If you have information on the whereabouts of those listed, you can contact the GCSO Tip Line at (740) 446-6555 or if the  person is located in the city of Gallipolis, call the Gallipolis Police Department at (740) 441-6020.

Warrants were issued through the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas recently for the following:

Eric Humphreys

 Eric P. Humphreys, 35, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas on June 3, 2013 and was sentenced to 30 months of community control. On June 12, 2013, a warrant was issued for his arrest as there was reason for the court to believe Humpreys had absconded supervision.

Ellis Fetty

Ellis Fetty, 28, pleaded guilty in 2009 to two counts of theft in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas and was sentenced to community control. Fetty was arraigned on alleged community control violations in April 2013. On June 18, 2013 a warrant was issued for his arrest for failing to appear to a final hearing on those community control violations.

Wanda Kelly

Wanda Kelly, 44, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs in 2009 in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas and was sentenced to community control. She was arraigned in May 2013 on alleged community control violations. On June 18, 2013, a warrant was issued for her arrest for failing to appear to a final hearing on those community control violations.

Other warrants still outstanding issued through the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas:

Timothy Baker

Timothy A. Baker, 29, was indicted by the Gallia County Grand Jury on March 15, 2012 on a burglary charge.  Baker failed to appear for jury trial on May 28, 2013 and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Aaron Fitzpatrick

Aaron Fitzpatrick, 19, was indicted by the Gallia County Grand Jury on February 8, 2013 on a charge of illegal manufacture of methamphetamine.  Fitzpatrick failed to appear for a jury trial on May 28, 2013 and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Clinton G. Shelton

Clinton G. Shelton, 26, who pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence in September 2012 and was sentenced to community control, appeared in the Court of Common Pleas for arraignment on alleged community control violation in February 2013. On May 24, 2013, Shelton failed to appear for a status hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Alfred Cordell III

Alfred K. Cordell III, 23, was indicted for possession of drugs in March 2013. A warrant was issued on May 6, 2013 for Cordell’s arrest for failure to appear at a status conference.

Warrants that have been resolved:

Matthew Gard

Arrested

Matthew A. Gard, 36, who pleaded guilty in January 2012 to burglary and was sentenced to community control, appeared in the Court of Common Pleas in January 2013 on alleged community control violations. A warrant was issued for his arrest for failing to appear to a final hearing on those allegations.

Joshua Saunders

Arrested

Joshua Saunders, 51, pleaded guilty to trafficking in February 2011 and was sentenced to one year in prison. Due to a medical condition, his sentence was suspended until April 2011.  In October 2011, he was granted judicial release.  Saunders was last arraigned on alleged community control violations in April 2013.  He failed to appear to a final hearing on May 23, 2013 and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Bruce Hively

The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office has officially ruled the fire that occurred on the property of murder suspect Bruce Hively in April as arson. According to Public Information Officer Michael Duchesne a “Blue Ribbon Arson Award” sign has been posted asking for the public’s assistance in solving the crime.

According to the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office website, the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee (BRAC) was founded under the Ohio FAIR Plan Underwriting Association in 1973 and is comprised of law enforcement officers, firefighters and members of the insurance industry.  The SFM FEIB participates with this group in offering a monetary reward for information leading to arrest and prosecution of persons suspected of setting fires.

“Investigators want to hear from anyone who saw something out of the ordinary at or around the time of the fire or who may have heard someone speaking about the fire with an unusual level of interest or knowledge,” said Duchesne. “We would ask anyone with information call our tip line at 1-800-589-2728.”

Earlier story posted on April 17, 2013

Bruce Hively, 56, Crown City was indicted for aggravated murder, murder and tampering with evidence by the Gallia County Grand Jury last week in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Charles T. Addis.

A gun specification was included in both the murder and aggravated murder charges. According to the indictment, Hively is charged with tampering with evidence for allegedly placing a knife, which belonged to him, under Addis’ body.

Hively was placed on a $750,000, 10 percent bond.

Earlier story posted April 10, 2013

Bruce A. Hively,56, Crown City was arraigned in the Gallipolis Municipal Court on charges of aggravated murder and murder in the shooting death of  18-year-old Charles T. Addis.

According to court records, Hively is accused of shooting Addis on April 4, 2013 on Elliott Road in the immediate vicinity of Dickie Chapel Church.

According to the complaint filed with the Gallipolis Municipal Court, witnesses said Addis and two others were at the location when Hively allegedly drove past them, turned around and came back to where they were located.  A confrontation between Hively, Addis and the two other witnesses reportedly took place prior to Hively allegedly shooting and killing Addis. According to the document, Addis was allegedly shot twice while standing and two more times after he was on the ground.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 15 at 9 a.m. in the Gallipolis Municipal Court. Hively is being held on a $1,000,000, 10 percent bond and has retained defense attorney Charles Knight as counsel.  Further charges could be filed through the next Gallia County Grand Jury.

On Tuesday, fire departments responded to Hively’s residence on Elliott Road where several fires were reported, including a structure and several vehicles.  The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office is currently investigating.

At 8:11 p.m. this evening, Guyan Township and Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Departments responded again to the Hively property on a report of a small fire at the residence.  The Gallia County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Departments were still on the scene as of 10:15 p.m.  The Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified.

Editor’s note: Due to the nature of comments beginning to come in through the site, comments on this story have been disabled.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on Saturday at approximately 10:55 p.m.  The crash occurred on State Route 233 near mile post 1 in Gallia County.

According to the release from the OSP, David R. McCain, 44, Oak Hill, was pronounced dead at the scene by Gallia County Coroner Dr. Daniel Whitely.

McCain was reportedly traveling northbound on Ohio 233 on a 2005 Suzuki motorcycle when his motorcycle traveled left of center and struck a 2000 Dodge Neon, driven by 16-year-old Michaela D. Hardin of Oak Hill, Ohio.

Both McCain and his passenger, Wayland P. McCain, 20, of Oak Hill were ejected upon impact.  Wayland McCain was flown by med-flight to Cabell-Huntington Hospital. Information on his condition was not available at press time.

The Dodge Neon overturned after the impact and Hardin was transported by ABLE Transport to Holzer Medical Center in Gallipolis.

The crash remains under investigation.

Photo courtesy of the Gallipolis Police Department

A Gallipolis man arrested following a warrant search of his Grape Street residence in Gallipolis on May 13, 2013 has been indicted by the Gallipolis County Grand Jury on multiple trafficking and possession charges. The search was reportedly conducted following an ongoing investigation of the resident’s alleged illegal drug activity.

Joshua Stump, 23, was indicted and charged with two counts of trafficking of heroin and two counts of possession of heroin on different dates, both within the vicinity of a juvenile.  Stump was also charged with the trafficking and possession of 6.5 grams of heroin on May 13, 2013, the day the search warrant was executed at his home.

In addition to the charges, the grand jury also handed down a forfeiture specification that included cash, multiple televisions, surveillance systems, a home theater system and other items believe to be property used or intended to be used to commit or facilitate the trafficking of heroin or were proceeds derived from or acquired through trafficking of heroin. In the event Stump either is found guilty or pleads guilty to the charges and the forfeiture specification is upheld, the items will be turned over to the Gallipolis Police Department.

Stump was arraigned in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released on his own recognizance under a $40,000 bond and an additional $1,500, 10 percent bond. The case is ongoing.

Initial News Release – May 13, 2013

The Gallipolis Police Department served a search warrant today at approximately 4:41pm on Grape Street as part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal sales of drugs. During the search, officers found heroin, marijuana, a large amount of money, and a gun in the residence.

Arrested was Joshua A Stump (23) of Gallipolis. Mr. Stump will be charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Officers would like to thank the citizen’s of Gallipolis who contacted the Gallipolis Police Department Tip Line. The Tip Line Phone Number is (740) 441-6020, or online at www.cityofgallipolis.com

Mary C. Marcum

Update: Mary Marcum, 33, who was found guilty of illegal manufacture of methamphetamine in the vicinity of a juvenile was sentenced to 10 years in prison today in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas.

Original Story published June 11, 2013

Following a two day trial in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas, a Gallia County Jury found Mary Marcum, 33, guilty of illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine in the vicinity of a juvenile, a felony of the first degree.

Marcum was arrested in January 2013 following a search of a Georges Creek Road residence. The investigation was initiated following a tip from citizen that meth manufacturing was occurring at the home.

According to the initial police report, upon arrival at the home, deputies with the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office found several bags on the front porch containing plastic drink bottles often used in “one-pot” meth making and could smell the odor of methamphetamine being manufactured.  Evidence of meth making was found inside the trash, as well as inside the home.  Two children, ages 9 and 11, were also inside the residence.

GCSO Meth Lab Technician Sgt. Chris Gill said they are pleased with the verdict.

“This shows what law enforcement and the public can do if they work together,” said Gill.

Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning commended the law enforcement staff on the investigation of complaint.

“The verdict should send a message,” said Browning.

“This verdict was made possible by the hard work of the Gallia County Prosecutor’s Office and the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office working together,” said Assistant Prosecutor Britt Wiseman. “We take these meth labs seriously, especially when they are found near children. We are dedicated to cleaning up those illegal operations around the county because the residents of Gallia County deserve it.”

A pre-sentence investigation was ordered.  Due to the presence of children, which elevated the charge to a felony of the first degree, Marcum faces at least 10 years in prison.  The sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Aaron Fitzpatrick, 19, who was arrested at the residence with Marcum currently has a warrant out for his arrest for failure to appear to his jury trial which was scheduled for May 28, 2013. He also faces first degree felony manufacturing of methamphetamine charges.

Marcum and Fitzpatrick’s cases were the first to be presented to the Gallia County Grand Jury in 2013. Since January, eight more people have been charged with illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine.  Several face additional charges. Those cases are still ongoing.

Meth related charges handed down in 2013 as of May are:

Matthew White

Matthew S. White, 24, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Joseph Shepherd

Joseph L. Shepherd, 44, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. Shepherd was also charged with one count of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs.

Amanda Rodgers

Amanda L. Rodgers, 34, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. According to court records, a warrant for Rodgers’ arrest on the indictment has been issued.

Brad Johnson

Brad E. Johnson, 34, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. Johnson was also charged with one count of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs.

Rodney E. Byus, 42, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. Byus was also charged with one count of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs.

Tommy Thompson Jr.

Tommy Thompson Jr., 28, first degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Ronald Schaefer

Ronald M. Schaefer, 33, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. Shaefer was also charged with one count of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs.

Willis Goody

Willis M. Goody, 41, second degree felony illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine. Goody was also charged with one count of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs.

Citizens with information on drug and criminal activity or the whereabouts of those with active warrants can contact the GCSO 24 hour tip line at 740-446-6555.

Jesse Bender

THURMAN – A Thurman man who pleaded guilty in March to illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of methamphetamine, was arrested last night at his Buckeye Hills Road residence and now faces an illegal manufacture of drugs charge and a probation violation charge.

Jesse Bender, 42, was arrested after deputies with the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office conducted a probation search of his residence.  An active meth lab and precursor items to manufacture of methamphetamine were allegedly found at the residence.  A female was also taken into custody, but later released.

The GCSO was assisted by the Gallipolis Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Rio Grande Volunteer Fire Department and Gallia County EMS.

A woman who was indicted by the Gallia County Grand Jury in March and charged with five counts of aggravated arson was recently found incompetent to stand trial by the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas.

According to court documents, based on an evaluation performed Andrew D. Reisner, Psy.D., the court found that Mullins was not currently capable of understanding the nature and objectives of the proceedings against her and of assisting in her defense.

She has been committed to the Competency Restoration Program at Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare in Athens, Ohio. She will be returned to the Gallia County Jail as soon as the forensic examiner at Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare opines she is restored to competency or is not restorable, according to court documents.

Mullins is charged with causing harm to a residence located at 26303 Andrews Road in Vinton by means of fire or explosion on November 17, 2010, a second degree felony.  She is also charged with causing harm to a residence located at 4923 Bladen Road on March 11, 2013, also a second degree felony. The Bladen Road residence is Mullins’ current address of record.

In addition, Mullins is charged with knowingly creating a substantial risk of physical harm by means of fire or explosion on March 11, 2013 to Donald Mullins, Ethane Mullins and Bailey Mullins. All three charges are felonies of the first degree.

Mullins was arrested at the scene on March 11, 2013, according to Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office Public Information Officer Michael Duchesne.  The case is still open and no further information is being released at this point.  Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office are working with the Gallia County Prosecutor, Gallia County Sheriff and District 2 Volunteer Fire Department in regards to the case.

Trentin Caldwell

Items confiscated during search of Neil Avenue residence.
Courtesy of the Gallipolis Police Department.

Trentin Caldwell, 21, has been indicted by the Gallia County Grand jury and charged with numerous charges in relation to his arrest and subsequent search at a Neil Avenue residence in Gallipolis.

On November 28, 2012, officers with the Gallipolis Police Department reportedly arrived at the Neil Avenue residence to arrest Caldwell on a warrant for failure to appear in the Gallipolis Municipal Court on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon and criminal trespass.

When Caldwell came to the door and officers identified themselves, he reportedly fled back into the residence, where he was taken into custody. The renter of the residence, Ravyn Barr, 26, was reportedly also present and gave police permission to search after they noticed several hypodermic needles on the coffee table and a counter.

Courtesy of the Gallipolis Police Department.

Police allegedly located a backpack containing a mask, several baggies and a liter sized bottle containing a white substance.  A second bottle was located in another part of the residence.

Both Caldwell and Barr were arrested.

Caldwell recently appeared in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas, where he pleaded not guilty to illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs in the vicinity of a school, illegal manufacture of methamphetamine in the vicinity of a school, unlawful possession of a dangerous ordnance (a 20-gauge sawed off shot gun), tampering with evidence, possession of 40.20 grams of methamphetamine.

Caldwell was also charged with tampering with evidence in connection with a Sept. 2, 2012 arrest, in which he accused of disposing of the cut-off tipoff a plastic baggie into the back of a pick-up truck while being searched and for fleeing and eluding dated December 24, 2012.

He was released on his own recognizance under a $50,000 bond and an additional $1,500, 10 percent bond.

Rayvn Barr

In April, Caldwell no contest in the Gallipolis Municipal Court to criminal trespass and the carrying a concealed weapon charge was dropped. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

A team of Deputies and Officers from the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office and Middleport Police Department, along with members of the Gallipolis Volunteer Fire Department, responded to the scene to neutralize the contents of the lab. It was the first active meth lab to be found within the City limits.

Barr was also indicted and charged with illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs. According to court records, a proposed guilty plea has been filed and a hearing is set for July 11, 2013.

Original story published November 29, 2012

At approximately 10:56pm on November 28th, officers of the Gallipolis Police Department were attempting to serve an arrest warrant at a residence on Neal Avenue in the city. During the course of serving the warrant, officers discovered an active meth lab in the house. A team of Deputies and Officers from the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office and Middleport Police Department, along with members of the Gallipolis Volunteer Fire Department, responded to the scene to neutralize the contents of the lab. This is the first active meth lab to be found inside the municipality.

Arrested by officers were Trentin Caldwell (21 of Gallipolis) and Ravyn Barr (26 of Gallipolis). Both subjects are expected to be charged with Manufacturing of Methamphetamine. Mr. Caldwell was also arrested on a Bench Warrant from the Gallipolis Municipal Court for failing to appear on a charge of Carrying a Concealed Weapon. Officers are also consulting with the Office of Gallia County Prosecutor Jeffery Adkins on additional charges.

Chief Clinton Patterson of the Gallipolis Police Department “With the department’s aggressive program of drug enforcement, we have been very lucky that we have not had to deal with a situation like this.” Chief Patterson would also like to thank everyone that helped out in the cleanup of the lab.

Barseem Allah

A Columbus man has been indicted by the Gallia County Grand Jury on multiple drug charges stemming from a traffic stop on U.S. 35 in September 2012 conducted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

According to the report, a trooper with the OSHP was stationary on U.S. 35 in Gallia County around milepost 4, when he observed a mini-van traveling eastbound. The trooper observed that the driver was very ridged with both hands on the steering wheel when the vehicle passed the cruiser.  The trooper reportedly pulled out behind the vehicle and paced the van at 70 miles per hour for about a mile before activating the lights and pulling the van over.

Upon making contact with the driver, the trooper observed him to be nervous and unclear as to why he had the vehicle, which was reportedly rented.  An OSP K-9 unit was called in and gave a positive indication on the vehicle.  During a subsequent search of the vehicle after the driver was taken into custody, troopers allegedly found a 9mm pistol under the driver’s seat and marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin, a pistol, grinders and a set of scales in other parts of the vehicle.

Barseem Knowledge Allah, 35, was arrested and charged with having weapons under disability and multiple drug charges. He appeared in the Gallipolis Municipal Court and the cases were subsequently bound over to the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas following a preliminary hearing.

He was indicted by the Gallia County Grand Jury in October 2012. He was arraigned this month in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas on three counts of possession of drugs (70 grams of cocaine, 20 grams of crack cocaine and 25 grams of heroin) and one count having weapons under disability, stemming from Allah having previously been convicted of felony domestic violence in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

Represented by retained counsel Gregg D. Slemmer, Allah pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on his own recognizance under a $50,000 bond and an additional $1,500, 10 percent bond.

Jury Trial is scheduled for October 29, 2013.

Also recently indicted were:

Michelle Hoffman

Michelle L. Hoffman, 34, possession of drugs (heroin residue) and receiving stolen property (a credit card). Hoffman pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on her own recognizance under a $10,000 bond  and an additional $1,500, 10 percent bond pending trial.

Michael Kirby

Michael J. Kirby, 25, two counts possession of drugs (.1 grams of heroin on each count). Kirby pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on his own recognizance under a $10,000 bond and an additional $1,500, 10 percent bond pending trial.

Joshua Kalinowski

Joshua Kalinowski, 28, theft of a motor vehicle. Kalinowski pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on his own recognizance under a $10,000 bond and an additional $1,500, 10 percent bond pending trial.

Sheldon Hill III

Sheldon Hill III, 32, possession of trace amounts of heroin. Hill was released on his own recognizance under a $5,000 bond and an additional, $1,500, 10 percent bond pending trial.

Brenda L. Fuller, 47, telecommunications fraud. Fuller was released on her own recognizance under a $5,000 bond and an additional $1,500, 10 percent bond pending trial.

Heather D. Henry, 34, theft of multiple items from Walmart. Henry was released on her own recognizance under a $5,000 bond and an additional $1,500, 10 percent bond pending trial.

Gary Joe Foley, 47, improperly handling a firearm while in a motor vehicle. Foley was released on his own recognizance under a $5,000 bond and an additional $1,500, 10 percent bond pending trial.

A copy of the report is available at www.statepatrol.ohio.gov.

If you have information on the whereabouts of those listed, you can contact the GCSO Tip Line at (740) 446-6555 or if the  person is located in the city of Gallipolis, call the Gallipolis Police Department at (740) 441-6020.

Warrants were issued through the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas recently for the following:

John Leon

John Leon, 31, failure to appear to a plea hearing in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas. Leon was indicted on July 18, 2012 for possession of drugs.

Travis Efaw

Travis Efaw, 24, failure to appear to a plea hearing in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas. Efaw was indicted on February 3, 2013 on one count of escape.

Other warrants still outstanding issued through the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas:

Eric Humphreys

 Eric P. Humphreys, 35, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas on June 3, 2013 and was sentenced to 30 months of community control. On June 12, 2013, a warrant was issued for his arrest as there was reason for the court to believe Humpreys had absconded supervision.

Ellis Fetty

Ellis Fetty, 28, pleaded guilty in 2009 to two counts of theft in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas and was sentenced to community control. Fetty was arraigned on alleged community control violations in April 2013. On June 18, 2013 a warrant was issued for his arrest for failing to appear to a final hearing on those community control violations.

Wanda Kelly

Wanda Kelly, 44, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs in 2009 in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas and was sentenced to community control. She was arraigned in May 2013 on alleged community control violations. On June 18, 2013, a warrant was issued for her arrest for failing to appear to a final hearing on those community control violations.

Timothy Baker

Timothy A. Baker, 29, was indicted by the Gallia County Grand Jury on March 15, 2012 on a burglary charge.  Baker failed to appear for jury trial on May 28, 2013 and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Clinton G. Shelton

Clinton G. Shelton, 26, who pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence in September 2012 and was sentenced to community control, appeared in the Court of Common Pleas for arraignment on alleged community control violation in February 2013. On May 24, 2013, Shelton failed to appear for a status hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Alfred Cordell III

Alfred K. Cordell III, 23, was indicted for possession of drugs in March 2013. A warrant was issued on May 6, 2013 for Cordell’s arrest for failure to appear at a status conference.

Warrants that have been resolved:

Aaron Fitzpatrick

Arrested

Aaron Fitzpatrick, 19, was indicted by the Gallia County Grand Jury on February 8, 2013 on a charge of illegal manufacture of methamphetamine.  Fitzpatrick failed to appear for a jury trial on May 28, 2013 and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Three men were recently sentenced to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas after violating their community control.

Matthew Gard

Matthew Gard, 36, who previously pleaded guilty to breaking and entering was sentenced to 11 months in prison for violating his community control.  According to court documents, the court found Gard had violated community control by failing to pay supervisory fees, failing to register with OES, failing to report to his community control officer, failing to pay courts costs and failing to perform community service.

Charles Smith

Charles K. Smith II, 25, who previously pleaded guilty to breaking and entering and vandalism and was sentenced to community control, was sentenced to prison for 12 months for breaking and entering and 18 months for vandalism after the court found he had violated that community control. According to court records, the court found Smith violated his community control by admitting to a theft offense, failing to register with OES and failing to report to his community control officer. In addition, Smith pleaded guilty to theft in a separate case and was sentenced to 17 months in prison. All sentences were ordered to be served concurrently for a total of 18 months.

Aaron Dennison

Aaron Dennison, 22, who previously pleaded guilty to two counts of receiving stolen property and was sentenced to community control, pleaded guilty to violating that community control and was sentenced to prison for 18 months. According to court records, the court found Dennison had violated his community control by failing to work regularly at a lawful occupation and support legal dependents, failure to provide documentation of employment status, failure to report to office visits as ordered, admission to illegal drug use, failure to pay court costs, failure to pay probation services fees, failure to provide to probation officer written verification of drug treatment evaluation and failure to report to drug testing as instructed.

Also sentenced to prison were:

Charles Kensler

Charles Kensler, 41, pleaded guilty to assembly and possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and was sentenced to 12 months in prison, six months suspended license and fined $5,000. Kensler was also ordered to forfeit a Taurus 9mm handgun to the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office.

Chelsea Fox

Chelsea Fox, 28, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and was sentenced to 11 months in the Ohio Reformatory for Women.

Recently sentenced to community control were:

Coby Tawney

Coby A. Tawney, 19, pleaded guilty to escape and was sentenced to 24 months community control, ordered to submit to a Spectrum evaluation and ordered to register with Ohio Employment Services.

James H. Moore, 30, pleaded guilty to safecracking and was sentenced to 60 months community control, ordered to perform community service and ordered to have no contact with Bridgeport Equipment.

Malachi Sheets

Malachi J. Sheets, 26, pleaded guilty to trafficking and possession of drugs and was sentenced to 24 months community control, ordered to perform community service and ordered to submit to a Spectrum evaluation.

Nathan Burnem, 30, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was sentenced to 24 months community control and ordered to register with Ohio Employment Services.

Gage Messick

Also resolved was a case against Gage E. Messick, 19, who pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted possession of drugs, a first degree misdemeanor.  Messick was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and forfeit $899 to the Gallipolis Police Department Law Enforcement Trust Fund.

Cases resolved in the Gallipolis Municipal Court from May 27 – June, 21 2013 were:

* Does not include court fees

* Common abbreviations: DUS – Driving Under Suspension; FTY – Failure to Yield; OVI – Operating a Vehicle While under the Influence

* Does not include orders by the court to submit to counseling, treatment or other requirements, such as obtaining GED.

* This For the Record does not include minor traffic violations, such as speeding.

Cases resolved with sentencing to jail, work release or home confinement (EMHA):  (Mugshots uploaded if available)

Brian Angell

Brian E. Angell, theft, sentenced to 60 days in jail or work release, two years reporting probation, no contact with Rural King, ordered to pay $59.98 in restitution.  Also sentenced to 60 days in jail, concurrent with theft charge, for possession of a drug abuse instrument. Also sentenced to 60 days in jail for DUS, to be served concurrently.

Tommy Thompson Jr.

Tommy R. Thompson, theft, sentenced to 30 days in jail or work release plus EMHA, fined $50, one year reporting probation, ordered to pay $698 in restitution joint & several with Lowell Halfill, Jr. to Walmart. Ordered to stay off Walmart property.

Leechona Clagg

Leechona Clagg, petty theft, sentenced to 45 days in jail or work release, two years reporting probation, ordered to pay restitution to Kmart and stay off Kmart property.

Joyce Rees

Joyce E. Rees, disorderly conduct, sentenced to two days in jail, one year reporting probation, fined $50.

Justin Johnson

Justin Johnson, petty theft, sentenced to 30 days in jail with 15 days suspended, one year probation, ordered to pay $100 in restitution.

Zachariah Roberts

Zachariah J. Roberts, theft, sentence to three days in jail/work release or 10 days EMHA, one year reporting probation, ordered to stay off Walmart property.

William Atwood

William I. Atwood, violating a temporary protection order, sentenced to 10 days in jail, 150 days EMHA, fined $150, two years reporting probation, ordered to have no contact with Sonja or Robert Casto. Also sentenced to 10 days in jail for domestic violence. Atwood was also sentenced to 55 days in jail for interfering with custody, fined $100 and one year reporting probation.

Cherodan Rockaway

Cherodan W. Rockaway, petty theft, sentenced to five days in jail and one year probation.

James Leach

James M. Leach, DUS (not FRA), sentenced to 20 days in jail, one year reporting probation, one month suspended license. Also sentenced to 20 days in jail for failure to reinstate and 20 days in jail for disorderly conduct.

Travis Martin

Travis L. Martin, OVI, sentenced to three days in jail or work release, six months suspended license, one year non-reporting probation.

George Handley

George J. Handley, menacing, sentenced to two days in jail, fined $25, one year non-reporting probation, ordered to pay $800 in restitution, no contact with Mary Ann Johnson or Johnathan Wiley.

Terry Shaffer

Terry M. Shaffer, domestic violence, sentenced to 26 days in jail, one year reporting probation, no contact with Melissa Shaffer.

Anthony Morris

Anthony C. Morris, OVI, sentenced to three days in jail, fined $675, six months suspended license, one year non-reporting probation.

Charles Morgan

Charles A. Morgan, OVI, sentenced to 10 days in jail/work release, $900 fine, one year operator’s license suspension, one year reporting probation.

Augustus White

Augustus H. White, OVI, sentenced to three day in jail/work release, $675 fine, six months operator’s license suspension, one year non-reporting probation.

Matthew Ohlinger

Matthew A. Ohlinger, theft, sentenced to three days in jail, $50 fine, one year reporting probation, ordered to stay off Walmart property.

Dalisa C. Borden, failure to reinstate, sentenced to five days in jail suspended, one year probation, fined $150, ordered to perform community service.

Kimberly S. Layne, falsification, sentenced to 10 days and jail and fined $50.

Amanda R. Unroe, child endangerment, sentenced to 20 days in jail and ordered to submit to evaluations.

Derek A. Watkins, DUS, sentenced to four days in jail, one year reporting probation, fined $250, ordered to pay $1,150 in restitution to the Gallia County Engineer’s Office.

Keith A. Mullins, non compliant suspension, sentenced to two days in jail and fined $150.

Julie A. Ours, petty theft, 10 days EMHA, one year reporting probation, fined $100, ordered to stay off Foodland property.

Jennifer N. Porter, petty theft, sentence to three days in jail/work release or 10 days EMHA, one year reporting probation, ordered to stay off Foodland property.

Michael Lundy, disorderly conduct, sentenced to one day in jail, fined $50, one year reporting probation, ordered to have no contact with Sherry Lundy.

Michael E. Spillman, use of weapon while intoxicated, sentenced to two days in jail, fined $100, one year reporting probation, ordered to submit to substance abuse evaluation and treatment. Also sentenced to one day in jail for disorderly by intoxication.

Cases resolved with fees and fines:

Ian R. Hussell, reckless operation, fined $675; Monica L. Walker, disorderly conduct, fined $150; Mary M. Dean, disorderly conduct, fined $150; Quentin T. Russell, public indecency, fined $200; Aaron D. Barron, possession of marijuana, fined $100; Thomas M. Stewart, disorderly conduct, fined $150; Thomas L. Belville, open container, fined $100; Lawrence E. Pridemore, drug paraphernalia, fined $150 and six months suspended license; Brett M. Stout, disorderly by intoxication, fined $100; Paul Conner, disorderly conduct, fined $100; Richard E. Parsons, open container, fined $100; Beverly A. Gray, disorderly conduct, fined $150; Kevin L. Wood, DUS (license forfeit), fined $150; Richard A. Jackson, failure to control, fined $25; Leona J. Eberts, failure to control, fined $25; Barbara S. Halfhill, ACDA, fined $25; Megan N. Kuhn, failure to control, fined $25; Seth T. Amos, ACDA, fined $25; Taylor R. Nunn, license forfeiture suspension, fined $250.

Patty L. Bennett, failure to yield, fined $25; Tyler S. Mintz, driving without a license, fined $150; Nathan T. Woodyard, failure to control, fined $25; Kegan P. Angel, failure to control, fined $25; Allie N. Short, failure to control, fined $25; Stacey M. McGowen, driving without a license, fined $100; Daila S. Moore, ACDA, fined $25; Lillian L. Swisher, ACDA, fined $25; Joshua J. Hamilton, reckless operation, fined $50; Matthew S. Preston, failure to control, fined $25; Lori J. Duffy, ACDA, fined $25; Justin P. McCoy, failure to control, fined $25; Nancy T. Downing, failure to control, fined $25; Aven C. Mitchell, failure to control, fined $25; Luella B. Kiefer, failure to yield, fined $25; Kayla J. Oxyer, failure to control, fined $25; Christopher M. Fry, DUS, fined $250; Derek A. Watkins, reckless operation, fined $50; Jennifer L. Morris, FRA suspension, fined $250; Johnathan K. Curtis, reckless operation, fined $675; Brandon J. Gilbert, reckless operation, fined $675.

Gregory S. Weethee, reckless operation, fined $400; Rick C. Smith, reckless operation, fined $675; Matthew L. Stalnaker, disorderly conduct, fined $150; Kacie C. Rankin, disorderly conduct, fined $150; Marlin H. Arnold Jr., possession of marijuana, fined $100 and six months suspended license; Daniel J. Schork, possession of marijuana, fined $100 and six months suspended license; Kennis A. Browning II, disorderly conduct, fined $50; Justin C. Fisher, reckless operation, fined $400; Tad C. Browning, reckless operation, fined $675; Brannon C. Belville, reckless operation, fined $675; Levi E. Thompson, reckless operation, fined $675; James L. Johnson, DUS, fined $250; Barry A. Adkins, reckless operation, fined $675; Kaylee M. Rose, reckless operation, fined $675 and six months suspended license; Scott D. Gardner, reckless operation, fined $675; Scott J. Williamson, physical control, fined $25; Jade L. Slone, reckless operation, fined $675; Garland S. Williamson, reckless operation, fined $25; Dalisa C. Borden, hit/skip, fined $50; Marlin H. Arnold Jr., marijuana paraphernalia, fined $100; Daniel J. Schork, marijuana paraphernalia, fined $100; Kennis A. Browning II, failure to yield right of way, fined $25.

Columbus – The Ohio State Highway Patrol made more than 29,000 traffic contacts this July 4^th holiday, an increase of 13 percent when compared to the previous year. In addition, 4 people lost their lives over the two-day reporting period which began Tuesday, July 3 at Midnight through Wednesday, July 4 at 11:59 p.m. Of the fatal crashes, one crash was known to be alcohol-related.

The case against a man charged with the kidnapping and assault of his wife has been bound over to the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas following preliminary hearings in the Gallipolis Municipal Court on Tuesday.

Matthew L. Rupe, 33, was charged with kidnapping and felony domestic violence for allegedly taking his wife Brittany Rupe to Virginia against her will on June 17, 2013.  According to the complaint filed, Brittany Rupe was in the vehicle with Matthew Rupe and her two children when he allegedly pulled off the road and assaulted her by pulling her hair, punching her in the face, bouncing her head off of the steering wheel and grabbing her arms to restrain her.  Matthew then allegedly proceeded to drive the victim and the children to his mother’s home in Galax, Virginia. Law enforcement authorities in Galax reportedly assisted Brittany and the children in leaving the residence safely and they returned to Gallia County.

Following the preliminary hearings, the court found substantial credible evidence there was probable cause to believe the crimes were committed by the defendant and bound the case over to the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas to be heard by the Gallia County Grand Jury.

Rupe is currently house in the Gallia County Jail under a $500,000, 10 percent bond.

Esayas Maru

Aden Cheik

Fraud cases against two men have been bound over to the Gallia County Grand Jury from the Gallipolis Municipal Court after the court found there was probable cause they had committed the crimes for which they were charged.

According to the complaints filed with the Gallipolis Municipal Court, a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Esayas Z. Maru, 27, Cincinnati and occupied by Aden A. Cheik, 32, Columbus on June 20, 2013.

The trooper reportedly identified the presence of criminal indicators and the trooper’s K9 unit gave a positive alert on the vehicle.  A small amount of what appeared to be cocaine was allegedly located inside the vehicle upon a search, as well as 45 fraudulently coded credit cards. None of the credit cards were reportedly registered to either occupant. Upon further investigation, it was also determined the rental car they were driving was not entrusted to either of the occupants.  The multiple complaints name three different alleged identity fraud victims.

Both Maru and Cheik were charged with three counts identity fraud and three counts receiving stolen property.  The cases were bound over to the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas, where they will be presented to the Gallia County Grand Jury.

Both men were booked into the Gallia County Jail. Cheik remains in custody under a $200,000, 10 percent bond.  Maru was released upon posting a $15,000, 10 percent bond.

(Columbus) – If you’re one of the several thousand people who will be attending one of the three multi-day concerts in Ohio, the Ohio Investigative Unit wants you to enjoy the show safely by abiding by Ohio’s liquor laws.

• Country Concert at Hickory Hill Lakes in Ft. Loramie, July 11 – 13;
• Jamboree in the Hills in Belmont, July 18 – 21
• All Good Festival at Legend Valley in Thornville, July 18 – 21

The case against a man charged with allegedly breaking into an Eastern Avenue dealership and stealing a vehicle has been bound over to the Gallia County Grand Jury.

According to the complaint filed with the Gallipolis Municipal Court, Phillip S.Doss, 28, allegedly admitted to authorities during questioning that on June 16, he and another person broke into Auto Buyers on Eastern Avenue through the front glass door, where they located several keys and car titles, before leaving the building and allegedly stealing 2003 Pontiac Grand Am from the lot.

Phillip S. Doss, 28, was charged in the Gallipolis Municipal Court with felony theft and breaking and entering. Doss waived his right to a preliminary hearing and the case was bound over to the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas.

The case will be reviewed by the Gallia County Grand Jury.

Criminal cases heard in the Gallipolis Municipal Court on:

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

*Does not include traffic violations

Resolved in the GMC on July 9, 2013 was:

Aaron C. Smith

Aaron C. Smith, 23, Vinton, who was charged with disorderly conduct by the GCSO, pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to two days in jail (suspended) and fined $50.

Cases filed and arraigned in the GMC:

* Jeremy S. Belville, 35, Bidwell; charging agency, OSP; charged with drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

* Larry L. Duff, 18, Gallipolis; charging agency GPD; charged with offenses of a minor.

* Karen Herdman, 46, Bidwell; charging agency GCSO; charged with theft; pre-trial set for July 29, 2013.

* Michael G. Hickman, 20, Oak Hill; charging agency GPD; charged with offenses of a minor; ordered not to be at 1926 Buckeye Hills Road, consume or possess alcohol or drugs; pre-trial set for July 17, 2013.

* Tarah K. Mcmakin, 26, Belpre; charging agency GPD; charged with theft.

* Teresa J. Russell, 49, Bidwell; charging agency, GPD; charged with two counts drug abuse; pre-trial set for July 15, 2013.

* Candice J. Simmons, 32, Cottageville, W.Va.; charging agency, GPD; charged with petty theft and criminal trespass.

Also filed in the GMC on July 9, 2013 were:

* Amy Chrisemer, Gallipolis; charging agency, GPD; charged with passing bad checks; arraignment scheduled for July 29, 2013.

* Jessica Northup, Bidwell; charging agency, GPD; charged with passing bad checks; arraignment scheduled for July 29, 2013.

Previously filed cases arraigned in the GMC on July 9, 2013 were:

* Brant A. Aldous, 23, Gastonia, N.C.; charging agency, OSP; charged with marijuana paraphernalia.

* Kevin L. Wood, 34, Gallipolis; charging agency, GPD; charged with drug abuse; pre-trial set for July 23, 2013.

* Adam C. Carter, 31, Gallipolis; charging agency, GPD; charged with two counts domestic violence.