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Dann authorized his driver to carry concealed weapon
Saturday, April 19, 2008
COLUMBUS — Attorney General Marc Dann authorized his driver to carry a loaded, concealed weapon at all times as part of his job duties, even though he is not a law enforcement officer.
John Conley, 61, got a permit to carry a concealed weapon from Franklin County on Jan. 2. State law prohibits non-law enforcement people from carrying guns into state-owned buildings such as the Statehouse and the Rhodes Tower where Dann has his office.
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Dann sent a letter to the Ohio Building Authority on Friday, April 18, saying Conley and Mark Mejetich are his designated security agents. "As such they carry loaded, concealed weapons at all times," the letter says.
The letter was sent the same day Dann's office released records about Conley in response to a Dayton Daily News request made March 11.
The letter also says Ben Espy, the deputy attorney general in charge of the criminal division, has a valid CCW permit and "out of concern for his own personal safety has requested that he be permitted to have a weapon in his automobile ... through May 23, 2008."
Espy is leading the internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment within Dann's office.
Conley, who is paid $49,500 a year, coordinates Dann's security, travels with him out of town, and serves as his driver. He completed a five-day dignitary protection course at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission in November, according to his personnel file.
Conley also served as the driver and supervised the office fleet for former Attorney General Jim Petro, but he said he did not carry a gun then.
A Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation agent who served as Betty Montgomery's driver carried a gun.
Conley said he carries a 9 mm handgun issued to him by BCI, which is part of the attorney general's office.
Ohio Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Craig Cvetlan said only commissioned police officers acting in their official capacities may carry concealed weapons in the Rhodes Tower, but he is uncertain whether the Ohio Building Authority may give a waiver upon request.
Conley acknowledged that he has carried his weapon in the Rhodes Tower and on the state plane since January.
David Nelson, who once served as Dann's driver, was fired in May when it surfaced that he was responsible for another man's shooting death 30 years ago.
Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1624 or lbischoff@DaytonDailyNews.com.
