Media Release issued December 17

Hardin County Sheriff Keith Everhart announced today that Hardin County deputies assisted by agents of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification (BCI&I) executed a search warrant that resulted in the discovery of a body believed to be that of Michael Bolen. The warrant had been issued because of information received by deputies late Monday December 16.

On March 31, family members of Mr. Bolen reported that he had been missing from his McGuffey, Ohio residence since March 29. An exhaustive search for Bolen was conducted by Hardin County deputies, BCI&I agents, Ohio Department of Natural Resources cadaver K9s, family members and others, with his whereabouts continuing to be unknown.

The investigation into Bolen’s disappearance led to his son, Dustin Ray Bolen, being indicted for his father’s murder, and subsequently being arrested on November 7, 2024 and lodged in the Multi County Correctional Center, where he is awaiting trial.

The investigation into this matter will continue. Anyone with information regarding Michael Bolen’s disappearance is requested to contact the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office by calling 419-673-1268, Option 0 and request to speak with a detective.

In addition to BCI&I, deputies were assisted today by the Hardin County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hardin County Coroner’s Office and the Kenton Police Department.