Former Hostage Terry Anderson Hit With Ohio Foreclosure: Ex-AP Journalist Won Millions From Iran

ATHENS, Ohio (TDB) -- The American held longest by Hezbollah militants in Beirut, former Associated Press newsman Terry Anderson, reportedly collected about $26 million after filing suit against the Iranian government. Anderson was born in Lorain, but settled near Athens, where he owns a horse farm and taught journalism for a time at Ohio University. Senior writer Jim Phillips of The Athens News says Anderson has been named in foreclosure action that stems from a May 2007 promissory note for $150,000 that was secured by the farm, which Anderson named Willow Run Ranch.

Anderson was kidnapped in 1985 and held in captivity until 1991. At the time, he was the chief Middle East correspondent for the AP. He wrote a best seller called Den of Lions that chronicled his years in captivity. It was a powerful and moving account of the cruelty he faced, and his efforts to overcome the chains. According to the Athens News, which cited court records, a local developer named James "Brent" Hayes has filed the foreclosure action against Anderson:

"Around April 10 of this year, the complaint says, Anderson asked Hayes to grant him a partial release from the mortgage on the property, to allow him to sell off 45 acres of the ranch. However, the lawsuit claims, Hayes never saw any money from this planned sale. Hayes' lawsuit alleges that Anderson had still failed to pay off the note as of last week. The suit demanded $286,000 in damages, plus interest and late payment fees.

"In a copy of the original promissory notes attached to the lawsuit, Anderson gives Hayes, as part of the deal to get the loan, an option to buy stock at a set price in a company called 'Vox Red International,' when it makes an initial public stock offering."

So far, no comment from Anderson, a Democrat who ran for the Ohio state senate in SE Ohio in 12004. He was defeated by Joy Padgett, who ran a sleazy campaign with ads implying that Anderson was soft on terrorists. He is a former Marine, a Vietnam veteran and suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists.

As for Vox Red International, this link leads to online information about a company that appears to have the same name. The company seems to market battery chargers or devices that supply power for cell phones and iPods.

Former Hostage Terry Anderson: Chooses A Side In Fierce Athens County Dem Feud

ATHENS, Ohio (TDB) -- From one civil war to another. Former Hezbollah hostage Terry Anderson, the onetime AP Middle East bureau chief who was kidnapped in Beirut and held for years by militants, has settled near Athens. Anderson has been in the horse business and dabbled in local politics, where he ran for a state senate seat. Now he's agreed to sponsor a January 31 fundraiser at his home for Athens County Democratic Chair Susan Gwinn, who is running in the Dem primary to unseat the county's Democratic prosecutor. Gwinn, a lawyer, has been the chair and served on the Ohio Democratic Party Executive Committee since 1996. There is considerable consternation over her attempt to knock off a sitting Democratic officeholder.

She is out to defeat C. David Warren, and resigned from the county Board of Elections to make the race. The inter-party split in Athens -- home of Ohio University (where Terry Anderson once taught journalism) -- has awed and concerned Dems who wonder why Gwinn went after one of her own. The word vendetta is being used.

The Athens Post, the students newspaper at Ohio University, noted in an editorial earlier this week that Gwinn's move will rip apart the party.

"Decisions like this go beyond simple party squabbles. Gwinn's decision falls squarely in the realm of political backstabbing. There is no conceivable reason for Gwinn to pursue the office of county prosecutor other than to increase her own power base at the expense of her party's unity. Her decision has rightly drawn criticism from other Ohio Democrats and citizens. No politician, regardless of his or her party affiliations, should cast aside their loyalties in exchange for advancement. Through her actions, Gwinn has shown that her devotion lies with her own self-promotion and not with the people of Athens County."

Strong words. As for Anderson, the Lorain native and former Marine is probably showing loyalty to Gwinn. She helped recruit him for the state senate race against Republican Joy Padgett, a race that Anderson ran vigorously. Although he lost, Anderson's finish made it the strongest Dem challenge in the state that year.