Trial of suspect connected to Bluffton officer's death results in plea deal
According to WTVG-13 Action News of Toledo, a suspect charged in connection to the March 2022 death of Bluffton police officer Dominic Francis has taken a plea deal and been convicted of several charges in Hancock County.
Reports show that on Tuesday, February 21, Dante Tate pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property and complicity to receiving stolen property.
Prosecutors dropped charges of improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle and theft or grand theft of a motor vehicle.
Emin Johnson and Zachary Love still face charges. They are scheduled for a criminal pretrial on March 3. An April 24 jury trial is scheduled for Johnson, who faces charges including involuntary manslaughter and aggravated vehicular homicide.
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Columbus Grove-Bluffton Rd. closure planned for up to three weeks
- Two Pirate volleyball players make 1st team All-NWC
- 3 Pirate girls 1st team All-NWC soccer
- Pirates dominate All-NWC boys soccer awards
- Local filmmaker focuses on memories made by people and places
- Bluffton Public Library: Medicare 101
- BHS artists prepare Yankee Doodle Christmas Trees for Jingle Bell Stroll
Monday, October 19, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, October 14-18
- Ada Icon headlines, October 19
- JessExpress Travel is the Icon's newest advertiser
- Gatchel 7th in girls, Pirates 4th at NWC cross country meet
- Veterans invited to Pandora-Gilboa banquet, November 10
- October 19 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Wearable sculptures featured in exhibit On Soft Ground
- Historic depot rentals offered for meetings and parties