Max Swartout

Two Pages, 20 Cents, and a Failure of Public Service How the Portage County Sheriff's Office serves the public - Ohio Portage County is my home. I am a native, I lived here for more than 20 years, and I am now in my fourth year as a teacher in one of our community’s schools. As an advocate for transparency who cares deeply for my neighbors, I hold a core belief that our public institutions must be guided by a spirit of service.

Portage County, Ohio deserves accessible government. It took an over-month-long fight with the PCSO over an absurd $0.20 fee to get just two pages of public records. This isn't service; it's bureaucracy. As a native and teacher here, I believe the public deserves better.

Interested Party Testimony for H. B. No. 486 Education Committee10/21/2025 Max Swartout, Elementary Music Teacher Swartout, Interested Party Written Testimony, H.B. 486Download

Interested Party Testimony for Ohio H. B. No. 486

Ohio House Education Committee10/21/2025 Max Swartout, Elementary Music Teacher Swartout

An Open Letter to the Employees of the Portage County Sheriff’s Office If you’re reading this, it’s because you either sought it out, or someone thought you might care enough to read it. You’re likely aware that our Sheriff has some very vocal critics—myself included. But I want you to know this letter is not about him. It’s about you. Through the course of my own investigating—nothing close to the caliber of your professional training as investigators and communicators—I’ve grown genuinely grateful for the work you do and the sacrifices you make.

An Open Letter to the Employees of the Portage County Sheriff’s Office

Criticism Is Not Criminal: Why Portage County Residents Deserve Better Than This Dangerous Rhetoric On July 15, 2025, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office announced the results of a significant drug bust—an impressive seizure of thousands of prescription pills allegedly purchased through the dark web. The investigation appears thorough and successful, the Portage County Drug and Violent Crime Unit (DVCU) deserves recognition for its work. But what followed from an administrative specialist at the Sheriff’s Office—Susan Phillips Schlarb—was not a professional press release or an expression of public safety concern.

Calling for transparency isn’t “criminal.” Criticism isn’t hate. When a sheriff's office employee labels peaceful citizens as criminals for asking questions, we all lose. Read more about the danger of this rhetoric and why it matters.

Sheriff Zuchowski and His Top Officials Violate Their Own Policies From inflammatory signage to unauthorized alcohol possession, a controversial hire, and inflammatory social media conduct—Portage County’s top lawman appears to ignore the very rules he authorized. The Portage County Sheriff’s Office holds its employees to a clear standard—on paper. According to its own policy manual, professionalism, neutrality, and conduct that reflects favorably on the department are not just ideals; they are codified rules.

🚨 Sheriff Zuchowski burns a newspaper on social media. No argument. No explanation. Just a photo and a joke. That’s not leadership—it’s a violation of his own department’s code. Portage County deserves better.

#Accountability #PublicTrust

What if the sheriff had a “Doesn’t Work Well With Conservatives” sign in his office? Or told you to kiss his ass after you voted? My latest article flips the script on Sheriff Zuchowski. If the tables were turned, would you still defend it? Read more: [link] #PortageCounty #Accountability

Yes, “Everyone is Welcome Here” Is a Political Statement. But We Didn’t Make It That Way. “Everyone is Welcome Here” is a political statement—but not for the reasons you think. Idaho banned it in classrooms, calling it ideological. But welcoming people isn’t the problem. Read why inclusive values matter now more than ever. ✊🏽🌈✍️

“Everyone is Welcome Here” is a political statement—but not for the reasons you think. Idaho banned it in classrooms, calling it ideological. But welcoming people isn’t the problem. Read why inclusive values matter now more than ever. ✊🏽🌈✍️

What’s on the Wall of the Portage County Sheriff’s Office? Warning: It Doesn’t Play Well With Accountability In what might seem like a satirical sketch of small-town politics gone rogue, a new photo has surfaced featuring Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski proudly posing beneath a sign that reads: “WARNING: DOES NOT PLAY WELL WITH LIBERALS.” Yes—inside the Sheriff’s Office. Mounted on the wall. Right next to a Thin Blue Line flag, tactical gear, and an unopened bottle of liquor.

A sheriff’s office is no place for partisan signs, liquor bottles, and casual displays of bias. But here we are. Read my latest on why professionalism, neutrality, and accountability matter—especially behind the badge. 📰👇 #PortageCounty #Accountability #PublicTrust

What It Means That We’re Okay With Hiring Dan Lajack Portage County, Ohio It’s been months since the hiring—and perhaps that’s exactly what Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski was counting on: that time would pass, the public would forget, and he could quietly guarantee retirement to a like-minded ally, if not a personal friend. But how do you forget something like this? A man—an American citizen, a truck driver from Texas, a legal immigrant from Eritrea—

🟦🟨 Portage County, We Need to Talk.

A deputy who said it was okay to “start fighting” someone because “he’s not from this country” now wears a badge in our community.

This is bigger than politics. It’s about who we are—and who we’re willing to become.

📰 Read the full piece.

Dan Lajack Files, Bodycam Footage, First Release

🚨 Watch officers respond as two intoxicated off-duty cops detain a man outside a bar—no lawful reason. One is now-Portage County Deputy Dan Lajack. Urge Sheriff Zuchowski to act: bias training & public condemnation. Speak up 👉 https://maxswartout.github.io/PortageCounty/

Sheriff Zuchowski Briefly Opens Facebook Comments, Promptly Closes Them Again: A Missed Opportunity for Transparency This morning, Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski briefly allowed public comments on two of his recent Facebook posts—something he rarely does. I couldn’t help but wonder, for a fleeting moment, that the Sheriff was finally opening himself up to community dialogue, even if it included voices of dissent. That moment didn’t last. One post, dated July 1, featured a filmed clip of Sheriff Zuchowski’s television as U.S.

Sheriff Zuchowski Briefly Opens Facebook Comments, Promptly Closes Them Again: A Missed Opportunity for Transparency

This morning, Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski briefly allowed public comments on two of his recent Facebook posts...

Dan Lajack Files, 9-1-1 Calls, First Release

Dear Senators Moreno and Husted: Don’t play the partisan game. Just stop. This moment is bigger than the party. Bigger than Donald Trump. Bigger than reelection. This is about the people of Ohio—your people—who are trusting you to make decisions not for political survival, but for our survival. And right now, you are being asked to vote on a bill that does more to protect fossil fuel subsidies and corporate interests than it does to protect the children, workers, and elderly of this state.

Dear Senators Moreno and Husted:

Don’t play the partisan game. Just stop. This moment is bigger than the party. Bigger than Donald Trump. Bigger than reelection. This is about the people of Ohio—your people—who are trusting you to make decisions...

Want to Watch a Public Employee Drink Liberal Tears? Go to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office A Facebook profile picture of a county employee shows her within the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, seated at her desk, surrounded by patriotic décor and working beneath framed political posters. On her desk is a black mug emblazoned with two bold words: “Liberal Tears.” At first glance, some might dismiss it as a joke—just another symbol in the long line of red-versus-blue banter that’s saturated American life.

A Portage County Sheriff's Office employee sips from a “Liberal Tears” mug at her desk. This isn’t about one person—it’s about the culture Sheriff Zuchowski allows and fuels. Public servants should serve everyone. Read more:

Words Matter, Sheriff Zuchowski Portage County Sheriff Refers to Military Parade as His “First PRIDE Parade” in Facebook Post During LGBTQIA+ Pride Month “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” — Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) There’s something really beautiful about Pride. For many of us in the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s one of the few times in the year we don’t feel like “the other.” Pride is about not feeling like the outsider for once.

Words Matter, Sheriff Zuchowski

Portage County Sheriff Refers to Military Parade as His “First PRIDE Parade” in Facebook Post During LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

My Sheriff Was on Fox News: Here’s What They Didn’t Show By Max Swartout Photo by Illumination Marketing on Unsplash Within the last year, Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski has appeared on Fox News and Fox News Digital multiple times—at least once following his moment of national attention: a social media post suggesting residents write down the addresses of neighbors displaying signs in support of Vice President Kamala Harris.

My Sheriff Was on Fox News: Here’s What They Didn’t Show

By Max Swartout Photo by Illumination Marketing on Unsplash Within the last year, Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski has appeared on Fox News and Fox News Digital multiple times—at least once…

May the innocent people of Iran and Israel stay safe. 🙏🏻

There aren't enough criminals who are undocumented for Trump to meet his goals, he goes after beloved neighbors.

Respect is due to the Americans standing up for their family and friends who are being arrested by ICE. Their friends and family are beloved, productive members of our communities.

Whether or not we agree with the deployment, National Guard members are answering the call. They serve not for politics, but for duty. Same for our Marines and local law enforcement. Thank you for honoring your oath and showing up for your country. 🇺🇸 #Respect #Service

I unequivocally condemn any acts of violence taking place during the protests in Los Angeles. Violence has no place in a just and democratic society. Our path forward must be grounded in peace, civic engagement, and the power of the ballot box—not fear or force.

We can never permit another civil war in this nation. Issues must be decided at the ballot box and on the debate stage. Even at times we are divided, we must stand…together as the beautiful city on the hill. 🇺🇸

@cnn.com, I loved the @abbyphillip.bsky.social show this evening…so wonderful to hear the anchor’s stories of family and food and seeing all of them laugh and enjoy together. It’s a nice reminder that we can vigorously debate politics, but at the end of the day we are all Americans and neighbors.

I'm attending Ohio Progressive Action Leaders's event, “Die in at Husteds - No Summer Fridays for JonBoy Husted -” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/opalmissionv...

Trump Commutes Sentence of Major Donor to his 2017 Inauguration

President Trump on Wednesday commuted the sentence of a California venture capitalist and major political donor who had been sentenced to 12 years in prison for violating lobbying, campaign finance and tax laws, and obstructing an investigation into Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee.

If you're a Trump-supporting TV personality who’s convicted of fraud, you’re pardoned.

Hungry kids? No help for them.

Trump’s prioritizing reality stars over real families.

Why I Protest Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski The office of sheriff is not merely a position of enforcement—it is a moral trust. Rooted in ancient civic ideals, the sheriff is meant to be the people’s guardian: a servant of justice, not self-interest; a symbol of honor, not humiliation; a protector of the vulnerable, not a provocateur. When a sheriff mocks the free press, embraces inflammatory political rhetoric…

The office of sheriff is not merely a position of enforcement—it is a moral trust. Rooted in ancient civic ideals, the sheriff is meant to be the people’s guardian: a servant of justice, not self-interest; a symbol of honor, not humiliation; a protector of the vulnerable, not a provocateur.

open.substack.com/pub/maxswart... #PortageCountyOhio #BruceZuchowski #SheriffZuchowski

Sheriff Zuchowski Shares Photo of Burning Local Newspapers

The image is a Facebook post from Bruce Zuchowski, dated May 9.