5 individuals indicted in Highland County grand jury's December session
A Highland County grand jury handed down a total of six indictments against five individuals during their Tuesday, Dec. 2 session.
• Robert Ballein Jr., 35, of Lynchburg was charged with one count of aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a third-degree felony.
The indictment alleges that on or about June 8, Ballein “knowingly obtained, possessed or used” meth “in an amount that equals or exceeds bulk amount but less than five times bulk amount.”
• Caleb A. Souders, 31, of Greenfield was indicted in two separate cases.
In the first indictment, Souders was charged with failure to register a change of address as a registered sex offender, a fourth-degree felony.
It is alleged that on or about Oct. 10 and continuing thereafter, Souders “failed to provide notice of any change of address within 20 days by written notice.” According to the indictment, Souders is a tier I sex offender due to a conviction from Ross County Municipal Court and is required “to register annually and 20 days before an address change and within three days of an address change.”
In an unrelated indictment, Souders was also indicted on one count of telecommunications harassment, a fifth-degree felony.
Souders is accused of “knowingly making or causing to be made a telecommunication to another” on or about Sept. 15. It is alleged a comment was made “that was obscene with the intent to abuse, threaten or harass the recipient.”
• There were also three individuals who were each charged with aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony, in unrelated indictments. Those charged include Jennifer L. Belcher, 54, of Washington Court House; Richard Eldridge, 45, of Hillsboro; and Kimberly R. Hickok, 39, of Bainbridge.
An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 26 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.