Trumbull County Prosecutor, Dennis Watkins sent a letter to the Ohio Adult Parole Authority opposing parole for a man convicted of the 1995 killing of the brother of a former Trumbull County Commissioner.

Tarik Allen was convicted of the 1995 killing of Mark Heltzel, the brother of former Trumbull County Commissioner, Paul Heltzel.

In his letter, Watkins cites Allen's criminal history as a juvenile which led to multiple commitments to the Department of Youth Services. Watkins notes that Allen exhibited "anti-social behavior" as early as age 12.

In 1991, Allen was charged with Aggravated Burglary, Drug Abuse and Receiving Stolen Property. From there he committed eight more crimes in 1992 alone and six more in 1994. 

"In short, his conduit disorder as a juvenile has become an anti-social personality disorder as an adult," Watkins wrote.

Watkins goes on to reference Allen's most recent institutional report summary from September 26, 2022. According to Watkins, Allen has been written up 44 times in less than five years.

Watkins continued by noting that Allen does not complete most rehabilitation programs.

"For example, he started a GED Degree. It's been 21 years. Please review this guy's record of missing school and failing to do his institutional assignments. He does what he wants," Watkins wrote.

Watkins concluded by stating that Allen will never learn his lesson and continue to exhibit anti-social behavior outside of prison.

"Where will he go and not create havoc and social disruption? Nowhere. Keep him [in prison]. Please," Watkins wrote.

Allen's next parole hearing is October of 2022.