Ohio Mayor Busted In Prostitution Sting

The 61-year-old mayor of Ottawa, Ohio, crossed county lines to engage in sex acts for cash, according to authorities.

"Whether it was telephone or texting, that's how they made the arrangements," said Allen County Sheriff Sam Crish.

Crish is referring to an illegal business deal between a prostitute and Ottawa Mayor Ken Maag.

"I think this is a very big shock to the community," said Joe Schroeder, Ottawa Law Director.

It was Monday afternoon when Crish said Maag drove 30 minutes from Putnam County into Allen County to pick up and pay for a prostitute in her 20s.

"He did pay for the room and admit he was going to pay her for her services," added Crish.

Just last week at the same EconoLodge motel off Interstate 75 in Lima, an area coach was arrested for soliciting the same prostitute as the mayor.

Gregory Gooding, 57, was a girls varsity basketball coach at Jackson Center High School in Shelby County. He resigned from his position Tuesday morning.

Maag, an insurance agent, husband, grandfather, and elected official has served as mayor for nearly two decades.

"I'm not sure exactly how many years it's been going on, but it's been going on for several. This is just the first time he's gotten caught," said the Sheriff.

ONN-TV tried reaching the mayor at his Ottawa home but he was unavailable for comment.

Ottawa's law director said Maag will be taking a temporary leave of absence, and the current mayor does not plan to resign.

A morality clause in the village's charter could make that decision for him.

"One of the things that makes this situation difficult is just knowing the number of things that have been positive that Ken has done for the village," said Schroeder.

Maag heads to court Wednesday on the solicitation charge.  It's a misdemeanor offense but carries possible jail time.

Ottawa Village Council is expected to hold a meeting Wednesday night to temporarily appoint an acting mayor.

Maag still plans to run for reelection in November. There is no one running against him.

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