Mercer County Sheriff's Office - Mercer County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Celina, OH – Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reported that deputies are investigating the apparent suicide of Paul Mizer, 56, St. Johns Road, Maria Stein.  The Sheriff’s Office received a call from Penny Mizer, wife of the victim stating that he had left the house between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM.

Mizer was distraught as he had been arrested on Friday by deputies for sexual imposition of minor.  The charge is a third degree misdemeanor.  Mr. Mizer was employed as a teacher at Marion Local Elementary School, but the crime was not committed on school property or during school hours.

Mr. Mizer was brought to the Mercer County Adult Detention Facility and booked in, but was later released when his wife posted bond.

Mizer was found dead in the pond at the Maria Stein Spiritual Center, 2365 St. John’s Road, Maria Stein at approximately 10:30 AM this morning.  No other details are being released at this time.