$50,000 Bond Set for Joshua Mullins in Connection to Overdose Incident and Assault on Ashland Police Officer
Joe Lyons •
August 26, 2024
“I never gave her the methadone, I called the police when I found her like that. I thought I did the right thing.”
Joshua Mullins, 33, had his bond set at $50,000 today following his arrest on charges stemming from an incident on August 21, 2024, where he allegedly assaulted an Ashland Police Officer responding to a potential overdose at an apartment on Sandusky Street. Mullins faces multiple charges, the most serious being a second-degree felony for corrupting another with drugs.
According to the complaint filed on August 23, 2024, Mullins is accused of providing methadone, a Schedule II controlled substance, to a female roommate, which allegedly resulted in her overdose and serious physical harm. The charge of corrupting another with drugs, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2925.02, carries severe penalties due to the nature of the substance and the harm caused.
During the bond hearing, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Metcalf emphasized the severity of the situation. “The most serious charge is the second-degree felony for corrupting another with drugs,” Metcalf said. “The victim was intubated and remains on a ventilator, according to the latest reports. The evidence suggests Mullins provided her with methadone, leading to this critical condition.”
Metcalf recommended a bond of $100,000, citing the risk Mullins poses to both the victim and law enforcement officers. He also requested that Mullins have no contact with the victim or law enforcement personnel involved in the case.
Magistrate Emily M. Bates, presiding over the hearing, asked Mullins if he had anything to say regarding the bond. Mullins, who appeared by video and without legal representation, denied the allegations, stating, “I never gave her the methadone. It’s in my lockbox still at her house. I never would want anyone else to be dependent on that. I called the police when I found her like that. I thought I did the right thing.”
Despite his plea, Magistrate Bates set Mullins’ bond at $50,000, with conditions including restrictions on travel, a ban on drug and alcohol use, and mandatory drug testing. Mullins is also required to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment and is prohibited from contacting the alleged victim, and another individual involved, Officer Kyle Dress.
Attorney Zachary Meranda was appointed to represent Mullins after the court determined he was indigent. Meranda filed a request for a Bill of Particulars, seeking detailed information on the specific conduct alleged to constitute the offense.
The case is scheduled for an initial appearance hearing on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. If Mullins posts bond, he will appear in person at the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas.
This story follows last week’s report titled “Ashland Police Officer Assaulted During Possible Overdose Call,” and further updates will be provided as the case progresses.