Ohio woman denies plot to arrest Gov. DeWine, but claims she's still governor

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKEF/WRGT/WKRC) - A Springfield woman has stepped forward and denied being a part of a plan to kidnap and arrest Governor Mike DeWine.

Renea Turner was a write-in gubernatorial candidate in 2018. She claimed DeWine has violated Ohioans' constitutional rights for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Turner told her side of the story in front of the Statehouse, after a Piqua man reported her to police, claiming Turner asked him to participate in a plot to arrest Governor DeWine and put him on trial for “tyranny.” The Ohio State Highway Patrol then launched an investigation into what was believed to be a serious threat. Turner on Monday denied such a plan.

"I am not involved with a group or making any coup or anything against the governor,” said Turner.

Turner on Friday called a gathering at the Statehouse a swearing-in ceremony, proclaiming to be the new governor of Ohio. Turner still stands by her oath of office.

“I am governor,” said Turner. “Mike DeWine, pack your stuff, go home, stay home.”

Turner said she’s since mailed a notice to DeWine’s home, informing him she’s now governor. She originally wanted to go to his personal home in Cedarville and deliver it to him.

“I was just recently planning on doing this declaration and it was all going to be in the form of a protest,” Turner added. “There was never going to be any kidnapping or anything like that.”

State Rep. John Becker (R-Clermont County) said he met with Turner two weeks ago prior to posting a video on YouTube, calling the Piqua man a hero for reporting Turner to the police. Becker said they discussed legal ways of removing DeWine from office, but nothing about a citizen arrest.

“At the time, I did not get any sense that she was dangerous or planning anything crazy like, you know, arresting the governor,” Becker said. “The only stuff she was asking me about and thought it was a little odd, not alarming, she was asking me about if his Cedarville home is public property in the same way the governor’s mansion in Bexley is public property.”

Turner said Becker misunderstood her intentions, as he too reported her to Statehouse authorities after seeing the Piqua police report. Turner said she never wanted to harm DeWine, just take over his role as governor peacefully and safely. Formal charges have not been filed at this time and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is still investigating any potential threat.