Local podcaster convicted

SANDUSKY — A judge found a local podcaster guilty today in a criminal trial. Visiting Lorain County Judge Debra Boros found Ashli Ford, 40, of Milan, guilty of four counts of her 19-count indictment. Specifically, Ford was found guilty of: • Four counts of intimidation, each a third-degree felony Boros found Ford not guilty on other counts: • Nine counts of extortion, each a third-degree felony • Three counts of telecommunications fraud, each a fifth-degree felony • Three counts of falsification, each a first-degree misdemeanor Ford and her attorney, Stephen Albenze, immediately left the courtroom through a rear entrance after the verdict was read. She was being taken to the probation office, indicating she will likely remain out of jail on bond pending her sentencing. She will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. on July 16. According to state sentencing guidelines, Ford's sentence could range from probation up to 12 years in prison and fines of up to $40,000. The guilty verdicts were related to the charges that Ford intimidated Norwalk Mayor David Light, Norwalk law director Stu O'Hara, former Norwalk police Chief David Smith and former Norwalk safety services director Mike White by threatening "to send them to their demise in a manner more akin to Malcolm X than Martin Luther King Jr." The crux of the defense's argument was that Ford's postings were protected First Amendment speech. Erie County Prosecutor Kevin Baxter alleged that message was in reference to the violent deaths of the two slain Black civil rights leaders, whereas Ford contends she was comparing the political tactics utilized by the two men and not their assassinations. During her testimony earlier in the four-day trial, Ford maintained that the "demise" she referenced was a "downfall of political power" and not the deaths of the two men. Baxter spoke about the judge's ruling. "We are pleased that the court is holding her accountable," he said. When contacted, Albenze reserved comment on the verdict. Light thanked Baxter and his staff "for a job well done," along with Sarah Reynolds, Erie County victim assistance director, whom Light said was "extremely helpful through every step of the process." White also stated he was "pleased with the verdict" and reserved further comment until after Ford's sentencing. O'Hara also reserved any comments until after the sentencing.