News Release

October 26th, 2025

On October 26th, 2025 at approx. 12:43 a.m. the Auglaize County Correctional Center staff was performing their routine head count when they found an unresponsive inmate.
Life-saving measures were immediately performed by the corrections staff. Auglaize County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to assist as well as Wapakoneta EMS. Wapakoneta EMS transported the inmate to St. Rita’s Medical Center. St. Rita’s was unable to revive the inmate and he was pronounced deceased at 1:37 a.m.

The inmate is identified as Benjamin P. Hopkins, 54 years old, Belle Center, Ohio.

Benjamin Hopkins was booked into the Auglaize County Corrections Center on October 15th, 2025 on charges of:

• Felonious Assault – 2903.11 – 2nd Degree Felony

• Domestic Violence – 2919.25 – 1st Degree Misdemeanor

Due to the time, all inmates (including Benjamin) were on lockdown in their own cells as this is normal procedure.

The State of Ohio does require head counts to be performed one time every hour on inmates; however, the Auglaize County Corrections Center performs these head counts twice every hour.

No foul play is suspected and the investigation is still pending with the assistance of the Allen County Coroner’s Office.

No further comment can be made at this time.