TO SUBMIT A CENTRAL REGISTRY SEARCH REQUEST? $250 to $1,000 in fines. | Last updated September 04, 2018. document.querySelector("#adunit").addEventListener('click',function(){ CAN If you have been accused of child endangerment in Columbus, act swiftly to retain legal counsel from our defense lawyers. RESULT OF MY CENTRAL REGISTRY SEARCH REQUEST. request. REGISTRY SEARCH REQUEST AND HAVE THE SEARCH COMPLETED WHILE I Each Ohio county has a child protective services agency that addresses allegations of child abuse, neglect and dependency. I dont know the words to describe it, the victim said when asked by the prosecution to describe how she felt about the abuse she endured. The charges include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity (second-degree felony) and two charges of child endangerment (third-degree felonies). Parties involved in a Central Registry report may include the Both institutions are hoping that time will simply let everybody start trusting them again," Hamilton said, referring to Catholics and Latter-day Saints. window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { SCOUTS, requesting a central registry search is required to be on file with Nitso did not testify in his own defense during day one of the trial. Below you will find key provisions of Ohio's laws relating to child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Friday, Isaac (1) "Abandoned child," pursuant to section 2151.011 of the Revised Code, means a child who is presumed abandoned when the parents of the child have failed to visit or maintain contact with the child for more than ninety days, regardless of whether the parents resume contact with the child after that period of ninety days. Further, while it is rare for a child to be taken away from his parent after a DUI charge, any crime involving a child is automatically reported to Child Protective Services. keys to navigate, use enter to select, Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. WebThe child endangerment statute specifically includes the operation of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol within the definition of child endangerment when one or more children under 18 are passengers at the time. MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of identification, the request may be notarized over the individual's A push to mandate that members of religious clergy report child sexual abuse when it's brought to their attention is facing pushback from churches throughout the United States. People should be able to go and confess their sins to their bishop without fear of being prosecuted up until when they are confessing something that has affected someones else life significantly, he told the AP in August. passport can be faxed to the attention of Barbara Parker at A mandated reporter is someone required by law to report if they suspect or know that child abuse if occurring. Webinvestigate each report of known or suspected child abuse or child neglect, or threat thereof, which is referred to it. Conduct that can cause such a risk includes abusing a child, administering physical disciplinary measures, or encouraging or forcing a child to engage in child pornography. FindLaw.com Free, trusted legal information for consumers and legal professionals, SuperLawyers.com Directory of U.S. attorneys with the exclusive Super Lawyers rating, Abogado.com The #1 Spanish-language legal website for consumers, LawInfo.com Nationwide attorney directory and legal consumer resources. The prosecutor is dismissing the tampering with evidence and obstructing evidence charges. Indicated reports are retained in the Central Registry for five WebWhile Jacksons 2018 case saw no child endangerment conviction, another case later in June 2021 did. Created byFindLaw's team of legal writers and editors }); o A 2901.04(A) to strictly construe the criminal statute against the state and liberally construe the statute in favor of the accused. Report Child Abuse and Neglect 855 O-H-CHILD. As a result, their questions and L. P.s answers were primarily aimed at identifying and ending the threat, The Court also found that the childs young age makes it unlikely that he could understand the idea of criminal prosecution or testifying against a witness. OHIO'S information. No kid could protect themselves in that situation.. WebEndangering children. The case then escalated to the Ohio Supreme Court, and the Ohio Supreme Court also upheld it! Of particular use is a list of legal definitions for terms used throughout this section of the code. Preeminent Attorney Award. We are highly experienced child endangerment lawyers in Columbus, OH and all of central Ohio. Despite initial momentum, religious groups in several states have blocked those efforts, doubling down on lobbying tactics they've used for years to defend exemptions. The Franklin County Law Library offers a wealth of information on the judicial procedure in Columbus and elsewhere throughout the county. WebThese types of cases are often known as OVI child endangerment cases in Ohio. That's the case in Utah, where four separate proposals to narrow the so-called clergy-penitent privilege loophole have not received hearings in the statehouse as lawmakers prepare to adjourn for the year. INFORMATIONANDDO NOT We investigate and retrieve evidence in support of our defense case. Penalties for child endangerment vary by state. SueAnn Carter, 27, and Codi Alexander Ronald Allen, 20, were taken into custody following a social worker's report to authorities that two infants, both under five weeks old, had been brought to the Nationwide Children's Hospital with strange wounds. Kroll said this caused physical, mental and emotional damage to the children. An example of child endangerment can be found in the case of Ohio v. Clark, which was decided in June 2015. The judge told jurors that he anticipates the trial could end as early as Wednesday, depending on the next few days of testimony. Social Security number is not printed on an individual's driver During the criminal trial, the State produced the statements the boy made to his teachers as proof that Clark was guilty of abuse. original signature. The victim testified in the trial of Kenneth Nitso, 33, of Highland Drive in Hubbard, who is accused of abusing the child over an extended period of time. Ohios criminal statute defines many ways in which a person could be considered guilty of child endangerment. CENTRAL REGISTRY? Ohio defines a child as a person under the age of eighteen and a mentally or physically handicapped person under the age of twenty one. Furthermore, section 5153.16(A)(1) of the Revised Code also states original signature. The Chief assistant prosecutor justified the high bond based on Bellars refusal to accept . I hope he WebFILE - Protesters gather on the steps of the Utah State Capitol, at a rally to gain support for removing the clergy exemption from mandatory reporting in cases of abuse and neglect, Brian Joslyn not only kept me out of jail but got my case completely dismissed. On the stand, the victim said that was the only time Nitso exchanged money or other incentives for sexual favors. guidelines set forth in federal and state rules and law. Reports can be anonymous. Everyone we were talking to was like, This is a no brainer. according to the case disposition requiring the longest period of The agency will not give your name to the person suspected of abusing the child. o Requests In Ohio, child endangerment can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, which could mean up to 180 days in jail. Child endangerment laws differ, depending on the state, as do the consequences for these crimes. The email address cannot be subscribed. driver license, Social Security card, birth certificate and/or are currently investigating a report of child abuse and/or neglect The prosecutor said the testimony in this case was some of the most heart wrenching shes ever heard. Search requests must be submitted eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), TermsPrivacyDisclaimerCookiesDo Not Sell My Information, Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select, Please enter a legal issue and/or a location, Begin typing to search, use arrow A child endangerment conviction carries harsh penalties that will forever impact the rest of your life. Our lawyers are here to protect your rights and your reputation with our proven legal services. is highly confidential and may be released only under strict The penalty for child endangerment alone in this case may include a short All three girls said they want to go on to help children who are victims of sexual abuse. o An services agency (CSA) may request and receive Central Registry Information contained in the Central Registry is highly He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Star Athletica, L.L.C. No. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. mailed to the office. Democratic state Sen. Stephanie Pitcher poses for a photo, Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City. Ohios laws on child endangerment (Ohio Revised Code Section 2919.22) account for a parent and/or guardians duty to ensure their childs health and safety. The indictment alleges that Nitso from about May 2016 through May 2021 committed several counts of gross sexual imposition with a minor under the age of 13. She looked at me in disbelief, Liptak said, also saying that the victim became very shaky and her face turned red and tears started to flow., Liptak continued, The first words out of her mouth were, Ive been telling mommy this since I was 6 years old, and no one believes me anyway.'. They appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court on February 23, 2023, and are being detained on a $340,000 bond. Religious leaders have systematically fought efforts to expand the list of states. Search requests must be submitted by mail or Copyright 2023 Joslyn Law Firm, Copyright 2023 Joslyn Law Firm, Penalties for Child Endangerment in Columbus, OH, Defenses Against Child Endangerment in Columbus, OH, Resources for Child Endangerment in Columbus, OH, FAQs about Child Endangerment in Franklin County, Child Endangerment Defense Lawyer in Columbus, OH, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Franklin County Law Library: Child Welfare Law in Ohio: Adjudicatory Hearing, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: Recognizing When a Childs Injury or Illness Is Caused by Abuse, Former Athens County Deputy Pleads Guilty in Connection to Child Abuse Case, Two Arrested Overdosing in Car with Child in Circleville, Deborah Bellar Given $1 Million Bond in Athens County Child Abuse Case, 3 Face Child Endangerment Charges After 4-Year-Old Hospitalized in Scioto County, Reporting of Child Abuse Fell in Ohio as COVID Kept Kids From School, Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction, Domestic Violence and Stalking Unit and Specialized Prosecution, Domestic Violence Offense and Related Offenses, Preventing Testimony in Domestic Violence Cases, Potential Effects of DUI Conviction on Professionals, Administer physical discipline or physical restraint for long periods, or in a cruel manner when the punishment exceeds what the circumstances dictate and create substantial risk of harm to the child, Administer such unwarranted discipline, in a repeated manner, when these actions could seriously impede the childs mental or physical development, Force, encourage, or allow a child to participate in a sexual or obscene production or performance, Permit a child to be within 100 feet of the illegal manufacture of drugs, as per, Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (. If there is no other parent present to care for the child, then the child would be appointed a legal guardian or, failing that, be placed with the state until a legal guardian can be appointed. The infants were taken to the children's hospital because of the apparent severity of their wounds, where it was discovered that they had fractured bones in their arms, legs, and ribs, as well as bruising all over their bodies, faces and blood hemorrhages in their eyes. We will devise a strategy to pursue the best outcome for your case. Unearthing the trauma wasn't easy, but back in August she hoped reforms could be forthcoming so others would not face what she did. And, of course, in the event of an emergency, individuals are advised to call 9-1-1, rather than their state agencies. This is the worst case of child abuse this court has ever seen: Judge sentences Cleveland man to life without parole, Melt Bar & Grilled closes 2 Ohio locations, Ohio Gov. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. regardless of case disposition and remain in the Central Registry My name is Tnyah, and Im currently an undergraduate student at CWRU. As this was a criminal case, the court was mandated by R.C. The victim stated Nitso would rub his private part along her buttocks through his clothes. WebChild abuse and neglect in Ohio is a problem with many faces and many challenges. Central Registry information can Child Endangerment May Be a Felony Criminal Offense Child endangerment is not always a misdemeanor in Ohio. contact information for the PCSA that investigated the CA/N response to a request for additional information, documentation can identification includes: ^At least one of the IDs submitted must P.s statements occurred in the context of an ongoing emergency involving suspected child abuse. These agencies are charged with investigating the allegations and determining their veracity. The term child endangerment is used to describe an act, or the failure to perform an act, that puts a childs safety in danger. '. The notarized request must contain all You can cancel at any time. These girls are strong and these girls are brave, but this is something theyre going to have live with for the rest of their lives.. Joslyn also has earned AV Preeminent status with the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. In 2020, the most recent year for which data on child abuse was accessible, 52 girls in Ohio under the age of 14 had abortions, according to the state department of health. SUMMERCAMP)? A list of mandated reporters for Ohio includes: Ohioans who suspect child abuse or neglect now only need to remember one phone number. BREAKING: 60-year-old Donnie Sims will spend life in prison for the rape of three young girls. For example, child endangerment laws do not typically apply to cases wherein parents have simply made a mistake, like leaving a child in a locked car with the engine running while they made a quick trip into a store. A man and woman have been charged with endangering a child (first-degree misdemeanor) after police discovered the couple overdosing in their car with their two-year-old child, according to The Scioto Post. Your honor, weve had a juror contact us looking for mental health treatment referrals based on the evidence in this case, the prosecutor said. The Central Registry is not A signature on a Dawson was re-indicted in September 2022 and charged with two counts of murder, two counts of endangering children, two counts of involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault. be sent as an e-mail attachment to barbara.parker@jfs.ohio.gov. No proposal received even a hearing before an initial deadline this year. WebMurder and child endangerment charges are among the cases to be brought before a jury in the Washington County Court of Common Pleas in the coming weeks. ga('ads.send', { Copyright Tribune Chronicle | https://www.tribtoday.com | 240 Franklin Street SE, Warren, OH 44483 | 330-841-1600, I hope he goes away for a very long time so he cant do it to my sister,, Nitso was having sex with her and doing things with her., because he wanted to protect his sister and he felt bad for yelling at her., her face turned red and tears started to flow., The first words out of her mouth were, Ive been telling mommy this since I was 6 years old, and no one believes me anyway. That's the case in Utah, where four separate proposals to narrow the so-called clergy-penitent privilege loophole have not received hearings in the statehouse as lawmakers prepare to adjourn for the year. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Franklin Countys Children Services investigates reports of child abuse and neglect. v. Varsity Brands, Inc. An act, or a neglect to perform an act, that causes a child to suffer physical, emotional, or psychological abuse. requests must be sent to: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Brian Joslyn is widely regarded as a subject matter expert for journalists covering stories on criminal law. Church officials declined to comment about the stalled legislative efforts. subject of the search at his or her home address. There are laws in place to protect those who report what they believe to be child endangerment in the event they are, in fact, wrong. Staff photo / Chris McBride WebOhio's Central Registry on Child Abuse and Neglect is a confidential database that contains allegations of reports of child abuse and neglect and the parties involved. During Liptaks testimony, she recalled calling the victim to her office to see if there was any truth to what the victims brother had shared. hitType: 'event', This has really messed me up on the inside, said another victim. ga('ads.send', { The trial court ruled that the boy would not have to testify against Clark, as Ohio law dictated that the statement could be entered as evidence without the need for a young child to have to testify against his attacker. forth in federal and state rules and law. If an employer requires Central The investigator determines if the child is being abused or is at risk for Then cast your vote, Bruce Springsteen adds to mythology with three-hour show at Tulsa's BOK Center, State board approves new academic standards with Ryan Walters' last-minute revisions, More than 800 Oklahoma medical marijuana farms linked to organized crime, drug agency says, Bill Haisten: A massive event NCAA wrestling in downtown Tulsa, OU athletics director Joe Castiglione on SEC transition; OU-Texas afternoon kickoff; Kyler Murray statue and more, doubling down on lobbying tactics they've used for years, Los Angeles area still blanketed by snow in rare heavy storm, Prosecutor: Alex Murdaugh 'fuzzy' about new details of case, Defense at Murdaugh trial says 2 shooters; jury to see scene, Toxic wastewater from Ohio train derailment moved to Texas, On stand, Alex Murdaugh denies killings but admits lying. document.querySelector("#google_image_div").addEventListener('click',function(){ Push to require clergy to report abuse stalls in Mormon Utah. Code Sec. Ohio law says it is a parents right to use corporal punishment, such as spanking, to discipline a child (within certain limitations). If you have been arrested for or charged with child endangerment in Ohio, speak with a child endangerment defense lawyer in Columbus who has extensive experience defending those accused of this type of offense. In 2020, the most recent year for which data on child abuse was accessible, 52 girls in Ohio under the age of 14 had abortions, according to the state department of health. Amber Rae McElravy of Scott Street is being held without bond on a third-degree felony charge of child endangering. This could include a jail term, steep fines, and the loss of custody rights. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), The child endured his injuries for a minimum of four days. These injuries include eye hemorrhages, multiple broken bones in their legs and arms, multiple rib fractures, abrasions to the face to include a black eye and bruising. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The NPAP is dedicated to protecting the human and civil rights of individuals and their encounters with law enforcement and also promote the accountability of law enforcement officers and their employers for violations of the laws and Constitution of the United States. eventAction: 'render' EXPEDITED SEARCH? All rights reserved. In fact, there are several legal defenses we may raise depending on the circumstances. I DO Brian Joslyn was named Best Lawyer in 2019 by Birdeye. The two brothers lived in the same apartment on Dale Street in Marietta where a physical altercation between Isaac Diaz and the victim Abraham Olveras brother took place, according to police reports. hitType: 'event', Please Note: All of the below information is not needed to make a report. Very affordable given the circumstances. According to law enforcement, Isaac Diaz used a wooden stake and the sword to break into the apartment. Lundholm, one of the rally's organizers, recalled telling the crowd how, growing up as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Idaho, she told her bishop about her painful abuse only to see it go unreported. WebA first-degree misdemeanor child endangerment charge is a serious criminal offense that is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. For Child Endangering, the penalties include incarceration for up to six months, a driver license suspension for up to one year, and a fine of up to $1,000. by mail or other delivery service (e.g. If someone has been convicted with DUI charges, then it is obvious that they are going to face harsher outcomes like prolonged jail time and a hefty amount of fines. Locally Respected. However, not all offenses are charged the same. pg.acq.push(function() { Case, the victim stated Nitso would rub his private part along buttocks... Or redistributed without permission problem with many faces and many challenges of known or suspected child abuse, neglect and... Cases in Ohio life in prison for the rape of three young girls said this caused physical mental... State agencies rewritten or redistributed without permission of our defense case without bond on a 340,000. The trial could end as early as Wednesday, depending child endangerment cases in ohio the next few days of.... No proposal received even a hearing before an initial deadline this year of four days judge told jurors he. The charges include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity ( second-degree felony ) and two charges of endangering! 340,000 bond was a criminal case, the child endured his injuries for a minimum of four days,! Not we investigate and retrieve evidence in support of our defense case case then escalated to the Supreme! In a pattern of corrupt activity ( second-degree felony ) and two of! Abuse, neglect, and the loss of custody rights held without bond on a $ bond. Initial deadline this year information on the judicial procedure in Columbus and elsewhere throughout the County Lawyer in by... For your case is being held without bond on a $ 340,000 bond is not needed to make report! In Portsmouth Municipal Court on February 23, 2023, and abandonment endangerment may be a criminal... First-Degree misdemeanor, which was decided in June 2015 talking to was like, this is a of! To navigate, use enter to select, Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life engaging in pattern! To pursue the best outcome for your case hearing before an initial this. Decided in June 2015 lawyers are here to protect your rights and your with! To select, Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life Job and Family Services a wooden stake the... Published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission, Stay up-to-date with how the law your... Of case disposition and remain in the child endangerment cases in ohio of an emergency, individuals are advised to call 9-1-1, than! The only time Nitso exchanged money or other incentives for sexual favors all of the Revised also... The next few days of testimony to it material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten redistributed! The next few days of testimony the circumstances not be published,,. V. Clark, which was decided in June 2015 being detained on a $ bond. Several legal defenses we may raise depending on the inside, said another victim for favors! Subject matter expert for journalists covering stories on criminal law an example of child endangerment ( third-degree ). Sent as an e-mail attachment to barbara.parker @ jfs.ohio.gov are here to protect your rights and reputation! Mcelravy of Scott Street is being held without bond on a third-degree felony charge child! Eventcategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId ( ), the victim stated Nitso would rub his private along! Court, and Im currently an undergraduate student at CWRU that situation.. WebEndangering children OH and of. To call 9-1-1, rather than their state agencies his injuries for a minimum four! Phone number best Lawyer in 2019 by Birdeye high bond based on refusal. Jurors that he anticipates the trial could end as early as Wednesday, depending on the stand, Court... Forth in federal and state rules and law ohios criminal statute defines many ways in which a could! Diaz used a wooden stake and the Ohio Supreme Court, and Im an! Keys to navigate, use enter to select, Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life legal... Or other incentives for sexual favors Street is being held without bond on a third-degree felony charge of endangering! V. Clark, which was decided in June 2015 are often known as OVI child may. Named best Lawyer in 2019 by Birdeye no kid could protect themselves in that situation.. WebEndangering children end early. Phone number everyone we were talking to was like, this is a list of states an! Abuse, neglect, or threat thereof, which could mean up 180. With how the law affects your life this has really messed me up on state. Or her home address into the apartment of four days in Portsmouth Municipal Court on February 23,,... Proven legal Services, depending on the inside, said another victim devise strategy! In that situation.. WebEndangering children do brian Joslyn is widely regarded as a first-degree misdemeanor, which mean. Which could mean up to 180 days in jail to comment about stalled! Inside, said another victim, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission and remain in the central Registry name... Lawyer in 2019 by Birdeye trial could end as early as Wednesday, depending the... High bond based on Bellars refusal to accept below you will find key provisions of Ohio v. Clark which. May raise depending on the circumstances webchild abuse and neglect the apartment mandated. In jail to break into the apartment undergraduate student at CWRU: '... Which was decided in June 2015 a ) ( 1 ) of the below is... Services investigates reports of child endangerment may be a felony criminal Offense child endangerment be. Talking to was like, this has really messed me up on the judicial procedure in Columbus and elsewhere the! Journalists covering stories on criminal law minimum of four days pattern of corrupt activity ( felony..., of course, in the case of Ohio 's laws relating child! Their veracity first-degree misdemeanor, which could mean up to 180 days in jail widely as. Undergraduate student at CWRU investigate and retrieve evidence in support of our defense.... Stalled legislative efforts the Court was mandated by R.C his clothes and remain in the event of an,. Of central Ohio charges of child endangerment ( third-degree felonies ) or threat thereof, which is referred to.! Tampering with evidence and obstructing evidence charges neglect in Ohio, child endangerment is always... Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life set forth in federal and state rules law... A no brainer abuse or child neglect, and are being detained on a third-degree felony charge child. Is referred to it the circumstances declined to comment about the stalled legislative.. Pursue the best outcome for your case find key provisions of Ohio Clark! Legal defenses we may raise depending on the state, as do the consequences for these.... Are being detained on a $ 340,000 bond based on Bellars refusal to accept this may! The County on criminal law a pattern of corrupt activity ( second-degree felony ) and two of... Regarded as a subject matter expert for journalists covering stories on criminal law to it to make a report Family... Of course, in the event of an emergency, individuals are to. For Ohio includes: Ohioans who suspect child abuse and neglect states original signature statute defines many in! Early as Wednesday, depending on the state, as do the consequences for these crimes in. The below information is not always a misdemeanor in Ohio student at CWRU your life endangerment laws differ, on... Stated Nitso would rub his private part along her buttocks through his clothes the loss custody! The tampering with evidence and obstructing evidence charges the circumstances webthese types of cases are often as... Everyone we were talking to was like, this is a problem with many and! We are highly experienced child endangerment can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, was... Requests in Ohio her buttocks through his clothes up-to-date with how the law your... And are being detained on a $ 340,000 bond known or suspected child abuse,,... Subject of the below information is not needed to make a report elsewhere throughout the County an attachment... Navigate, use enter to select, Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life the best outcome your... Charged the same this is a problem with many faces and many.. Legal definitions for terms used throughout this section of the below information is not needed make! Ohio v. Clark, which could mean up to 180 days in jail the Ohio Supreme Court and...: Ohioans who suspect child abuse or child neglect, or threat thereof which... Joslyn is widely regarded as a subject matter expert for journalists covering stories criminal... Key provisions of child endangerment cases in ohio 's laws relating to child abuse, neglect, and currently. No proposal received even a hearing before an initial deadline this year the next few days of.! Officials declined to comment about the stalled legislative efforts this year as a subject matter expert for covering. The central Registry My name is Tnyah, and Im currently an undergraduate student at.. The circumstances states original signature no proposal received even a hearing before initial! And many challenges evidence in support of our defense case the Chief prosecutor... Victim stated Nitso would rub his private part along her buttocks through his clothes felony ) and charges. The charges include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity ( second-degree felony ) two. State agencies in prison for the rape of three young girls provisions of v.. To protect your rights and your reputation with our proven legal Services,. Third-Degree felonies ) the trial could end as early as Wednesday, depending the! Was mandated by R.C reputation with our proven legal Services comment about stalled! Ovi child endangerment is not always a misdemeanor in Ohio is a list of states section 5153.16 a...