Troopers said the investigation has revealed that the Rev. Charles Mentrup, 47, of Middletown, was intoxicated and had a blood-alcohol level that was three times Ohio’s legal driving limit.
Investigators said the Butler County Coroner’s Office found a tax receipt from the Argosy Casino among Mentrup’s personal items. The tax receipt was stamped at 1:47 a.m. Oct. 31.
Troopers said Mentrup lost control of his vehicle, slid off the right side of the road, struck an embankment, overturned and then was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said Mentrup was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Mentrup was pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Franklin; however, he has several ties to the Miami Valley, including Alter High School.
"Father Chuck," as he was known, came to Alter High School in 1988 as a teacher. He then became athletic director until 1993.
Mentrup was also the associate pastor of Incarnation Church in Centerville, but most recently, he was pastor of St. Mary’s in Franklin.
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