12 min read
Jan 10, 2025
By Logan Andrew | FreeWire
BUCYRUS, OH — Councilwoman Carolyn J. Flynn Shireman has been arrested after facing allegations of financial exploitation. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office announced that Shireman, who served as Power of Attorney (POA) for a 52-year-old man with developmental disabilities since May 2019, is accused of mismanaging his funds.
Concerns about possible theft were first raised in October 2024 by the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD). A Service and Support Administrator (SSA) from CCBDD tried multiple times to obtain complete financial records from Shireman but received only partial documentation, causing delays in the inquiry.
Detectives, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), analyzed bank records covering December 2019 to October 2024. Their findings uncovered a series of unauthorized withdrawals and personal purchases amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. Items such as jewelry and women’s clothing were among the flagged transactions. Additionally, the victim’s 401(k) and life insurance policies were cashed out without his consent, resulting in a financial loss exceeding $50,000.
UPDATE-01/15/25 Carolyn Shireman’s Upcoming Felony Arraignment: Legal Ramifications and Public Opinion
As the felony arraignment of Carolyn Shireman approaches, public scrutiny has intensified around the terms of her pretrial release. Currently out on a personal recognizance bond and confined to her home with an ankle monitor, Shireman’s actions have raised questions about whether she is adhering to the spirit — if not the letter — of her bond requirements.
An attorney familiar with the case, who requested anonymity due to its politically charged nature, weighed in on Shireman’s recent behavior. Notably, her decision to change her Facebook profile picture to a photo of the alleged victim has sparked legal concerns. According to the attorney, this could be interpreted as indirect communication or third-party contact, given that the alleged victim remains on her Facebook friend list and would likely see the image. “Technically, this could be viewed as an attempt to send a message,” the attorney explained.
Shireman has also taken to social media, proclaiming her innocence and stating that the full facts of the case will eventually exonerate her. However, the attorney we spoke to cautioned that continuing to discuss the case publicly, especially while maintaining a digital connection to the victim, could complicate her situation. “If she were my client, I’d tell her to stop talking about the case altogether,” they said. “But Shireman seems unable to let the legal process play out quietly, and that could backfire.”
These actions may factor into her upcoming felony arraignment, where Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold will review her case and bond conditions. Unlike the Municipal Court judge who granted her PR bond, his brother is not bound by that decision. Historical precedent indicates that bond increases are possible following an indictment, especially under contentious circumstances.
“If I were the prosecutor, I’d make sure the judge is aware of her behavior, including the potential third-party contact and her ongoing public commentary,” the attorney said. They speculated that Prosecutor Matt Crall might request a bond as high as $100,000, expecting negotiations to reduce it to around $50,000. “The aim would be to send a clear message: this type of conduct won’t be tolerated.”
Shireman’s recent social media posts add another dimension to her ongoing legal troubles, this time centered on her telecommunications harassment case. In a public post, she accuses a close associate of the mayor of orchestrating the charges against her, claiming that personal insecurities and a perceived social slight drove the decision to pursue legal action. While Shireman’s post focuses on her telecommunications harassment case, it remains unclear whether she believes this alleged vendetta extends to her felony charges. Her claims, while unproven, illustrate her growing frustration with what she perceives as a pattern of personal targeting rather than lawful prosecution. Whether this conspiracy theory holds any merit is a matter for debate, but it reflects Shireman’s increasingly vocal attempts to control the public narrative around her legal battles.
Public reaction to Shireman’s case has been swift and critical. Many community members have expressed frustration with what they perceive as leniency in her treatment. One FreeWire reader commented, “Her ‘age and health’ didn’t stop her from ROBBING a disabled person, did it? This is just a slap in the face to the community and the victim!” Another reader questioned the fairness of her PR bond, saying, “I’ve seen people sit in jail for days over stealing food. Shireman has taken over $100k, and she’s walking free?”
Her social media activity has also drawn ire. “She can intimidate anyone with that thing [her phone]. Someone needs to take it away,” wrote another frustrated commenter.
To further engage the community, FreeWire has launched a public poll to gauge opinions on what Shireman’s bond should be as her felony arraignment draws near. The results aim to provide insight into public sentiment as Judge Leuthold weighs her case.
While Shireman continues to declare her innocence online, her actions may ultimately jeopardize her legal defense. As the arraignment date approaches, attention will turn to Judge Sean Leuthold’s decision: will he maintain the current bond conditions, or impose stricter measures to address her conduct?
UPDATE- 1/12/2025 8:32AM: Update: New Developments in the Investigation of Positive Seekers Inc.
BUCYRUS, OH — A formal complaint filed with the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section concerning Positive Seekers Inc., a nonprofit organization led by Bucyrus Councilwoman Carolyn J. Flynn Shireman, raises serious concerns about the financial management and transparency of the organization, which has been implicated in allegations of financial misuse.
The complaint highlights the following key issues:
- Potential Misuse of Funds: Positive Seekers Inc. has consistently filed IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcards), reporting gross receipts of less than $50,000 annually. However, allegations against Carolyn Shireman suggest that organizational funds may have been diverted for personal use, including the purchase of jewelry and women’s clothing. These transactions raise questions about whether the nonprofit’s resources are being used in alignment with its stated mission to promote “positivity” and “safe, family activities” in Bucyrus.
- Lack of Financial Transparency: As a 501(c)(3) organization, Positive Seekers is required to maintain transparency in its financial operations. A review of publicly available records reveals no detailed financial statements, grant disclosures, or documentation of community programs beyond the basic IRS filings. Efforts to verify the organization’s activities through platforms such as ProPublica and GuideStar yielded limited information.
- Concerns from the Community: Several community members have expressed doubts about the nonprofit’s operations, particularly given the allegations of financial exploitation involving Carolyn Shireman. One local advocate questioned whether the organization has fulfilled its promise of creating “new opportunities for fun, safe, family activities” in the Bucyrus area.
The Role of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office
The Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section oversees nonprofit compliance and is responsible for investigating potential financial mismanagement. The complaint submitted includes:
- A link to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office report highlighting financial exploitation allegations.
- Information from the arraignment, including the conditions of Shireman’s house arrest and bond.
- Details from County Prosecutor Matthew Crall regarding a nearly $5,000 check written to Positive Seekers, among other financial irregularities.
Challenges in Accessing Records
Efforts to obtain full financial records for Positive Seekers Inc. have been met with significant obstacles. Investigators previously reported that Shireman failed to provide complete records for the checking accounts tied to her mismanaging funds/developmental disabilities case, delaying the inquiry. Additionally, Shireman has a documented history of refusing to fulfill public records requests, placing the city of Bucyrus at risk of violating Ohio Sunshine Laws. This refusal not only jeopardizes the transparency required by law but also exposes the city to potential litigation. It’s easy to see how Shireman’s failure to disclose financial records for the nonprofit raises broader concerns — if she refuses to be transparent in one area, it’s reasonable to question her willingness to do so in others.
Another significant concern is the lack of detailed financial reporting from Positive Seekers Inc. Under current regulations, 501(c)(3) organizations with annual gross receipts under $50,000 are only required to file IRS Form 990-N, which provides minimal financial information. This raises broader questions about the adequacy of governmental oversight in ensuring accountability for smaller nonprofits. While FOIA requests have been filed to gain access to more comprehensive records, such measures highlight the persistent challenge of achieving transparency. Without detailed disclosures, it remains difficult to assess whether Positive Seekers is adhering to its mission or managing funds appropriately.
What’s Next?
FreeWire has filed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for more detailed records and documentation related to Positive Seekers Inc., its financial activities, and its compliance history. Updates will be provided as these requests are fulfilled.
This story raises broader questions about the accountability of nonprofit organizations and the safeguards in place to protect charitable funds from misuse. Stay tuned as more details about this developing story come to light and its implications for Bucyrus leadership and nonprofit integrity.
UPDATE- 1/11/2025 6:25AM: New Details in the Carolyn Shireman Case
We want to clarify that while Carolyn Shireman was released on a personal recognizance (PR) bond, it was granted with the condition that she is under house arrest.
We spoke with County Prosecutor Matthew Crall, who provided further context on the bond decision. According to Crall, the PR bond was granted primarily due to Shireman’s age and health conditions. The city has a financial duty to the citizens, and the cost to house men or women accused of a crime is taken into consideration during an arraignment.
While Shireman has repeatedly claimed that any public discussion of her medications violates HIPAA laws, it has been widely clarified that HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protections only apply to healthcare workers. Furthermore, even if HIPAA did apply more broadly, Shireman herself voluntarily disclosed her medication information to a private citizen, making her claims of a violation effectively irrelevant.
Critics have also pointed out that the cost of the ankle monitor required for her house arrest is comparable to — or even higher than — the cost of the medications Shireman is known to have been prescribed. This has raised questions about whether financial considerations genuinely influenced the court’s decision or if the explanation provided warrants further scrutiny.
Crall also confirmed that a Civil Protection Order (CPO) has been issued on behalf of the victim. The CPO prohibits contact not only from Carolyn Shireman but also from any third party, including her husband, Jim Shireman.
Crall further shared details about checks written by Shireman. He stated that a police report revealed a nearly $5,000 check made out to Positive Seekers, her charity. Additional checks were written to women’s clothing stores and for vehicle registrations for both Shireman and her husband.
Regarding the victim’s living arrangement with Jim Shireman, Crall explained that the prosecution, together with the CCBDD (Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities), has secured a CPO (Civil Protection Order) on behalf of the victim which extends to any 3rd party contact from anyone associated with Shireman. When asked if the investigation might extend to Jim Shireman, Crall stated, “We have a lot of investigating to do. I can’t comment on that.”
We are actively investigating this matter as well. If anyone has additional information regarding this case, please email us at freewiremag@gmail.com.
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UPDATE- 1/10/2025 3:00PM: Criticism Grows Over PR Bond Decision in Carolyn Shireman Case
The decision to release Councilwoman Carolyn J. Flynn Shireman on a personal recognizance (PR) bond following her arrest on charges of felony theft and intimidation has drawn sharp criticism from many in the community. While Shireman must remain on house arrest, opponents argue that the lenient bond does not align with the seriousness of the accusations, particularly when compared to the harsher bonds typically set in similar cases in Crawford County.
Shireman stands accused of stealing nearly $100,000 from a 52-year-old man with developmental disabilities. In addition, she faces an intimidation charge, classified as a first-degree misdemeanor (M1). Prosecutors allege that after investigators questioned her regarding the theft, Shireman pressured the victim to retract his statement, further compounding concerns about her conduct.
In granting the PR bond with the condition that she remain on house arrest, Judge Shane Leuthold cited Shireman’s age and health as significant factors in his decision. However, critics have highlighted that prosecutors had sought a $50,000 bond — an amount less than half of the sum she allegedly stole. “If her health is a priority, then surely the health and financial well-being of the victim, who depends on these funds and lives with a disability, should carry equal weight,” remarked one individual closely familiar with the case.
Brandon Gobrecht, the city prosecutor for Bucyrus, also shared his viewpoint. While emphasizing that Shireman remains innocent until proven guilty, he admitted to being surprised by the leniency of the bond given the gravity of the charges. “Given the circumstances, I expected the bond to be higher,” he stated. Although Gobrecht attended the hearing, he clarified that the case itself is being managed by County Prosecutor Matt Crall, who will oversee its progress in Common Pleas Court.
Concerns Over Shared Living Arrangement
Another point fueling the public’s unease is the victim’s living arrangement with Carolyn Shireman’s husband, Jim Shireman. According to court documents, Jim resides with the victim for financial reasons, though it remains unclear whether those arrangements are directly tied to the accusations against Carolyn Shireman.
Critics argue that this arrangement raises serious concerns about potential influence or interference, given the allegations of financial exploitation and the intimidation charge. “It’s hard to imagine there won’t be some kind of third-party contact or financial manipulation,” one local advocate commented, referencing the close proximity between Carolyn Shireman’s family and the victim.
Broader Concerns for Justice and Vulnerable Populations
The charges against Shireman — a combination of felony theft and intimidation — have prompted broader questions about how courts balance the rights of the accused with the need to protect vulnerable individuals. The second-degree felony theft charge alone carries the potential for a two- to eight-year prison sentence. Critics fear that the seemingly lenient pre-trial conditions may jeopardize both the judicial process and the safety of the victim.
The case will next move to Crawford County Common Pleas Court, where prosecutors may push for stricter pre-trial conditions. In the meantime, the public remains deeply concerned about the court’s approach to handling cases involving vulnerable populations and what this decision means for the broader pursuit of justice.
Arrest, Allegations, and Fallout: The Ongoing Turmoil Surrounding Carolyn Shireman and Bucyrus City Leadership
The victim, a vulnerable individual living with developmental challenges, who relied on Carolyn Shireman for care and support and is now at the center of a deeply troubling case that has sparked outrage and concern within the community, stated in an interview with authorities he was unaware of these transactions and had never approved them.
Detectives questioned Shireman on January 9, 2025, at her home. While she denied the allegations and claimed the victim was aware of the financial activity, law enforcement moved forward with her arrest after consulting with the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office. One official described her arrest as, “she talked herself into getting arrested,” referencing Shireman’s repeated outbursts and inability to control herself even during Council meetings. She was taken to the Crawford County Justice Center, where formal charges are expected to be filed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have emphasized their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.
If you suspect financial exploitation of a loved one or someone in your community, contact the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities or your local law enforcement agency for assistance.
About the Author
Logan Andrew is the founder and editor of FreeWire, a Northwest Ohio-based digital media company dedicated to providing straightforward, fact-based reporting on local issues. With a focus on transparency and accountability, Logan works to amplify community voices while holding public officials to their word.
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