Columbus, OH – U.S. Marshal Patrick Sedoti of the Southern District of Ohio announces the arrest of Clarissa Clark, 19, and Summer Kerley, 29, both of Pittsburgh. The pair was arrested early Thursday evening by the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) on warrants issued by authorities in Pittsburgh.

The two women face charges of criminal solicitation of homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide and terroristic threats all stemming from a March 2013 shooting in the Sheraden neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Kerley is also charged with aggravated assaultIn late March, Clark and Kerley were passengers on a ‘party bus’ in Southern Pittsburgh and became engaged in a verbal altercation with other passengers. It is alleged that Clark made several phone calls to arrange for two men, James Lawrence, 21 and Michael Lyons, 22, to assault the others involved in the fight. Eventually, Clark ordered the bus to pull over and Lawrence and Lyons emerged from a car with guns and began firing at the victim. Steven Lee, 21, of McKees Rocks, Pa. was killed.

After receiving a tip from the U.S. Marshals office in Pittsburgh, Columbus based Marshals and Task Force officers from SOFAST located both Clark and Kerley in a residence on Columbus’ east-side. The women were arrested without incident and are currently the Franklin County Corrections Center awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania for trial.

Columbus SOFAST is a fugitive focused, U.S. Marshals Service led task force consisting of local, state, and federal authorities including the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Columbus Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, United States Secret Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Other cases resolved include community control violations and drug charges

Brad Johnson

GALLIPOLIS – One of the three suspects associated with a meth lab at a Kemper Hollow residence has been sentenced to prison.

Brad Johnson, 34, pleaded guilty in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas to a lesser charge of attempted illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs. Johnson was originally charged with illegal manufacture of methamphetamine and illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs. Johnson was sentenced to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for 17 months.

In addition, Johnson was found by the court to have violated his community control in three other cases: two 2010 possession of drugs cases (Oxycodone residue and .2grams cocaine) and a 2011 trafficking in drugs (cocaine) case. Johnson had previously pleaded guilty in all three cases and was sentenced to community control.

The court found he violated that community control by failing to register with Ohio Employment Services, failing to report to his community control officer, failing to pay court costs, testing positive and admitting to the use of illegal drugs while on community control, failing to pay supervisory fees, failing to successfully complete/be evaluated by Spectrum Outreach Services and failing to perform community service.

Johnson’s community control was revoked and he was sentenced to 11 months in prison for each possession case and 17 months in prison for trafficking.

The three community control violation sentences were ordered to be served consecutively and concurrently with the 2013 case for a total of 3.25 years in prison.

Charles Brian Williamson

Also sentenced to prison was Charles Brian Williamson, who pleaded guilty to the breaking and entering of an outbuilding on Jesse Creek Road in 2010. Williamson was sentenced to community control.

On August 20, 2013, Williamson appeared in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas and was found to have violated that community control by committing further crimes (i.e. Convicted of receiving stolen property in Meigs Common Pleas Court), failing to register with OES, failing to report to his CCO, failing to pay supervisory fees, failing to complete/be evaluated by Spectrum Outreach Services.

Williamson was sentenced to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for 11 months on two counts of B&E to be served concurrently and also served concurrently with sentences out of Meigs County Common Pleas Court.

Alfred Cordell III

Alfred Cordell III, 23, Woodsmill Road, Bidwell, pleaded guilty to the possession of one Percocet pill and was sentenced to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for six months.

Johnnie Williams

Johnnie L. Williams, 31, Burnett Road, Gallipolis, pleaded guilty to permitting drug abuse and was sentenced to 24 months community control, community service, ordered to be evaluated by Spectrum Outreach Services and ordered to register with Ohio Employment Services. Williams was originally indicted for illegal manufacture of methamphetamine.

James Garrett

Gallia County Court of Common Pleas Judge D. Dean Evans recently dismissed a petition filed by James Garrett, 22, the man who pleaded guilty to the involuntary manslaughter of 33-year-old Zane Taylor, to either vacate or set aside judgment or conviction or appear for a sentence-evidentiary hearing.

In the petition, Garrett contends the court erred in accepting his guilty plea due to his clear inability to understand the legal rights he was waiving when he plead guilty.  He stated, while the trial court made mention of the waiving of his constitutional right, those constitutional rights were not explained prior to, nor during sentencing and Garrett did not “subjectively” understand each right.  In addition, Garrett accused defense counsel of influencing his decision to plead guilty.

“Upon consulting with defense counsel about the criminal offenses charged counsel merely explained that defendant was facing fifteen years to life, and influenced defendant with intimidation to plead guilty rather than withdraw his plea and proceed to jury trial explaining what state rights are involved as constitutional rights,” read the petition.

Garrett also argued, via the petition, that the trial court erred in imposing the maximum sentence and that it was disproportionate to other similarly situated offenders.

“While the decision to impose the maximum sentence is simply part of the trial court’s overall discretion in issuing a felony sentence, the trial court’s attitude in sentencing the defendant was very unreasonably, and arbitrarily done as the evidence used to convict did not support the maximum sentence. The Defendant notes that many of the factors that might have supported a longer than average sentence were not applicable to this case as defendant had no relationship with the victim to facilitate the offense.  The victim did not suffer serious physical, psychological or any economic harm as a result of any behavior of the defendant. Further, the defendant has no history of prior offense, nor have defendant assaulted anyone. Carefully evaluated the circumstances of which defendant has been tricked in to pleading guilty fail to add up as co-defendants’ have informed defense counsel and the trial court that defendant had no prior knowledge of the (planned) act. The Court’s interpretation of defendant’s involvement has deprived defendant a fair trial. Such error infected the entire trial process and (rendered) the trial fundamentally unfair. Viewed in its entirety, defendant has been subjected to prejudice by the trial court,” wrote Garrett in his petition.

In his “prayer for relief”, Garrett requested to be granted an evidentiary hearing on the above claims; to have the conviction vacated or set aside; to be conveyed to Gallia County, Ohio court to appear and participate in a resentencing hearing for the trial court to correct the sentence; to be granted such other relief as the court deems appropriate.

In his decision, Judge Evans wrote the defendant did not include any evidence supporting his assertion that he did not enter his guilty plea knowingly, intelligently or voluntarily or evidence supporting his assertion that the trial court erred in imposing the maximum sentence.

“Defendant and the State of Ohio entered into a written plea agreement whereby he entered a plea to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in violation of Section 2903.04 (A) R.C., a felony of the first degree. The Court accepted the plea agreement and accepted his plea to the manslaughter charge and sentenced him pursuant to the agreement. The State of Ohio dismissed the aggravated robbery and conspiracy charges. The written plea agreement called for Defendant to receive a sentence of eleven (11) years incarceration. It further provided that “The parties stipulate that there are sufficient factors present in this case for the Court to impose the maximum sentence”. The plea agreement was signed by Defendant, the Prosecuting Attorney, and Defendant’s retained counsel, Todd A. Long. Defendant entered his plea on February 27, 2013 and was sentenced pursuant to the plea agreement on March 5, 2013. Defendant did not appeal his conviction or sentence,” wrote Evans.

In addition, Evans said due to case law, the court is barred from considering the petition because a petitioner cannot raise for purposes of post-conviction relief any error which was raised or could have been raised on direct appeal and if a petitioner fails to bring a first appeal as of right, he cannot raise in a post-conviction relief, issues that should have been raised in that appeal.

“As such, the issues Defendant has attempted to raise in his petition could have been raised on direct appeal. As mentioned earlier, Defendant did not file an appeal from his conviction and sentence and therefore is now barred by res judicata from raising them now,” wrote Evans.

Garrett’s pro-se “Petition to Vacate or Set Aside Judgment of Conviction or Sentence” was dismissed.

Garrett, along with Lacey Redmond, 26, Eugene Wasonga, 25 and Stephen Williams, 31, entered Taylor’s home under false pretenses in June 2012 with the assistance of Redmond who knew Taylor.  Garrett’s “job” was reportedly to subdue Taylor while the other robbed his home, which ultimately resulted in Taylor’s death.

Garrett was sentenced to 11 years in prison.  Redmond pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and complicity to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years in prison due to her role in facilitating the robbery.  Wasonga and Williams pleaded guilty to robbery and tampering with evidence and were each sentenced to a total of 3 ½ years in prison.

Jason Lendway

According to court documents, the failure to notify charge filed against Jason Lendway, 36 has been dismissed at the request of the state.  The charge was filed after Gallia County Sheriff’s Office deputies were unable to locate him during a sex offender compliance check in April. According to the document, the ten year registration period where the Lendway was required to report as a sexually oriented offender expired prior to February 1, 2013.

Hearings regarding alleged community control violations filed against Lendway in a separate case are still ongoing.

Published May 29, 2013

GALLIPOLIS – Jason A. Lendway, 36, was indicted by the Gallia County Grand Jury for failing to notify proper authorities of a change of address.  Lendway, a registered sex offender out of Cleveland, was last known to be living at a residence on River Street in Gallipolis.  During a compliance check initiated by the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office, it was discovered Lendway was no longer residing at the address.  Information received by the GCSO indicated Lendway could be located in Wellston. WPD was reportedly notified on April 22, 2013.

In addition, Lendway had an active arrest warrant on file stemming from a Gallia County possession of drugs case, in which he was sentenced to 11 months in prison in 2010.  Lendway was released from prison six months later after being granted judicial release with community control sanctions. A warrant for his arrest was issued in January 2013 for absconding supervision, according to court records.

Based on the information of Lendway’s possible whereabouts, the Wellston Police Department, along with the U.S. Marshal’s Service initiated an investigation.

On May 2, 2013, Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning issued a release to the community in order to locate Lendway, who had still not contacted authorities.  The WPD was able to confirm that Lendway was living at 230 E. 12^th Street in Wellston.

According to a release by the City of Wellston, WPD patrolmen Josh Chavez and Adam Kight coordinated and executed a traffic stop on a vehicle on East 10^th Street at 8:28 a.m. on May 9, 2013 and arrested Lendway without incident.  He was turned over to the GCSO at 9:19 a.m.

Lendway was arraigned on May 13 on alleged community control violations and pleaded not guilty. During the May 16, 2013 session of the Gallia County Grand Jury, he was indicted for failure to notify a change of address and was arraigned on the charge on May 28, 2013 in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas.  He 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.

May 9, 2013 – News Release – City of Wellston

On April 22, 2013, Investigators from the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office contacted WPD Detective John Robinson with information that a registered Sex Offender who was not living where he was registered in Gallia County may be staying in Wellston.

Robinson started an investigation, along with the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshal’s Office in Columbus.

WPD was able to confirm that 36 year-old Jason Allen Lendway, formerly of Gallipolis, was living at 230 E. 12th Street in Wellston (right next to Blamer baseball field.) Lendway had felony warrants issued for his arrest out of Gallia County Ohio and was also being sought by the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office for failure to register a change of address under Ohio Law as a registered sex offender.

This morning, at 8:28 A.M., WPD Patrolmen Josh Chavez and Adam Kight coordinated and executed a traffic stop on a vehicle on East 10th Street in Wellston and arrested Jason Allen Lendway. Lendway was arrested without incident and turned over to the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office at 9:19 A.M.

Chief Ackley would like to commend his officers for their hard work and dedication on this arrest, an arrest that would not have happened without the ability to work with the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshal’s Office.

Initial story – May 2, 2013

The Gallia County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a registered sex offender who has apparently moved without notifying authorities.

According to Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning, auxiliary deputies with the Sheriff’s Office recently conducted sex offender compliance checks on the 33 offenders in the area.

During a check, Jason A. Lendway, 36, was discovered to have moved from his River Street, Gallipolis address.  Lendway was the only sex offender to be found out of compliance during the checks.According to the sex offender registry, Lendway was convicted of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

Lendway is described as 5 feet, 11 inches with hazel eyes and brown hair.  He has a tribal tattoo on his right arm, and alien skull tattoo on his left arm, a skull tattoo on his left and right legs, the word “Cleveland” on his abdomen and the word “Hailey” on his neck.

Lendway was reportedly originally from the Cleveland area and is wanted by both the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio Adult Parole.  The U.S. Marshals Service has also been contacted for assistance with his capture.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lendway is asked to contact the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (740) 446-1221.

Comparison of calls logged through the Gallia County 911 system between the same dates in 2012 and 2013 did not show a significant increase in overall crime throughout the county during that time period.  The time period compared for each year was January 1 through August 5.

In 2012, the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office logged 3,559 calls between those dates with 1,192 resulting in reports. In 2013, the GCSO logged 3,580 calls with 1,177 resulting in reports.

In 2012, the GCSO responded to 157 alarm activation calls with only 5 resulting in a report. The number of alarm activation calls took a jump in 2013 with deputies responding to 281 calls with only 9 resulting in a report.

Burglaries and breaking and entering calls have decreased slightly for the same time period with 193 reported in 2012 and 157 reported in 2013.  Deputies responded to slightly more burglary/B&E in progress calls in 2013 than in 2012 at 43 and 36 respectively.

Domestic Dispute calls were also up during that time period in 2013 at 247 calls in comparison to 230 calls in 2012.  Drug/narcotics calls had a more significant jump from 33 in 2012 to 76 in 2013.  Theft calls were also up slightly at 260 in 2013 and 254 in 2012.

Some of the top calls for the GCSO, excluding traffic, include (listed as year/# of calls): child custody calls (2013/21, 2012/22), fight (2013/40, 2012/47), missing person (2013/32, 2012/21), neighbor dispute (2013/31, 2012/37), prowler (2013/32, 2012/37), rape (2013/9, 2012/10), robbery (2013/3, 2012/4), shooting (2013/16, 2012/21), stolen vehicle (2013/40, 2012/31), suspicious person (2013/44, 2012/50), suspicious vehicle (2013/59, 2012/51), threats (2013/107, 2012/143), trespassers (2013/24, 2012/15), unruly/juvenile problems (2013/31, 2012/51), vandalism (2013/70, 2012/85).

Gallia County 911 logged 359 general complaint investigation calls in 2013 and 515 in 2012 for the GCSO.

The Gallipolis Police Department logged 4,148 calls during the same time period in 2013 and 4,700 in 2012. The GPD showed a significantly higher amount of traffic stops than the GCSO.

In 2013, officers with the GPD responded to 176 alarm activation calls with only four resulting in a report, down from 234 with four reports in 2012.

Burglaries and breaking and entering calls have decreased for the same time period with 40 reported in 2012 and 29 reported in 2013.  Deputies responded to slightly fewer burglary/B&E in progress calls in 2013 than in 2012 at 16 and 21 respectively.

Domestic Dispute calls were also down slightly during that time period with 102 calls in 2012 and 96 calls in 2013. Drug/narcotics calls were up slightly in 2013 at 48 in comparison to 31 in 2012.  Theft calls were also up at 256 in 2013 and 221 in 2012.

Some of the top calls for the GPD, excluding traffic, included animal calls (2013/50, 2012/ 47), assault (2013/35, 2012/33), fight (2013/48, 2012/61), forgery and bad check (2013/22, 2012/18), intoxicated person (2013/32, 2012/51), pedestrian stop (2013/134, 2012/234), prowler (2013/24, 2012/15), rape (2013/3, 2012/1), shooting (2013/6, 2012/8), stolen vehicle (2013/10, 2012/9), suspicious person (2013/68, 2012/60), suspicious vehicle (2013/35, 2013/35), threats (2013/60, 2012/89), unruly/juvenile problem (2013/12, 2012/17), vandalism (2013/47, 2012/52).

The GPD logged 419 general complaint investigations in 2013 and 504 in 2012.

The Rio Grande Police department logged 782 calls in 2013 and 625 calls in 2012; Vinton Village Marshal, 93 in 2013 and 65 in 2012; Centerville, 12 in 2013 and 11 in 2012; Crown City, 79 in 2013 and 36 in 2012.

Gallia County EMS logged 1,949 calls in 2013 and 1,744 calls in 2012.  Gallia County Fire Departments logged the following in 2013 and 2012 respectively: Crown City, 13 and 9; Harrison Township, 31 and 11; Springfield Township, 58 and 64; District 2, 67 and 50; Greenfield, 23 and 46; Rio Grande, 53 and 62; Gallipolis, 226 and 216; Vinton, 21 and 14; Centerville, 11 and 12.

For more information:

2012 911 Acitivity Report

2013 911 Activity Report

The following cases were resolve the week of September 2, 2013 in the Gallipolis Municipal Court:

*Does not include most traffic violations. Does not include court costs.

Cases resulting in sentencing to jail, work release or electronic monitored house arrest (EMHA):

Travis Thivener

Travis G. Thivener, child endangerment, sentenced to 60 days in jail or work release and two years reporting probation and petty theft, sentenced to 10 days in jail, two years reporting probation, fined $50, ordered to stay off of Robbie’s BP property, to be served concurrently.

Ryan Didelotte

Ryan W. Didelotte, disorderly conduct, sentenced to 10 days in jail with 10 days suspended if restitution paid by October 7, 2013, one year reporting probation, fined $50.

Joshua Peck

Joshua A. Peck, theft, sentenced to 29 days in jail, fined $50, one year reporting probation.

Jeremy Buck

Jeremy L. Buck, theft, sentenced to 30 days in jail or work release, fined $50, ordered to stay off Walmart property.

Jason Ward

Jason T. Ward, OVI, sentenced to three days in jail or work release, fined $675, six months suspended license, one year reporting probation.

Brandon M. Mooney, theft, sentenced to three days in jail/work release or 10 days EMHA, fined $50, 40 hours community service, one year reporting probation. Also found guilty of underage consumption and obstructing official business.

Case resolved with probation and fines:

Joshua S. Bennett, marijuana paraphernalia, fined $150, six months suspended license; James W. Oiler, disorderly conduct, fined $150; Jeffrey L. Fitzwater, possession of marijuana, fined $100, six months suspended license; Kandi L. Roward, driving under suspension, fined $250; Christian Forgey, unsafe operation, fined $675; James W. Oiler, DUS, fined $250, 14 day suspended license, one year reporting probation; Betty J. Snyder, marijuana paraphernalia, fined $50.

Washington, D.C. September 13, 2013
FBI National Press Office (202) 324-3691

Los Angeles: Alleged Fugitive Faces New Charges Related to Pipe Bombs Found in Coachella Valley

Federal authorities are seeking the public’s help in apprehending Edward Allen Costa, who was indicted on federal charges of illegally possessing pipe bombs that were strewn about residential neighborhoods in Palm Springs last year. Full Story

Boston: Chinese National Sentenced for Illegally Exporting Military Electronics Components

Zhen Zhou Wu was re-sentenced to 84 months in prison for conspiring over a 10-year period to illegally export military and sophisticated electronics to the People’s Republic of China. Full Story

Kansas City: Wisconsin Man Pleads Guilty to Cyber Attack on Koch Industries

Eric J. Rosol admitted to taking part in a denial-of-service attack on Koch Industries’ website. Full Story

Omaha: Former Nebraska State Senator Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

Brenda Council used campaign funds to place wagers at casinos in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Full Story

Memphis: Millington Man Charged with Sex Trafficking High School Teens

Michael A. Lilley allegedly recruited girls as young as 15 years old from at least three high schools to work as prostitutes at his home, where he and another individual provided them alcohol and drugs. Full Story

Detroit: G.S. Electech Inc. Executive Indicted for Role in Bid Rigging and Price Fixing on Automobile Parts Installed in U.S. Cars

Japanese national Shingo Okuda allegedly participated in the conspiracy by, among other things, agreeing during meetings and discussions to coordinate bids and fix prices of automotive parts submitted to Toyota. Full Story

Newark: Three Admit Roles in $100 Million Bribes-for-Test-Referrals Scheme Involving Clinical Laboratory

With the guilty pleas of Dr. Angelo Calabrese, Dr. Paul Ostergaard, and salesman David McCann, 17 people have now admitted their roles in the sophisticated bribery scheme. Full Story

Kansas City: Catholic Priest Sentenced to 50 Years for Producing Child Pornography

Shawn Ratigan, a diocesan priest and former pastor or assistant pastor in several area parishes, was sentenced for exploiting five victims who ranged in age from 2 to 12 years old at the time of the offenses. Full Story

St. Louis: Twenty-Five People Arrested on Federal Drug and Weapons Charges

Several of the individuals indicted were members of the Saddle Tramps Motorcycle Club, including the club’s president, Arvil B. Matthews. Full Story

Milwaukee: Twenty-Three Defendants Charged with Distribution of Heroin

Brothers Victor, Geraldo, and Praxedes Reyes allegedly led the drug trafficking organization that has been selling cocaine and heroin on the south side of Milwaukee for many years. Full Story

News Release

Patrolman Justin Rice of the Gallipolis Police Department is going to participate in this year’s “Law Enforcement Ride and Run to Remember” on October 13 in Washington D.C.  He is asking for support from the community for himself and his team.  Ptl. Rice writes below about his commitment:

My name is Patrolman Justin Rice of the Gallipolis Police Department, and I am participating in the “Law Enforcement Run to Remember” on October 13th, 2013 in Washington DC. The Run to Remember is a 5K race which starts and ends at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The “Law Enforcement Ride & Run to Remember” is a community-oriented athletic event designed to honor the contribution and sacrifice law enforcement officers make every day and encourage community support for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. It is designed to celebrate and bring awareness to the role of law enforcement in our communities and net proceeds benefit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

The mission of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is to permanently record and appropriately commemorate the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and provide information that will help promote law enforcement safety. Every 56 hours, a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty.

I have created a team called “Running 4 Gallia” in remembrance of all law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty in Gallia County and I have also personally dedicated my race bib in honor of a great friend and co-worker, David A. Poling, who made the ultimate sacrifice on May 22, 2007.

Each participant is required to raise a minimum of $72 in honor of the law enforcement officer lives lost on September 11, 2001, the deadliest day in law enforcement history. My teams goal is to raise $1000 for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, and with your help I am confident that we can easily achieve that. Please consider making a donation on behalf of any of our team members by going to www.RideandRuntoRemember.org , and searching for our team name “Running 4 Gallia”. Donations may also be brought to the Gallipolis Police Department at 518 Second Avenue between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Thank you for your support!

K-9 Smilla recently received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to the efforts of Vested Interest in K9s, Inc, a Massachusetts based non profit organization.

See original story below.

Original story Published May 17, 2013

Smilla, the Village of Rio Grande Police K9, was one of the recipients of a protective vest through a Groupon Event on behalf of Vested Interest in K9s.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. was selected by Groupon Grassroots to participate in the event, that ran from March 13 through March 20.  The online $10 donation suggested interested persons purchase a GROUPON (a tax deductible donation) through the secure website where all the funds were allocated to purchase ballistic vests for the four legged crime fighters who put their lives on the line for the community and their partner.

The eight day campaign raised over $155,000, which allowed Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. to outfit over 150 police K9s with vests throughout the United States.

Smilla was purchased for the RGPD through community donations and partnered with handler, Sgt. Josh Davies. The team began working in June 2012.  Smilla is a 22 month old German Shepherd from Germany and she and Davies were trained at Pine Grove Kennels in Tupper Plains, Ohio.  She is certified through the State of Ohio and also through the National Association of Professional Canine Handler and is a dual-purpose canine. Smilla is trained in narcotics, article searches, building searches, area searches, tracking, handler protection and criminal apprehension.

Davies said the vest will help protect Smilla in situations where she is often the first to come in contact with a suspect.

“I want to make sure my four-legged partner is safe when she is out there protecting the public,” said Davies.  “I want to thank everyone who has made this possible.”

The vests purchased through cost $950 each and have a five year warranty.

ABOUT VESTED INTEREST IN K9S, INC.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) all volunteer charity located in East Taunton, MA. whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests for law enforcement dogs throughout the United States. Each vest costs $950.00 and has a 5 year warranty. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially life saving body armor for their four legged K9 Officers. Through private and corporate sponsorships Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided 66 police dogs with protective vests in 2012. In September of 2012, the non-profit hit a milestone of donating $100,000 in protective vests to law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.  In January of 2013, a regional Groupon Grassroots campaign raised over $55,000 which allowed Vested Interest in K9s to donate 53 K9 vests across the country.

The organization orders the U.S. made vests exclusively from distributor Regency Police Supply in Hyannis, MA. who also does the custom embroidery on the body armor.

New K9 graduates as well as K9′s with expired vests are eligible to be added to the organization’s waiting list.

President, Sandy Marcal began working with law enforcement agencies in 2000 to coordinate efforts between various law enforcement agencies, vest sponsorships, fundraising events and the media within Massachusetts. In 2011, efforts were expanded to assist police dogs throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. currently has a list of over 20 police dogs needing vests. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Tax deductible donations and event listings are via the website: www.vik9s.org.

Police are looking for a man who allegedly used counterfeit checks bearing a legitimate Gallipolis business’ information to steal $7,490.  The fake checks were reportedly cashed in multiple locations earlier this year. The theft was recently discovered.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gallipolis Police Department at (740) 441-6017.

The following cases were resolved the week of September 9, 2013 in the Gallipolis Municipal Court:

*Does not include most traffic violations. Does not include court costs.

Cases resulting in sentencing to jail, work release or electronic monitored house arrest (EMHA):

Debra McCormick

Debra L. McCormick, theft, sentenced to 30 days in jail/WRC, one year reporting probation, ordered to pay restitution to Robbie’s B.P. in the amount of $6.59, fined $50; criminal trespass, fined $50; driving under suspension, sentenced to 30 days in jail/WRC, fined $250, one month suspended license.  Also guilty of petty theft, sentenced to 30 days in jail/work release, one year non-reporting probation, community service, ordered to stay off Walmart property. Sentences to be served concurrently.

Amber Smith

Amber N. Smith, petty theft, one year non-reporting probation, sentenced to three days in jail/WRC or 10 days EMHA, fined $50, ordered to stay off Walmart Property.

Scott McGuire

Scott A. McGuire, disorderly conduct, sentenced to five days in jail and fined $50.

Daniel Bush

Daniel L. Bush, disorderly conduct, sentenced to five days in jail and fined $50.

Ricky Fraley

Ricky L. Fraley, petty theft, sentenced to seven days in jail/WRC, one year reporting probation, fined $50, 200 hours community service and theft, sentenced to nine days in jail and 30 days WRC, one year reporting probation, fined $50, ordered to pay $2 in restitution to Foodland and stay off all Foodland property.

Ernest Chapman

Ernest L. Chapman, theft, fined $50, sentenced to 15 days in jail/WRC.

Jennifer Burcham

Jennifer L. Burcham, theft, sentenced to 15 days in jail/work release, fined $50.

Timothy J. McClain, OVI, sentenced to three day in jail, fined $675, six months suspended license, fined $675.

David Crager

David L. Crager, Jr., DUS, sentenced to three days in jail, fined $250, one year non-reporting probation.

David Humphrey, disorderly conduct, sentenced to one day in jail, fined $50, one year reporting probation, ordered to have no contact with Makala Humphrey or Leona McDowell.

Case resolved with probation and/or fines:

Jennifer L. Burcham, resisting arrest, fined $100; Donnavan L. Ashworth, disorderly by intoxication, fined $150; Kurt C. Faulkner, FRA suspension, fined $250; Phill B. Unroe, FRA suspension, fined $105; Eric L. Saunders, disorderly conduct, fined $150; Paul D. Covey, physical control, fined $1,000 and two years reporting probation; Eric L. Saunders, reckless operation, fined $675; Terrance Stolzenburg, paraphernalia, fined $50, six months driver’s license suspension.

James Williams

James Williams, 49, Woodsmill Road, Bidwell has been indicted by the Gallia County Grand Jury on charges of assaulting a peace officer, having weapons under disability, trafficking and possession.

Williams was arrested on August 22, 2013 at his residence after Gallia County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a “knock and talk” to investigate several anonymous tips and complaints that an indoor marijuana grow was being operated on the property.

According to the original release, upon talking to the occupants of the residence, Williams allegedly acknowledged there was a small indoor growing operation.  The deputies proceeded to check the rest of the property and located a locked building behind the residence.

When deputies asked permission to search the outbuilding, Williams reportedly became upset and aggressive and during his arrest, punched a deputy in the face.   Williams was tased and taken into custody. Upon search of the property, deputies allegedly located marijuana plants at the back of the property protected with a booby trap in the form of a trip wire, 12 gauge shotgun shell and a rat trap. Marijuana plants were also allegedly seized from the home, as well as weapons and two ATVs.

Williams was arraigned in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas, where he pleaded not guilty to assault of a peace officer for punching the deputy, weapons under disability for multiple guns seized and trafficking in and possession of 2,721 grams of marijuana.

The Grand Jury also included a forfeiture specification of $647 in cash and the two ATVs to the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office.

Williams was released on his own recognizance under a $35,000 bond pending trial.

News Release – August 22, 2013

After receiving several anonymous tips and complaints about an indoor marijuana grow, Gallia County Sheriff deputies conducted a “knock and talk” at a Springfield Township residence. Upon talking to the occupants of the residence, the property owner acknowledged that there was a small indoor growing operation.

While making a quick check of the property, another building was located behind the residence that was locked. Upon asking for permission to search that outbuilding, the owner became upset and became aggressive. Upon being advised that he was under arrest he continued to struggle and punched a deputy in the face. After become combative, he was TASED and taken into custody. A search warrant was obtained by deputies for the property.

Deputies allegedly located 20 suspected marijuana plants at the back of the property, which were booby trapped with trip wire and a 12 gauge shotgun shell and a rat trap. Fourteen suspected marijuana plants were allegedly located in the back room of the residence, along with 30 suspected marijuana starter plants. Weapons and two ATV’s were also confiscated.

Charges filed against James M. Williams, 49, include assault and possessing weapons under disability.

Additional charges are pending further consultation with the county prosecutor.

*The following people have active warrants filed with the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office as of the publish date. If you have information on the whereabouts of those listed in the Active Warrant Report, 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.

Note: The Gallia Hometown Herald understands that sometimes citizens may not be aware an arrest warrant has been issued for them. To have your name removed from the active warrant list, turn yourself in to the nearest law enforcement agency to resolve the issue. If your warrant has been resolved and your name has not been removed, contact us and we will verify the information and remove the listing. Those without mugshots available are listed at the bottom of the page.

* (LKA) = Last Known Address

Click on any photo to open gallery.

The following did not have mugshots available, but do have arrest warrants issued.

Kenneth Mannon, 55, who was granted judicial release from prison in 2010 is believed to have absconded supervision. Mannon was sentenced to prison in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas in 2009 after pleading guilty to attempted possession of drugs.

Brennan Duty, 22, who was granted judicial release from prison in 2012 is believed to have absconded supervision. Duty was sentenced to prison in 2011 after pleading guilty to possession of drugs.

Eric Crump, 35, LKA Broadway Street, Middleport, petty theft, Gallipolis Municipal Court.

Michael W. Crager, LKA Solida Road, South Point, failure to appear, Gallipolis Municipal Court.

Chasity Craycraft, 35, LKA Ohio 160, Vinton, failure to appear, Gallipolis Municipal Court.

Krystal Collins, LKA McGhee Road, Vinton, failure to appear, Juvenile Court.

Nichole D. Craycraft, 22, LKA Buckridge Road, Bidwell, violating community control, Court of Common Pleas.

Bidwell – An Africa Road resident has been charged with three counts of aggravating menacing for allegedly shooting at family members on Friday.

According to the police report, Gallia County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to 694 Africa Road on an aggravated menacing report at approximately 1:50 p.m. Friday. The victim, Christopher Vanmeter,27, told deputies that he had been visiting his mother’s gravesite on the family’s property, located at 682 Africa Road and as he was returning, he walked past his uncle’s trailer located on the same property.

The accused, Richard West, 42, was reportedly sitting on the back porch when Vanmeter walked by. Vanmeter said he spoke to his uncle and continued around the front of the trailer. Vanmeter said he heard West scream/say something and returned to the back of the trailer and noticed West was holding a pistol.

Vanmeter said he started back to the front of the trailer. According to the report, Vanmeter said West also traveled to the front of the trailer where he allegedly fired two rounds at Vanmeter. Vanmeter said another shot was fired as he was running away from the trailer and West allegedly chased after him.

At the end of the driveway, Vanmeter told deputies he heard a fourth shot and he ran onto another family member’s property, who was outside, along with his two year old son and his son’s mother. According to witnesses, West allegedly fired two more shots toward the property.

West reportedly fled the scene after the family said they were calling the Sheriff’s Office.  West was not located by deputies at his residence.

Three charges of aggravated menacing were filed against West in the Gallipolis Municipal Court. A warrant has been issued for his arrest on the charges.

Felony cases recently resolved in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas were:

June Johnson

June Alfred Johnson, 53, Swan Creek Road, Crown City, pleaded guilty to vehicular assault for running over Christopher Williams with a 2010 Nissan Versa on January 13, 2013. According to the original complaint filed with the Gallipolis Municipal Court, deputies with Gallia County Sheriff’s Office responded and found Williams on his front porch with a severe laceration to his face and left cheek area. Johnson had reportedly hit Williams with his vehicle, pinning him under the underpinning of the mobile home during a confrontation. Johnson was originally charged with felonious assault, but pleaded to vehicular assault.

He was sentenced to 24 months community control, a one month driver’s license suspension and ordered to pay $32,366.57 in restitution to Williams.

Jordan Merry

Jordan W. Merry, 20, Starcher Road, Gallipolis, pleaded guilty to possession of .6 of gram of heroin and was sentenced to 24 months community control, community service, ordered to register with Ohio Employment Services and ordered to submit to a Spectrum Outreach Services evaluation.

Recently indicted by the Gallia County Grand Jury and arraigned in the Gallia County Court of Common Please on felony charges were:

Kenneth King

Kenneth G. King, 31, Detroit, Mich., charged with trafficking in and possession of 50 grams of heroin; possession of 90 Lortab tablets and possession of 60 Lortab tablets. According to the complaint filed in the Gallipolis Municipal Court, a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol stopped King on a routine traffic stop on September 13, 2013 and determined criminal indicators were present. The trooper conducted a probable cause search and allegedly located the heroin in the engine compartment of the vehicle on the driver’s side. Information on where the Lortab tablets were allegedly located was not listed in the complaint.

King pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains in the Gallia County Jail on a $100,000, 10 percent bond pending trial.

Duane Courtney

Duane A. Courtney, 31, Columbus, charged with trafficking in and possession of 8.10 grams heroin; trafficking in and possession of 2.70 grams of cocaine; trafficking in five sealed packets containing one strip in each of Suboxone and trafficking in 4.4 grams of marijuana.

Courtney pleaded not guilty to the charge during arraignment in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas and was released on his own recognizance under a $40,000 bond pending trial.

Raymond Rose

Raymond Michael Rose, 29, Bethel Church Road, Gallipolis, charged with possession of 56 pills of morphine and possession of seven pills of Oxycodone. Rose pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on his own recognizance under a $10,000 bond pending trial.

Shelena Doss

Shelena Doss, 23, Buck Ridge Road, Bidwell, charged with interference of custody involving a four year old child. Doss pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on her own recognizance under a $15,000 bond pending trial.

Leslie Storms

Leslie Wayne Storms, 42, Jones Road, Vinton, charged with the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine and illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs. Storms pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on his own recognizance under a $35,000 bond pending trial.

Tina Storms

Tina Storms, 40, Jones Road, Vinton, charged with complicity (aiding & abetting) Leslie Wayne Storms in illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. Storms pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on her own recognizance under a $15,000 bond pending trial.

Mary Elizabeth Wolford

Mary Elizabeth Wolford, 47, Boggs Road, Gallipolis, charged with possession of a 25mcg Fentanyl patch. According to the complaint filed with the Gallipolis Municipal Court, the patch was allegedly found in Wolford’s purse during the execution of a search warrant by the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office on September 13, 2013. Wolford pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on her own recognizance under a $5,000 bond pending trial. A forfeiture of $658 in cash to the GCSO was included in the indictment.

Jennifer Copley

Jennifer Copley, 26, Ohio 141, Gallipolis, charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity for allegedly, between the dates of May 1, 2011 and December 7, 2011, trading merchandise for pills at the Big Wheel Drive Thru and Carryout. Copley pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on her own recognizance under a $20,000 bond pending trial.

Michael Richmond

Michael R. Richmond, 26, Burdette Street, Pt. Pleasant, W.Va, charged with the breaking and entering of a garage on Lariat Drive, Gallipolis on September 23, 2013. Richmond pleaded not guilty to the charge and remains in the Gallia County Jail on a $5,000, 10 percent bond pending trial.

Two men face additional charges of arson in connection with a breaking and entering of a Gallipolis car dealership in June.

Kurtiss Groves

Phillip Doss

Kurtiss L. Groves, 36, and Phillip Doss, 28, who were previously charged with breaking and entering and theft of a motor vehicle were also recently arraigned and charged with arson in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas.

According to the police report filed by the Gallipolis Police Department, Groves and Doss are accused of breaking into Auto Buyers on Eastern Avenue in Gallipolis on June 16, 2013, where they allegedly made entry into the car dealership, located a set of keys to a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am that was later stolen and then set a piece of paper on fire that was hanging from a wall before fleeing the scene.

The fire was discovered after a citizen reported smoke coming from the building to an officer with the Gallipolis Police Department. Upon arrival, the officer entered the building and noticed a small fire contained to a wooden stand against the wall. The officer used a fire extinguisher to knock down most of the fire, but was unable to completely knock it down as it had begun to travel up the wall.  The Gallipolis Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished it.

Both Groves and Doss have pleaded not guilty to the charges and were released on their own recognizance under a $10,000 bond pending trial.

The Gallia County Sheriff’s Office released a photo yesterday on its Facebook page of suspects in a breaking and entering that occurred between Monday night and early Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at a commercial building on Ohio 7 in Cheshire. At this time, it is the only information being released by the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office.

While the faces of the suspects are not visible in the photo released, if you have information regarding the incident or recognize the individuals, call the GCSO tip line at (740) 446-6555.

GCSO News Release

Be safe this Halloween October 31, be sure to watch for children during trick or treat. The times are 5:30pm-6:30pm in most areas, 5:30-7:00pm in Crown City.

GCSO deputies will be on patrol and posted in specific areas of the county. If you notice unsafe behavior, call the Sheriff’s Office dispatcher at 446-1221, and of course, for emergencies call 911.

Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning encourages parents to check the online sex offender registry before heading out with children to trick-or-treat.

Adults have several ways to figure out where sex offenders are living in the neighborhood where they will trick-or-treat. A searchable database is available on the sheriff’s office website. This website has a link to the local offender registry at www.galliasheriff.org. Click here for a direct link.

Regardless of where you trick-or-treat, Sheriff Browning said all children should be supervised by an adult. He also advised parents to make sure they have a flashlight and to check all candy before allowing children to eat it.

The Gallia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Williams Ridge Road today after receiving a report of what appeared to be a container used in the manufacture of methamphetamine found along the roadway.  The container was discovered in the vicinity of Southers Road. The container was properly disposed of by GCSO Meth Lab Technician Sgt. Chris Gill.

Residents are reminded to not handle suspicious containers and to report them to proper authorities.

Cases recently resolved in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas were:

Trentin Caldwell

Trentin N.R. Caldwell, 22, pleaded guilty to illegal assembly or possession of chemicals to manufacture drugs and fleeing and eluding. Caldwell was sentenced to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for three years for the drug charge and 12 months for the fleeing and eluding charge, to be served consecutively.

Brandy McClaskey

Brandy McClaskey, 29, pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to 24 months community control, community service, ordered to register with Ohio Employment Services, ordered to pay $1,258 in restitution.

Brennen Duty

Brennen Duty, 22, who was sentenced to prison in August 2011 after pleading guilty to a possession charge and released on judicial release in August 2012, was found guilty of violating his community control by failing to register with the employment office, failing to pay court costs, failing to pay supervisory fees, failing to successfully complete Spectrum/Netcare program, failing to enroll to obtain his GED.

Duty’s community control was revoked and he was sentenced to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for the remainder of the term of his sentence. It was ordered the sentence be served concurrently with a current case against Duty in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

Eric Humphreys

Eric P. Humphreys, 36, who was sentenced to community control in June of this year after pleading guilty to possession, was found guilty of violating his community control by failing to register with the employment office, failing to obtain permission to move from Gallia County, failing to report to his community control office, failing to notify of a change of address, failing to pay court costs and supervisory fees, failing to complete the Spectrum program and failing to perform community service.

Humphreys was sentenced to the ODRC for 11 months.

Alfonso Johnson, 53, pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property and was sentenced to 24 months community control, ordered to register with Ohio Employment Services, ordered to obtain his GED and ordered to pay a total of $12,253 in restitution.

Recently arraigned on felony charges in the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas were:

Geffrey Collins

Geffrey Collins, 35, Fifth Avenue, Gallipolis charged with two counts of rape of a child under the age of 13 years old and possession of heroin. Collins pleaded not guilty to the charge and remains in custody on a $25,000, 10 percent bond pending trial.

Jesse Reitmire

Jesse Reitmire, 28, New Haven, W.Va., charged with the burglary of a Buckeye Hills Road home in August 2012 and theft of property, a gun and an ATV from that home. Reitmire pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on his own recognizance under a $30,000 bond.

Roger Ward

Roger L. Ward, 68, Ohio 160, Vinton, charged with having weapons under disability and unlawful possession of a dangerous ordnance (a sawed off shotgun). Ward pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on his own recognizance under a $25,000 bond pending trial.

Lora L. Gaines, 45, Oak Hill, charged with felonious assault. Gaines pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on her own recognizance under a $20,000 bond pending trial.

Lowell Halfhill Jr.

Lowell Halfhill Jr., 19, Ohio 850, Bidwell, charged with illegal manufacture of methamphetamine in the vicinity of a juvenile. Halfhill pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on his own recognizance under a $25,000 bond pending trial.

Malachi Sheets

Malachi Sheets, 26, Boggs Road, Gallipolis, charged with having weapons while under disability and trafficking in drugs (.4 of a gram of heroin) and possession. A forfeiture specification of $1,999 to the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office was also included in the indictment. Sheets pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on his own recognizance under a $25,000 bond.

The case against Joseph A. Pollock, 38, who was charged with domestic violence was dismissed at the request of the State of Ohio.