Police: Reported abduction was attempt at YouTube ‘prank’

GREENHILLS, Ohio (AP) — Police in an Ohio village say a reported attempted abduction this week was actually an attempt to pull a prank to post on YouTube.

Earlier this week, Greenhills police had warned residents about how an 11-year-old boy reported two men pulled up beside him and told him to get in a car. Police Chief Neil Ferdelman said Wednesday that a 17-year-old and 18-year-old have now admitted it was all an attempt at a prank where they would ask people bizarre questions to get reactions for a YouTube video.

The two told police they asked the boy “aye aye, bro bro, come here real fast” before he fled.

Ferdelman says the two were remorseful and cooperated with police. No criminal charges have been filed.

Ohio announces investment in anti-elder abuse efforts

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio has announced it is spending $1.3 million to expand its anti-elder abuse efforts.

The Department of Job and Family Services says the investment includes a federal grant of more than $920,000.

The agency said Wednesday the money will help it launch a year-round public awareness campaign and develop an online referral system for reporting suspected elder abuse.

The investment also will allow the department to develop online training for individuals required to report suspicions of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Earlier this year a new law expanded the list of people required to report suspicions of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation to authorities.

The list of mandatory reporters now includes more individuals in financial services, legal and medical professions.

Man accused of selling drugs to billionaire’s son charged

CLEVELAND (AP) — A man who authorities say sold a deadly mixture of drugs to the son of a Greek billionaire in Cleveland has been indicted in federal court.

Cleveland.com reports 35-year-old Terry Lee Christian is charged with selling 34-year-old Sokratis S. Kokkalis a mix of heroin, cocaine and fentanyl outside JACK Cleveland Casino in July. Kokkalis was found dead in a downtown hotel room from a fatal overdose.

Kokkalis was in Cleveland for a gambling conference. The criminal complaint says surveillance footage shows Christian selling drugs to Kokkalis.

Kokkalis’ father, Socrates P. Kokkalis, is the founder of a Greek telecommunications company and chairman of the Greek soccer team, Olympiacos F.C. His son was the team’s vice president.

A message seeking comment was left with Christian’s public defender Wednesday.