Richland County recorder Denise Jackson explains land records, fraud-alert service to Shelby council

Denise Jackson, whom she introduced as Richland County Recorder, told the Shelby City Council that her office is responsible for creating and maintaining permanent, archival land records and ensuring accurate filing and indexing of conveyance and encumbrance documents.

Jackson said the office’s records date back to 1814 and stressed the practical consequence for property buyers: accurate recordings protect clear title. "We take great care to ensure that every document received is accurately filed, recorded, and indexed," she said, adding that the office enforces more than 1,000 sections of the Ohio Revised Code related to the recorder's duties.

Jackson described a fraud-alert email service available on the recorder’s website: if someone records a document using your name, the office will notify the affected person the next morning so the office and resident can discuss next steps. She also said the county does not accept deeds electronically and that "Deeds must be hand carried into the courthouse in person for recording," which she described as an extra safeguard against title-fraud attempts.

The recorder's office also helps veterans by recording discharge paperwork (DD-214) at no charge and maintains grave registration for persons who served in U.S. wars, Jackson said. She said she was appointed last October to complete a prior term and that she is running unopposed in the upcoming ballot.

After a brief question period, Jackson was excused by the mayor.