13 individuals indicted in Highland County grand jury's October session; Leesburg man facing first-degree felony drug charges
A Leesburg man charged with two first-degree felony drug counts was among the 13 individuals indicted by a Highland County grand jury in their Tuesday, Oct. 1 session.
Preston Cress, 34, was indicted on five counts, including trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound, a first-degree felony; possession of a fentanyl-related compound, a first-degree felony; trafficking in cocaine, a third-degree felony; possession of cocaine, a third-degree felony; and a forfeiture specification.
The indictment alleges that on or about July 8, Cress “knowingly obtained, possessed or used,” and “did knowingly prepare for shipment, ship, transport, deliver, prepare for distribution or distribute,” a fentanyl-related compound “in an amount that equals or exceeds 200 unit doses but is less than 500 unit doses or exceeds 20 grams but is less than 50 grams.” It is alleged that Cress “knew or had reasonable cause to believe that the controlled substance was intended for sale or resale by the offender or another person.”
On the same date, Cress is accused of “knowingly obtaining, possessing or using,” and “knowingly preparing for shipment, shipping, transporting, delivering, preparing for distribution or distributing” cocaine “in an amount that equals or exceeds 10 grams but is less than 20 grams” while “knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the controlled substance was intended for sale or resale by the offender or another person.”
Subject to forfeiture is $22,305 that Cress allegedly had in his possession, due to its alleged “instrumentality in the commission or facilitation of the offense.”
In other unrelated indictments:
• Justin Brooks, 34, of Greenfield was charged with one count each of aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine, aggravated possession of methamphetamine and tampering with evidence, all third-degree felonies; and a forfeiture specification.
It is alleged that on or about Aug. 2, Brooks “knowingly obtained, possessed or use,” and “did knowingly prepare for shipment, ship, transport, deliver, prepare for distribution or distribute,” meth in an amount equal to or exceeding bulk amount but less than five times bulk amount. On the same date, Brooks is accused of “altering, destroying, concealing or removing any record, document or thing, with purpose to impair its value or availability as evidence in [a] proceeding or investigation.”
A 1991 Ford Ranger and $94 are subject to forfeiture due to their alleged “instrumentality in the commission or facilitation of the offense.”
• Stephany Eubanks, 36, of Greenfield was charged with illegal conveyance of weapons or prohibited items onto the grounds of a detention facility or institution, a third-degree felony; possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony; and aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.
The indictment alleges that on or about Aug. 2, Eubanks “did knowingly convey, or attempt to convey … a drug of abuse” into the Greenfield Jail. On that same date, she is accused of “knowingly obtaining, possessing or using” cocaine and methamphetamine.
• Joseph Bender, 41, of Hillsboro was charged with receiving stolen property, a fourth-degree felony; aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony; and possession of a fentanyl-related compound, a fifth-degree felony.
The indictment alleges that on or about Aug. 1, Bender “did receive, retain or dispose of” a motor vehicle belonging to another individual while “knowing or having reasonable cause to believe said property had been obtained through the commission of a theft offense.” On the same date, it is alleged Bender “knowingly obtained, possessed or use” meth and a fentanyl-related compound.
• Kevin Daniels, 63, of Peebles was charged with aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.
• Andrew Rackley, 36, of Hillsboro was charged with aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.
There were also seven sealed indictments this month, according to Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins.
An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.
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