A controversial response posted on the Seneca County Board of Commissioners website has ignited a public feud between the county and the area’s local print newspaper, The Advertiser-Tribune, raising questions about the use of public resources for personal matters and the role of government in responding to critical journalism.
The county’s Media Relations Coordinator, Sheri Trusty, published an article Monday on the county’s official website, alleging that Advertiser-Tribune reporter Kayla Trevino conducted a biased and unfounded investigation into Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart. Trusty’s article, titled “Fallacies in Advertiser-Tribune Story Exposed,” claims Trevino failed to verify facts and did not allow Frankart sufficient time to respond to inquiries regarding the police reports and court records cited in Trevino’s original story. Trusty also included a photo of Trevino taken from her Facebook profile, which has drawn additional scrutiny regarding the appropriateness of using personal images in an official government rebuttal.
Trevino’s October 11 article in the Advertiser-Tribune, “Frankart has family dispute,” reported on a combative child custody battle between Commissioner Frankart and his former daughter-in-law. According to the piece, police reports and court filings suggest that a private investigator working on Frankart’s behalf had allegedly stalked the former daughter-in-law, leading to a civil stalking protection order. These serious allegations were based on public records, which were obtained through formal public records requests, the newspaper said.
Unusual Use of County Website
What has raised eyebrows in this ongoing dispute is not just the content of the county’s response but the medium through which it was delivered. Trusty’s article was posted on the official Seneca County government website, a platform typically reserved for public information and county announcements, not for personal defenses of elected officials. This has led some local residents and legal experts to question whether county resources were inappropriately used to support a commissioner’s personal legal and familial matters.
Attorney John M. Kahler II, who represents Frankart’s former daughter-in-law, contacted the Advertiser-Tribune after the county’s post went live. Kahler allegedly raised concerns about the legality of using a county employee and official county channels to defend Frankart in what is, at its core, a personal custody dispute. Kahler reportedly contacted Seneca County Prosecutor Derek DeVine to address the matter, and DeVine is said to be reviewing the legality of the situation, according to the Advertiser-Tribune.
A local resident also allegedly reached out to DeVine, expressing similar concerns and suggesting that a special prosecutor may need to be appointed if it is determined that county resources were misused. As the county prosecutor, DeVine represents the commissioners in legal matters, but the potential conflict of interest in this case has added another layer of complexity.
Allegations of Bias and Sensationalism
In her article, Trusty did not hold back in her criticism of Trevino, accusing the reporter of engaging in a “witch hunt” and having “an apparent dream of making a name for herself as a bulldog journalist.” Trusty also took issue with Trevino’s use of the word “minor” when describing Frankart’s 4-year-old granddaughter, accusing her of using deceptive language to imply a more sinister situation.
However, Jeremy Speer, the publisher of the Advertiser-Tribune, has publicly defended Trevino’s work, stating that she adhered to journalistic standards and was thorough in her investigation. “Kayla is a hardworking professional,” Speer said. “She was very careful with how she approached this news story, and is careful with all stories she covers. A good reporter is a value to a community, and Kayla is a good and trusted reporter.”
Trevino’s article detailed that Frankart is seeking custody of his 4-year-old granddaughter following his son’s arrest and conviction on rape charges.
The report also covered allegations that a private investigator working on behalf of Frankart had placed a tracking device on the child’s suitcase. The details came from police reports, which reportedly advised the former daughter-in-law to seek a protection order.
Frankart’s Controversial History
This recent incident adds to Frankart’s controversial history. Just last week, he faced scrutiny for participating in and endorsing a class organized by a far-right Christian nationalist group, which critics argued blurred the lines between church and state. Moreover, Frankart was present during the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, where approximately 140 police officers were assaulted by a pro-Trump mob.
Public Response and Professionalism in Question
Trusty’s decision to publish an aggressive rebuttal on the county website has raised concerns about professionalism and the appropriate use of government resources. County websites are generally used for public information and official statements, not personal defenses or attacks on media outlets. This unusual move has led to allegations that Trusty may have crossed an ethical line by using her government position to personally defend Frankart.
While public officials and their representatives have every right to respond to media coverage, doing so in a manner that uses taxpayer-funded resources to launch personal attacks on a journalist is a far more delicate issue. The potential conflict of interest for Prosecutor DeVine in this matter complicates the situation further, leading some to call for an independent review to ensure transparency and accountability.
Trusty’s article also stands out for its highly charged language, which includes personal insults directed at Trevino, calling her an “unreliable and incompetent reporter” and accusing her of wearing a “Halloween costume” of journalistic credibility. Such inflammatory rhetoric is rarely seen in official government communications, and many have questioned the appropriateness of such a tone from a county employee.
Moving Forward
As of now, it remains to be seen whether any formal action will be taken in response to the alleged misuse of county resources. Prosecutor DeVine has yet to publicly comment on whether he will pursue an independent investigation or appoint a special prosecutor to review the matter.
The Advertiser-Tribune continues to stand by its reporting, and its coverage of Commissioner Frankart’s child custody dispute raises important questions about public officials and their personal conduct. Whether the county’s response will satisfy the concerns of the public or lead to further scrutiny remains to be seen.
TiffinOhio.net will continue to monitor the situation as it progresses.
