Dann’s gone, so are his office computers

COLUMBUS — Marc Dann resigned as Ohio attorney general shortly before 5 p.m. today.

He said he had to resign immediately “to preserve the great work being done by the office...”

Dann “did the honorable thing by resigning today,” Gov. Ted Strickland said.

Dann was swept into office as a crusader against government corruption. His exodus came after Strickland and many in the Ohio legislature repeatedly called for his resignation.

Meanwhile, about a half-dozen Ohio attorney general officials had their computers and Blackberry devices seized today as part of the Ohio inspector general’s investigation of the office, said Ted Hart, the attorney general’s deputy communications director. In all, about 10 to 12 computers and electronic devices were seized, said Jim Gravelle, an AG spokesman.

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, working with the inspector general, as well as IG investigators piled the equipment on to push carts about 12:30 p.m., Hart said.

Hart was among the attorney general officials to have his computer and Blackberry taken as part of the investigation. Hart said he didn’t know why the troopers took his items because he’s done nothing wrong.

Dann also had his computers and his Blackberry taken as part of the investigation.

It isn’t known how long the inspector general will have the electronic equipment, Hart said.

Hart said troopers took the devices without explanation, adding he expects to have a replacement computer sometime Thursday.

Read more in Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com