Investigation into Marko continues

NEW LONDON — A grand jury will rule whether or not to return indictments concerning the death of New London police chief Mike Marko. Huron County Sheriff Todd Corbin said they've turned over everything to the prosecutors and are waiting for a grand jury. "They're going to give you a true bill, which means the person going to be indicted or there's a no bill, where they don't think there's enough evidence," he said. "We're waiting to see how they voted and what comes out of it." The sheriff's office has been investigating the suspected suicide since the initial call on the morning of Nov. 20. While investigating the suspected suicide, a criminal investigation began. Prior to his death, an ongoing investigation was started, looking into Marko. On Nov. 12, the sheriff's office requested the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to open an investigation into a Huron County public official. Corbin said New London mayor Toby Thomas notified the sheriff's office after receiving a complaint from a lieutenant. "Because we work so closely with their agency, to maintain that relationship and not damage it in any way, it was best that BCI come in and do the investigation," he said. "It's better to bring in a neutral party and let them do their job, let the chips fall where they may." BCI also assisted in processing the crime scene of the suspected suicide, which is also an ongoing investigation, said Steve Irwin, press secretary of the office of the Ohio Attorney General. Corbin said the evidence they collect normally is sent to BCI's lab in Bowling Green. In a letter to Marko, Thomas said the county sheriff notified him the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) was conducting a criminal investigation into Marko's role of New London chief of police. Thomas said in the letter, dated Nov. 19, he was unaware of the specifics or subject of the inquiry and Marko would be placed on paid administrative leave. The next day, Marko died. A notice of peace officer separation from service was filed due to the death of Marko, which occurred the next day, signed by Lt. Joe Hicks.