James D. Taylor, a 55-year-old resident of Ashland, was sentenced to a prison term of seven to ten-and-a-half years on Monday, November 10, 2025, for his role in the 2024 crash that tragically killed 12-year-old Tye David Miezejewski. Taylor had pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter, and multiple operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) offenses following the deadly accident.
The crash occurred on May 24, 2024, in Sullivan Township when Taylor, driving a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, struck Miezejewski, who was riding his bicycle along County Road 681. At the time of the incident, it was approximately 3:39 p.m., and Taylor’s vehicle was traveling southbound when it collided with the young boy, who was riding his bike southward in the road. Despite swift medical intervention, Miezejewski, who was airlifted to Akron Children’s Hospital, succumbed to his injuries two days later on May 26.
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Following the crash, Taylor remained at the scene and was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Investigators determined that alcohol played a role in the accident. Taylor was not injured in the crash, but the boy’s death added to the severity of the charges against him.
In court, Taylor was represented by Attorney Patrick Michael Farrell, while Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Tunnell represented the State of Ohio. The prosecution presented the gravity of the case, underscoring the tragic consequences of Taylor’s actions. Judge David R. Stimpert reviewed all aspects of the case, including statements from the victim’s family, the defense, and Taylor himself during allocution.
After considering the statutory sentencing factors and the victim impact statements, Judge Stimpert determined that a prison sentence was necessary and appropriate, finding that community control would not be suitable for Taylor. The judge imposed a sentence of seven to ten-and-a-half years, which falls under Ohio’s indefinite sentencing structure. Taylor will be eligible for release after serving the minimum seven years, but the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) may extend his term if certain conditions are met.
Upon his release, Taylor will be subject to 18 months to three years of mandatory post-release control. Should he violate the terms of his post-release supervision, he could face additional prison time, including up to nine months for each violation, and further incarceration if he commits a new felony while under supervision.
In addition to his prison sentence, Taylor was ordered to pay court costs and fees associated with his case, including a $30 fee under R.C. 2949.091, a $25 fee under R.C. 120.36, and a $30 fee payable to the Ohio Treasurer under R.C. 2743.70. He is also required to pay $240 for pretrial drug and alcohol testing. Taylor was given 11 days of jail-time credit, and he will receive further credit for the days spent awaiting transfer to prison.
Following the sentencing, Taylor was remanded to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, where he will be transported to the Lorain Correctional Institution Reception Center in Grafton for evaluation and assignment to a state prison facility.
Taylor has 30 days to file an appeal if he chooses, and his pre-sentence investigation report has been sealed. The tragic death of Tye David Miezejewski has left his family, friends, and the Sullivan Township community mourning, with many hoping that this sentence will provide some measure of justice for the young boy whose life was so abruptly taken.