Veteran sues over concealed carry denial

The Van Wert independent

A Persian Gulf War veteran is seeking to have his denial of a concealed carry permit overturned in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

Delphos resident James G. Redmon has filed a civil lawsuit against Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas Riggenbach challenging the sheriff’s denial of his concealed carry permit application.

The sheriff has said the permit was denied for two reasons: one, Redmon was treated for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following his service in the Gulf War, and, two, the military veteran was charged with two felonies, aggravated burglary and aggravated assault, seven years ago.

However, both of those felonies were expunged from Redmon’s record after he was granted a request for treatment in lieu of conviction and successfully completed that treatment.

Ohio law provides county sheriffs with only limited authority to deny concealed carry permits. Sheriff Riggenbach has currently issued 276 concealed carry permits and denied only two.

Common Pleas Judge Charles D. Steele has taken the case under advisement and requested both sides in the dispute to file written arguments. The case will be decided following the judge’s review of the case, court officials noted.