Clark County Man Sentenced for Taylor County Hit and Run

Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 -- 12:01 PM

A Clark County man facing homicide charges for the hit and run death of a pedestrian was sentenced in Taylor County Court.

According to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, 27-year-old Titus Kottke of Athens was found deceased on Elm Avenue near Hamm Drive in the Town of Holway in the early morning hours of October 31st of 2021. After an investigation, Paul Schmeiser, of Curtiss, was arrested for the incident.

Investigators say that Schmeiser was driving home early in the morning around 4am. He stated he had more than a few drinks and, while he was adjusting the climate controls, he thought he saw a flash and felt a bump.

However, he continued home. Later, when he heard about the death, he realized what had happened. Schmeiser was found guilty of, due to a no contest plea, hit and run involving death. Another charge was dismissed and read in.

He was sentenced to seven years in prison, but it was put on hold if he completes seven years of probation. One of the conditions is that he completes one year in prison.

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