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Lynchburg man sentenced to community control in meth possession case

By
Caitlin Forsha, The Highland County Press

A Lynchburg man was sentenced to community control last week after previously pleading guilty to a third-degree felony drug possession charge.

Jai Kessinger, 47, was indicted by a Highland County grand jury in August and charged with aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a third-degree felony; and possession of a fentanyl-related compound, a fourth-degree felony.

According to court records, Kessinger pleaded guilty Oct. 2 to the meth possession charge, with the possession of a fentanyl-related compound count dismissed.

A bill of particulars alleges that on or about Aug. 27, 2023, a deputy responded to a Lynchburg residence on “an unrelated matter” and witnessed Kessinger “sleeping on the porch.” The resident advised not knowing that Kessinger was there. Kessinger “appeared intoxicated,” the bill of particulars says.

The deputy found “a large baggie containing a white powder substance” in Kessinger’s pocket, which later tested positive for 5.28 grams of meth, the bill of particulars alleges.

During a hearing Nov. 6, Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss sentenced Kessinger to three years of community control. Kessinger was also ordered to successfully complete a recommended treatment program.

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