TOLEDO, Ohio (WLIO) – The former Allen County sheriff is seeking an early release from federal prison due to medical reasons.
Sam Crish has filed for a Compassionate Release because he says he has multiple serious health issues. According to court documents, he has been diagnosed with skin cancer, which he hasn’t been treated for and is in need of a hip replacement. He says his hip pain causes difficulty when he sleeps, walks and works.
Lawyers for the federal government oppose Crish getting an early release, saying that doctors have not ordered any changes to his incarceration except having a lower bunk and he hasn’t been denied medical treatment. In 2023, he had a benign tumor removed from his brain and his appendix removed the same year.
In 2019, Crish was sentenced to prison for 11 years and four months on bribery and extortion charges. He was also ordered to pay over $600,000 in restitution for money he accepted under false pretenses when he was sheriff. Crish says his gambling addiction led to his action.
The federal court judge has not ruled on his motion.
