price lists and left. B.L. quickly bathed and called her sister.
B.L.'s sister took her to a doctor for an exam. The doctor examined her for any disease and provided her with counseling information. B.L. then went to attorney Jeff Whitman. Not feeling comfortable with Mr. Whitman, B.L. hired the services of Karen Elliott. Ms. Elliot scheduled a meeting for B.L. and her sister with Prosecutor Neimeyer, Sheriff Boutwell and Deputy John Crouse.
During the interview, B.L. stated that she had been contacted by Mr. Crates on June 30th. He called to inquire on her tombstone decision. She told him she would make the decision later. She later made an appointment with another employee at the funeral home for July 2nd to order the tombstone. Upon arriving for the meeting, Jack Crates entered the office. He acted as if nothing had happened. B.L. chose the tombstone and left. She did not pay for the tombstone however.
Why didn't the residents of Hancock County hear about this rape? Why was there not a trial? The rape and several others just like it committed by Jack Crates have been covered up by Judge Joseph Niemeyer. John Crouse has assisted in these cover-ups. The victims still remain with the memories to haunt them and no justice.
This case only further proves the power of a judicial system in Hancock County that is for sale. Judge Niemeyer and his colleagues can be bought for the right price. James C. Koehler and Dennis Lane have benefited from this. Jack Crates has benefited from this. Who else is benefiting and who are their victims? Stay tuned for future editions of The Black Swamp Chronicles.