The Reagan Delaney Tokes Memorial Foundation
The Reagan Delaney Tokes Memorial Foundation was created in honor and memory of the love, legacy and light that was the embodiment of the spirit of Reagan Delaney Tokes. She was a senior at The Ohio State University, three months shy of graduating with a psychology degree and 33 days away from her 22nd birthday, when her life was tragically taken as she was leaving work on the night of February 8th, 2017. Her naked, lifeless body was found the next morning at the entrance to Scioto Grove Metro Park. She had suffered two gunshots to her head. Her murderer was a recently released, violent offender, who was out on parole wearing an ankle monitor.
His record showed that he was violent during his incarceration and his conduct was not indicative of someone who should be released. But the way Ohio law was at that time, his record of violent behavior during incarceration did not matter.
After his release, he had been committing crimes in the Short North area of Ohio for months until his offenses escalated to Reagan’s murder. The ankle monitor tracking data would eventually tie him to seven crimes, but it was too late. These crimes, including Reagan’s murder, had already occurred.
Ankle monitors were not monitored in real time and the legislative and judicial system in the state of Ohio was severely flawed. If his ankle monitor been tracked in real time, he would not have been free and never would have encountered Reagan. The current ankle monitor ‘system’ failed Reagan and all the other innocent victims who have fallen prey to those who intend to inflict violence and evil.
Amidst their intense grief and suffering, the Tokes family knew they had to take action and tackle the flaws that allowed this tragedy to occur and prevent it from happening to other innocent people. The initial action taken resulted in the Reagan Tokes Law, which was signed into effect in December of 2018. This law addresses the issue of an offender’s demonstrated conduct and behavior during incarceration.
Judges are now able to add up to 50% more time to an offender’s sentence for bad or violent behavior.
The next issue being tackled is related to ankle monitors. There is current legislation that recently passed out of the Ohio House that deals with ankle monitors being monitored in real time, functioning as they are intended – for prevention of crime, not for an ‘after the fact’ paper trail.
This legislation also provides access to appropriate databases of all forms of law enforcement in an effort to prevent crimes. This bill is known as the Reagan Tokes and Patrick Herringer ACT. It is slated to move to the Ohio State Senate this fall and will hopefully pass and be signed into law before the end of 2026.
The family remains vigilant, almost 10 years later, to pursue this change that will keep Ohio safer. Once this final legislation passes, they will pursue ensuring there is consistency nationwide, as this problem is not limited to Ohio.
In addition to legislation, RDTMF was created to support well-deserving students with academic financial support. Reagan was a gifted student who was so appreciative of the ability to earn a college degree, so sharing that with others in her honor was perfectly fitting.
The foundation hosts events called “Rally for Reagan” and so far has raised and distributed $569,000 in academic support at The Ohio State University, Perrysburg High School, Anthony Wayne High School and Maumee United Methodist Church. The board intends to expand the support area, and the support network has expanded over time.
A key component to these Rally events is also the element of Personal Safety Awareness and Physical Self-Defense skill training. This has led to the very special collaboration with Tim Rochford and EMPOWERUSA, Inc. in an effort to make individuals and communities safer and stronger. With details below as current statistics, there is a serious need, and this partnership allows for a national reach.
1.2 million violent crimes were committed in the United States in 2024, and statistics show that previous violent offenders, if released, are 63.8% likely to be repeat offenders. These statistics shine a glaring light on the need for:
- Personal safety training – teaches how to recognize & prevent, avoid, de-escalate, and/or exit from existing or potentially violent situations through mental, emotional, environmental, and physical awareness.
- Physical self-defense skill training – includes learning, practicing, and improving the physical skills
necessary for all possible violent situations.
While neither can guarantee a positive outcome in a dangerous situation, both can increase your chances of survival by enhancing your decision-making ability and improving your physical skill set before and/or during a confrontation.
We will never stop trying to make a positive impact in an imperfect world, sharing the beautiful spirit of Reagan through our efforts, collaborations and choice to ACT-Actions Conquer Tragedy.
To learn more and/or find out how you can support RDTMF, please go to our website at rdtmf.com or email us at rdtmfoundation@gmail.com