Joe Lyons

State Highway Patrol Norwalk Post Investigating Fatal Crash

• October 6, 2024

Ripley Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol Norwalk Post is investigating a one vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred on October 6, 2024, at approximately 1:18 PM, on US 224 near Old State Road in Huron County.

Richard V. Hairston, of Shiloh, OH was driving a 2009 Chevrolet HHR east on US 224 when he ran off road left, struck a ditch and then a tree. Mr. Hairston was not wearing his seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle and he sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash.

It is unknown if alcohol and/ or drugs were a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by North Central EMS, Greenwich Fire Department, Life Flight and Wilcox Garage and the Huron County Coroner.

Ohio Woman Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Killing Husband with Controlled Substance

• October 5, 2024

TOLEDO, Ohio – Amanda Hovanec, 37, of Wapakoneta, Ohio, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp, II, after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including distributing a controlled substance that resulted in the death of her husband. Amanda Hovanec was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,108,559.36.

According to court documents, Hovanec and her husband, Timothy, were married and had three children.  They moved several times for his job with the U.S. Department of State, which included an assignment in South Africa around 2018. While there, Hovanec developed a relationship with a South African citizen named Anthony Theodorou. Hovanec initiated divorce proceedings against her husband in 2020 after returning to the United States. In December 2021, she began to deny her husband visitation with their children despite a court order to permit it. After her husband filed several contempt motions against Hovanec for denying visitation, a judge ordered that the children be given visitation with their father in April 2022, and further ordered that the husband become the residential parent and legal custodian of their children for two months that summer, beginning in May.

The children went with their father for an April weekend visitation, as ordered, after which their father returned them to Hovanec’s Wapakoneta residence. Later, a missing persons investigation was opened when the husband failed to check out of an area hotel where he had been staying.

During the investigation, law enforcement officials discovered the husband’s abandoned car in Dayton, Ohio. It had been equipped with a dash camera.  Review of the camera’s video showed that the husband had returned the children to Hovanec’s residence around 7 p.m. on April 24, 2022. Video footage showed Hovanec and her mother, Anita Green, waiting outside the residence next to the garage. Hovanec was then seen walking toward the driver’s side of the vehicle and heard telling the children, “I have a surprise for you inside.” The children entered the residence, followed by Green. Seconds later, the victim was heard saying, “What the heck are you doing?  Did you just assault me?” and then, “Get away from me  . . .  Get off of me.”  The victim and Hovanec came into the camera’s view, at which time video footage captured her pulling on her husband’s shirt as he tried to use his cellphone. She wrestled with him and eventually knocked the phone out of his hand. She then pulled on his back to bring him to the ground, holding him around the neck until his body went limp and he became unresponsive, lying on the driveway. Hovanec stood up, picked up her husband’s cellphone, removed his smart watch, and turned off his vehicle’s engine, at which point the dash camera stopped recording.

After first attempting to cover up her crimes, Hovanec later confessed to investigators that she injected her husband in the shoulder with “poison” that she understood would kill him within minutes. She also admitted to disposing of his car in Dayton, and burying his body in a wooded area not far from her home. Theodorou was in Ohio at the time of the incident.  He not only obtained the substance used to kill the victim, but also helped Hovanec bury her husband’s body. Green, who both Hovanec and Theodorou confirmed knew about the plan to murder the victim in advance, was charged as an accessory after the fact. She agreed to drive them and the victim’s body to the grave site, which was dug in advance of the murder.

The investigation determined that the victim was injected with M-99, also known as Etorphine, a Schedule I controlled substance approximately 1000 times more potent than morphine. It is used in veterinary medicine for zoo and wildlife anesthesia.  

According to court records, Hovanec considered killing her husband for at least a year before the murder and had considered alternate means to do so, including hiring a hitman, before settling on injecting him with M-99.

“Hovanec’s violent and intentional actions were cold-blooded, calculated, and cruel. Her extreme malevolence toward her husband and complete disregard for how his murder would affect their innocent children is incomprehensible and unforgiveable,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “We know that no amount of time served can bring back a family’s loved one. But our hope is that the victim’s family may find some sense of closure as they painstakingly work to heal from this unimaginable and horrific tragedy.”

Theodorou was sentenced to 18 years in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to import, importation and distribution of a controlled substance that resulted in death. He was also ordered to pay $2,108,559.36 in restitution, of which a part will be paid jointly and severally with Hovanec and Green. Anita Green was sentenced to 10 years in prison and two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to being an accessory to the crimes committed by Amanda Hovanec and Anthony Theodorou. 

This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division, Lima Resident Agency, the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the Lucas County Coroner’s Office.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa Sterling and Michelle Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio.

BLM Activist Sentenced to Prison for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering

• October 5, 2024

TOLEDO, Ohio – Sir Maejor Page, 35, of Toledo, has been sentenced to 42 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Helmick after a jury convicted him of wire fraud and money laundering for defrauding donors of more than $450,000 that they collectively gave to his nonprofit “Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta” (BLM of Greater Atlanta) based on Page’s false representations. He was also ordered to pay a $400 special assessment fee.

Page continued to collect donations to his purported social justice charity through the organization’s Facebook page even after its tax-exempt status was revoked for failure to submit IRS Form 990 for three consecutive years.  He regularly posted content to Facebook about social and racial issues to give his nonprofit the appearance of legitimacy, despite no longer being tax-exempt. He also used Facebook to message privately with users, and he falsely represented that their donations would be used to “fight for George Floyd” and the “movement.” As a result, approximately 18,000 people donated to the BLM of Greater Atlanta charity through its Facebook account, which Page administered.

Page used the donations to BLM for his own personal benefit. He purchased entertainment, hotel rooms, clothing, firearms, and a property that he intended to use as his personal residence. He attempted to conceal the purchase of the property by using the name “Hi Frequency Ohio” and asked the seller to sign a nondisclosure agreement that would have prevented the seller from listing Page as the actual buyer.

“Mr. Page took advantage of a cause meant to fight social injustices, using it instead to line his own pockets with thousands of dollars of donations,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “People donate their hard-earned money to support causes they believe in, and when a fraudster like Page comes along and tries to get away with a fake charity scheme, it hurts legitimate nonprofit organizations that rely on the generosity of others to advance their missions and make positive change in the world. This Office will hold accountable those who try to profit by scamming unsuspecting people out of their money like Page did here.”

This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gene Crawford and Rob Melching.

Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Investigates Fatal Crash

• October 4, 2024

Canaan Township – On Friday, October 4, 2024 at 4:14 p.m., the Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was dispatched to a single-vehicle fatal crash. The preliminary investigation revealed a 2007 Honda Civic, operated by a 17-year-old, was traveling north on Canaan Center Road near E. Sterling Road in Canaan Township, Wayne County. The Honda lost control and traveled off the right side of the roadway, striking a ditch and two landscape islands before overturning multiple times prior to coming to final rest.

The driver was transported by ground ambulance to Wooster Community Hospital for minor injuries.

One of the passengers, Aurora Krahenbuhl, 14, Creston, succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.

There were three other passengers in the Honda. A 15-year-old passenger was transported by ground ambulance to Wooster Community Hospital with serious injuries; and then transported by air ambulance to Akron Children’s Hospital. Two other passengers, a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old, were transported to Lodi Hospital with the latter going to the Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital with minor injuries

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Canaan Township Fire/EMS, Sterling Fire/EMS, Town and Country Fire Department, Lodi EMS, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Wayne County Coroner and TNT Towing.

At this time, the crash remains under investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be contributing factors to the crash.  All charges are pending further review.

Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Releases September 2024 Felony Indictments

• October 4, 2024

Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Releases September 2024 Felony Indictments

 

Ashland County, OH — Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell announced the release of twenty-seven (27) felony indictments issued by the Ashland County Grand Jury during its September sessions. The Grand Jury convened for two days and issued a total of thirty-three (33) indictments against thirty-three (33) individuals. Notably, seven of these indictments remain sealed as they have not yet been served.

In his statement, Prosecutor Tunnell expressed gratitude to the Grand Jurors for their commitment and service, as well as to the dedicated members of the investigating agencies for their tireless efforts in ensuring the safety of Ashland County residents. He emphasized the principle that all individuals indicted are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

Robert Michalski, Jr.

Address: Savannah

Case No: 24-CRI-236

Investigating Agency: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

Charges:

Count One: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Felony, 1st Degree)

Aided in the commission of kidnapping on or about August 17, 2024.

Count Two: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Felony, 2nd Degree)

Aided in the commission of endangering children on or about August 17, 2024.

Count Three: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Felony, 3rd Degree)

Aided in the commission of endangering children from August 4 to August 17, 2024.

Count Four: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Felony, 3rd Degree)

Further involvement in endangering children from August 4 to August 17, 2024.

Count Five: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Felony, 3rd Degree)

Aided in another instance of endangering children from August 4 to August 17, 2024.

Count Six: Tampering with Evidence (Felony, 3rd Degree)

Altered or concealed evidence on or about August 17, 2024, knowing an investigation was ongoing.

Count Seven: Possessing Criminal Tools (Felony, 5th Degree)

Possessed handcuffs with intent to use them criminally between August 4 and August 17, 2024.

 

 

Angelina Williams

Address: Cleveland

Case No: 24-CRI-237

Investigating Agency: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

Charges:

Count One: Kidnapping (Felony, 1st Degree)

Allegedly restrained a child under thirteen years of age in a manner that created a substantial risk of serious physical harm on or about August 17, 2024.

Count Two: Endangering Children (Felony, 2nd Degree)

Accused of administering excessive corporal punishment that created a substantial risk of serious physical harm to a child under eighteen on or about August 17, 2024.

Count Three: Endangering Children (Felony, 3rd Degree)

As a caregiver, allegedly created a substantial risk to the health or safety of a child under eighteen by violating a duty of care on or about August 17, 2024.

Count Four: Endangering Children (Felony, 3rd Degree)

Further accusations of administering excessive corporal punishment from August 4 to August 17, 2024.

Count Five: Endangering Children (Felony, 3rd Degree)

Another count related to excessive punishment from August 4 to August 17, 2024.

Count Six: Obstructing Justice (Felony, 5th Degree)

Allegedly communicated false information to hinder law enforcement on or about August 17, 2024, in connection with tampering with evidence.

Count Seven: Possessing Criminal Tools (Felony, 5th Degree)

Accused of possessing handcuffs and rope with intent to use them criminally between August 4 and August 17, 2024.

 

 

Taylor Desiree Marvin-Brown

Address: Sandusky

Case No: 24-CRI-238

Investigating Agency: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

Charges:

Count One: Obstructing Justice (Felony, 3rd Degree)

Allegedly harbored or concealed another person or child to hinder law enforcement in the investigation of a serious crime on or about August 17, 2024.

Count Two: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Felony, 1st Degree)

Accused of aiding or abetting in the offense of kidnapping alongside Angelina Williams and/or Robert Michalski on or about August 17, 2024.

Count Three: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Felony, 2nd Degree)

Allegedly assisted in the offense of endangering children with Angelina Williams and/or Robert Michalski on or about August 17, 2024.

Count Four: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Felony, 3rd Degree)

Accused of aiding or abetting in the offense of endangering children from August 4 through August 17, 2024.

 

 

Joshua Roper

Address: West Salem

Case No: 24-CRI-244

Investigating Agency: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

Charges:

Count One: Having Weapons While Under Disability (Felony, 3rd Degree)

Allegedly acquired or used a firearm while under indictment for previous felony drug offenses, including aggravated possession of drugs and possession of cocaine.

Count Two: Sexual Battery (Felony, 3rd Degree)

Accused of engaging in sexual conduct with an individual while being in a position of authority (in loco parentis) on or about July 12, 2024.

Count Three: Rape (Felony, 1st Degree)

Allegedly engaged in sexual conduct by force or threat of force on or about August 27, 2024

 

Sir Christion Rogers

Address: Huber Heights

Case No: 24-CRI-223

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charges:

Count One: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Aggravated Burglary) – Felony, 1st Degree

Allegedly solicited or procured others to commit aggravated burglary at Rite Aid on July 24, 2024.

Count Two: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Robbery) – Felony, 2nd Degree

Accused of aiding in the commission of robbery at Rite Aid on the same date.

Count Three: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Safecracking) – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly aided others in committing safecracking at Rite Aid.

Count Four: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Theft of Drugs) – Felony, 4th Degree

Accused of assisting in the theft of drugs from Rite Aid.

Count Five: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Tampering with Drugs) – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly aided others in tampering with drugs.

Count Six: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of a Police Officer) – Felony, 3rd Degree

Accused of aiding in failing to comply with police orders.

Count Seven: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of a Police Officer) – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly assisted in another instance of failing to comply with police orders.

 

 

Kerry Stephens

Address: Trotwood

Case No: 24-CRI-225

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charges:

Count One: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Aggravated Burglary) – Felony, 1st Degree

Allegedly aided Sir Christion Rogers and others in committing aggravated burglary at Rite Aid on July 24, 2024.

Count Two: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Robbery) – Felony, 2nd Degree

Accused of assisting in the commission of robbery at Rite Aid on the same date.

Count Three: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Safecracking) – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly aided others in safecracking at Rite Aid.

Count Four: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Theft of Drugs) – Felony, 4th Degree

Accused of assisting in the theft of drugs from Rite Aid.

Count Five: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Tampering with Drugs) – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly aided in tampering with drugs.

Count Six: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer) – Felony, 3rd Degree

Accused of aiding in failing to comply with police orders.

Count Seven: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer) – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly assisted in another instance of failing to comply with police orders.

 

 

Jamez Phipps

Address: Dayton

Case No: 24-CRI-222

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charges:

Count One: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Aggravated Burglary) – Felony, 1st Degree

Allegedly aided Kerry Stephens and others in committing aggravated burglary at Rite Aid on July 24, 2024.

Count Two: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Robbery) – Felony, 2nd Degree

Accused of assisting in the commission of robbery at Rite Aid on the same date.

Count Three: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Safecracking) – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly aided others in safecracking at Rite Aid.

Count Four: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Theft of Drugs) – Felony, 4th Degree

Accused of assisting in the theft of drugs from Rite Aid.

Count Five: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Tampering with Drugs) – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly aided in tampering with drugs.

Count Six: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer) – Felony, 3rd Degree

Accused of aiding in failing to comply with police orders.

Count Seven: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer) – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly assisted in another instance of failing to comply with police orders.

 

 

Robert Prater

Address: Dayton

Case No: 24-CRI-226

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charges:

Count One: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Aggravated Burglary) – Felony, 1st Degree

Allegedly aided Kerry Stephens and others in committing aggravated burglary at Rite Aid on July 24, 2024.

Count Two: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Robbery) – Felony, 2nd Degree

Accused of assisting in the commission of robbery at Rite Aid.

Count Three: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Safecracking) – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly aided others in safecracking at Rite Aid.

Count Four: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Theft of Drugs) – Felony, 3rd Degree

Accused of assisting in the theft of drugs from Rite Aid.

Count Five: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Tampering with Drugs) – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly aided in tampering with drugs at Rite Aid.

Count Six: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer) – Felony, 3rd Degree

Accused of aiding in failing to comply with police orders.

Count Seven: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer) – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly assisted in another instance of failing to comply with police orders.

Count Eight: Aggravated Possession of Drugs – Felony, 2nd Degree

Accused of possessing Dextroamphetamine-amphetamine tablets in a quantity that exceeds five times the bulk amount.

Count Nine: Aggravated Possession of Drugs – Felony, 2nd Degree

Allegedly possessed Methylphenidate extended release tablets in a quantity that exceeds five times the bulk amount.

Count Ten: Aggravated Possession of Drugs – Felony, 2nd Degree

Accused of possessing Lisdexamfetamine capsules in a quantity that exceeds five times the bulk amount.

Count Eleven: Aggravated Possession of Drugs – Felony, 5th Degree

Allegedly possessed Dexmethylphenidate extended release capsules.

Count Twelve: Aggravated Possession of Drugs – Felony, 5th Degree

Accused of possessing Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Jornay PM extended release capsules).

Count Thirteen: Aggravated Possession of Drugs – Felony, 5th Degree

Allegedly possessed Methadone tablets.

 

 

Taquan Thompson

Address: Dayton

Case No: 24-CRI-224

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charges:

Count One: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Aggravated Burglary) – Felony, 1st Degree

Allegedly solicited or procured others to commit aggravated burglary at Rite Aid on July 24, 2024.

Count Two: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Robbery) – Felony, 2nd Degree

Accused of aiding in the commission of robbery at Rite Aid.

Count Three: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Safecracking) – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly aided others in safecracking at Rite Aid.

Count Four: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Theft of Drugs) – Felony, 4th Degree

Accused of assisting in the theft of drugs from Rite Aid.

Count Five: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Tampering with Drugs) – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly aided in tampering with drugs at Rite Aid.

Count Six: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer) – Felony, 3rd Degree

Accused of aiding in failing to comply with police orders.

Count Seven: Complicity in the Commission of an Offense (Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer) – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly assisted in another instance of failing to comply with police orders.

 

 

Sabrina Gregory

Address: Sullivan

Case No: 24-CRI-218

Investigating Agency: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

Charges:

Count One: Domestic Violence – Felony, 5th Degree

Allegedly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to Miranda Gregory, a family or household member, on July 16, 2024. Notably, the victim was pregnant at the time of the offense.

Count Two: Aggravated Menacing – Misdemeanor, 1st Degree

Accused of causing Miranda Gregory to believe that serious physical harm would be inflicted upon her or her property on July 16, 2024.

Count Three: Aggravated Menacing – Misdemeanor, 1st Degree

Allegedly caused Miranda Gregory to believe that serious physical harm would be inflicted upon her unborn child on July 16, 2024.

 

 

Antoine James Sealey Jr.

Address:  Cleveland

Case No: 24-CRI-235

Investigating Agency: Ohio State Highway Patrol

Charges:

Count One: Having Weapons While Under Disability – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly acquired, carried, or used a firearm or dangerous ordnance while under indictment for or previously convicted of a felony offense of violence (specifically, Aggravated Robbery on February 12, 2020, in Cuyahoga County).

Count Two: Receiving Stolen Property – Felony, 4th Degree

Accused of receiving, retaining, or disposing of a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield M-2, 9mm firearm, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe it was stolen property belonging to Leon Lee Vales.

Specification One: The Grand Jury further specifies that the offense was committed while Sealey had a firearm on or about his person or under his control.

 

 

Roger Sulser

Address:  Ashland

Case No: 24-CRI-219

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charges:

Count One: Domestic Violence – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to Jennifer Bright, a family or household member, between July 1 and July 12, 2024.

Notably, Sulser has a history of prior domestic violence offenses, which elevates the seriousness of the charge.

Count Two: Domestic Violence – Felony, 3rd Degree

Accused of causing or attempting to cause physical harm to Jennifer Bright on July 17, 2024, again in violation of Ohio law.

The prior conviction history is again highlighted, indicating a pattern of behavior.

Count Three: Domestic Violence – Felony, 3rd Degree

Involved in a continuous pattern of abuse, allegedly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to Jennifer Bright from April 1, 2022, through July 10, 2024.

Previous convictions for similar offenses further complicate his legal situation.

 

 

Derek Sindyla

Address:  Lakewood

Case No: 24-CRI-242

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charges:

Count One: Aggravated Possession of Drugs – Felony, 5th Degree

Allegedly obtained and possessed 2.092 grams of methamphetamine (a Schedule II controlled substance) on August 25, 2024.

Count Two: Possession of Cocaine – Felony, 5th Degree

Accused of obtaining and possessing 0.731 grams of cocaine on August 25, 2024, also classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.

Count Three: Failure to Appear as Required by Recognizance – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly failed to appear in court on August 29, 2024, after being released on his own recognizance in connection with a felony charge.

 

 

Brandon Gilbert

Address:  Ashland

Case No: 24-CRI-248

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charges:

Count One: Aggravated Possession of Drugs – Felony, 5th Degree

Allegedly obtained and possessed 0.3 grams of methamphetamine (a Schedule II controlled substance) on September 2, 2024.

 

 

Michael Pondexter

Address: Ashland

Case No: 24-CRI-250

Investigating Agency: Ohio State Highway Patrol

Charges:

Count One: Strangulation – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly caused physical harm through strangulation or suffocation on September 7, 2024. The victim is identified as a family or household member or a person with whom Pondexter was in a dating relationship.

Count Two: Abduction – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly removed a person from her location without privilege, using force or threat on September 7, 2024.

Count Three: Domestic Violence – Misdemeanor, 1st Degree

Allegedly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to a family or household member on September 7, 2024.

 

 

Nathan F. Brown Jr.

Address: Akron

 Case No: 24-CRI-243

Investigating Agency: Ohio State Highway Patrol

Charges:

Count One: Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly fled from police in a motor vehicle on August 25, 2024, creating a substantial risk of serious physical harm.

Specification: Committed while having a firearm on or about his person or under his control.

Count Two: Aggravated Menacing – Misdemeanor, 1st Degree

Allegedly caused Christian Derr to believe he would cause serious physical harm on August 25, 2024.

Count Three: Aggravated Menacing – Misdemeanor, 1st Degree

Allegedly caused Stephanie Connor to believe he would cause serious physical harm on August 25, 2024.

Count Four: Driving Under Suspension – Misdemeanor, 1st Degree

Allegedly operated a vehicle while his driver’s license was suspended on August 25, 2024.

Count Five: Having Weapons While Under Disability – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly had a firearm while being a fugitive from justice on August 25, 2024.

Count Six: Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly transported a loaded firearm in a vehicle in a manner that made it accessible to him or any passenger on August 25, 2024.

 

 

David Dean

Address: Ashland

Case No: 24-CRI-245

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charge:

Count One: Violating a Protection Order – Felony, 5th Degree

Allegedly recklessly violated the terms of a protection order on August 29, 2024.

Prior Conviction: Previously convicted of violating a protection order on July 23, 2024, in Ashland Municipal Court.

 

 

David Simmons

Address: Ashland

Case No: 24-CRI-249

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charge:

Count One: Aggravated Possession of Drugs – Felony, 5th Degree

Allegedly obtained, possessed, or used 0.258 grams of methamphetamine on September 2, 2024.

 

 

Joshua Mullins

Address:  Ashland

Case No: 24-CRI-241

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charges:

Count One: Corrupting Another with Drugs – Felony, 2nd Degree

Allegedly administered or induced the use of methadone, causing serious physical harm.

Count Two: Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly sold or offered to sell methadone, a controlled substance.

Count Three: Assault – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly caused physical harm to a peace officer or emergency responder during their official duties.

 

 

Jeffery Priola

Address:  Lakewood

Case No: 24-CRI-246

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charges:

Count One: Having Weapons While Under Disability – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly acquired or used a firearm while being a fugitive from justice.

Count Two: Having Weapons While Under Disability – Felony, 3rd Degree

Similar charge as Count One, reflecting multiple offenses.

Count Three: Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly transported a loaded firearm in a manner accessible to passengers.

Count Four: Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle – Felony, 4th Degree

Another instance of allegedly transporting a loaded firearm improperly.

Count Five: Carrying a Concealed Weapon – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly carried a concealed handgun without the proper license, involving a loaded firearm.

 

 

Mathew Tharin

Address: Ashland

Case No: 24-CRI-240

Investigating Agency: Ashland Police Department

Charges:

Count One: Aggravated Possession of Drugs – Felony, 5th Degree

Allegedly obtained or possessed methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Count Two: Possession of Cocaine – Felony, 5th Degree

Allegedly obtained or possessed cocaine or a substance containing cocaine.

Count Three: Misdemeanor Theft – Misdemeanor, 1st Degree

Allegedly deprived Walmart of property, including a pressure washer, air compressor, and Mountain Dew, without consent.

 

 

Nicholas Barnett

Address: Ashland

Case No: 24-CRI-239

Investigating Agency: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

Charge:

Count One: Retaliation – Felony, 3rd Degree

Allegedly retaliated against a public servant, party official, attorney, or witness by means of force or unlawful threat of harm. This charge arises from actions purportedly taken in response to the duties performed by the involved public servant or official.

 

Dakota James Stutterlin

Address: Loudonville

Case No: 24-CRI-253

Investigating Agency: Loudonville Police Department

Charge:

Count One: Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with a minor who was less than sixteen years of age, while being at least four years older than the minor. The conduct is said to have occurred between June 14 and June 21, 2024.

 

 

Karen Rybka

Address:  Ashland

Case No: 24-CRI-259

Investigating Agency: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

Charges:

Count One: Involuntary Manslaughter – Felony, 1st Degree

Allegedly caused the death of an individual as a proximate result of committing or attempting to commit the felony offense of Corrupting Another with Drugs or Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs on or about November 1, 2022.

Count Two: Corrupting Another with Drugs – Felony, 2nd Degree

Accused of knowingly administering or furnishing a controlled substance, specifically Fentanyl, to cause serious physical harm or drug dependency to another individual on or about November 1, 2022.

Count Three: Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs – Felony, 4th Degree

Allegedly sold or offered to sell Fentanyl, a controlled substance, in an amount less than the bulk amount on or about November 1, 2022.

 

 

Brittney Shawn Murphy-Marks

Address:  Sullivan

Case No: 24-CRI-263

Investigating Agency: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

Charges:

COUNT ONE: Aggravated Possession of Drugs

Classification: Felony of the Fifth Degree

Date of Offense: On or about November 1, 2022

Details: It is alleged that Brittney Murphy-Marks knowingly obtained, possessed, or used a controlled substance, specifically Methamphetamine, which is classified as a Schedule II drug. This conduct is in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2925.11(A).

 

 

Donzel Murphy Jr.

Address:  West Salem

Case No: 24-CRI-262

Investigating Agency: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

Charges:

COUNT ONE: Aggravated Possession of Drugs

Classification: Felony of the Fifth Degree

Date of Offense: On or about November 1, 2022

Details: It is alleged that Donzel Murphy Jr. knowingly obtained, possessed, or used a controlled substance, specifically Methamphetamine, which is classified as a Schedule II drug. This conduct is in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2925.11(A).

 

 

Timothy P. Barth

Address:  Ashland

Case No: 24-CRI-260

Investigating Agency: Ashland County Sheriff’s Office

Charges:

COUNT ONE: Aggravated Possession of Drugs

Classification: Felony of the Fifth Degree

Date of Offense: On or about November 1, 2022

Details: It is alleged that Timothy P. Barth knowingly obtained, possessed, or used a controlled substance, specifically Methamphetamine, which is classified as a Schedule II drug, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2925.11(A).

COUNT TWO: Permitting Drug Abuse

Classification: Felony of the Fifth Degree

Date of Offense: On or about November 1, 2022

Details: It is alleged that Timothy P. Barth, as the owner or occupant of premises, knowingly permitted those premises to be used for the commission of a felony drug abuse offense, specifically Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs, in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 2925.13(B).

ASHLAND WEATHER