Ex-chair of civil rights group surrenders in Ohio

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Civil rights leader the Rev. Raleigh Trammell has turned himself in to face charges including grand theft involving a meal delivery program in southwest Ohio.

The Dayton Daily News reports 73-year-old Trammell declined comment today as he was escorted by Montgomery County prosecutors. The former local president and national chairman of the Atlanta-based Southern Christian Leadership Conference was indicted Wednesday on 51 charges — one count of grand theft and 25 counts each of forgery and tampering with government records.

In light of the charges, the Dayton chapter of the group co-founded by Martin Luther King Jr. is urging public patience.

Current chapter president Bishop Richard Cox says people should look at all that the group has accomplished in the fight for civil rights.