A 55-year-old Ashland man, James D. Taylor, has been sentenced to seven to ten-and-a-half years in prison for the 2024 crash that claimed the life of 12-year-old Tye David Miezejewski. The sentencing took place on Monday, November 10, 2025, after Taylor pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter, and several OVI-related offenses.
Deadly Sullivan Township Crash
The fatal collision occurred on May 24, 2024, along County Road 681 in Sullivan Township. Authorities reported that Taylor was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado southbound when he struck Miezejewski, who was riding his bicycle in the same direction around 3:39 p.m.
Emergency teams airlifted the 12-year-old to Akron Children’s Hospital, but he tragically died two days later, on May 26, from his injuries.
Courtroom Proceedings
During the hearing, Taylor was represented by Attorney Patrick Michael Farrell, while the State of Ohio was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Tunnell, who emphasized the gravity of Taylor’s actions and the devastating loss suffered by the victim’s family.
Judge Stimpert ruled that community control was not appropriate, stating that prison time was necessary based on sentencing guidelines, the facts of the case, and victim impact statements. Under Ohio’s indefinite sentencing system, Taylor could be released after serving the minimum seven years, though the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) may extend his incarceration if warranted.
Post-Release Requirements
If released, Taylor must complete 18 months to three years of mandatory post-release supervision. Violating the terms could add up to nine months of additional prison time per violation, with even steeper consequences if he commits a new felony.
Fines, Fees, and Additional Penalties
Taylor must also pay several required fees, including:
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$30 under R.C. 2949.091
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$25 under R.C. 120.36
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$30 to the Ohio Treasurer under R.C. 2743.70
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$240 for pretrial drug and alcohol assessments
He was granted 11 days of jail-time credit, with more credit to accrue until his transfer.
After sentencing, he was taken into custody by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office to await transport to the Lorain Correctional Institution Reception Center in Grafton.
Appeal Window and Community Impact
Taylor has 30 days to file an appeal. The court has ordered that the pre-sentencing investigation report remain sealed.
The loss of Tye David Miezejewski continues to weigh heavily on the Sullivan Township community. Family, friends, and local residents hope the sentence provides a measure of justice for the young boy whose life was tragically cut short.
The post 55-Year-Old Ashland Man Sentenced to Up to 10½ Years for Crash That Killed 12-Year-Old Cyclist first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
