Hillsboro juvenile charged with attempted murder; grand jury indicts 22
A Hillsboro juvenile charged with a first-degree felony count of attempted murder was among the 22 individuals indicted by a Highland County grand jury in their Tuesday, April 7 session.
P.K., 17, is accused of “purposely and knowingly and with sufficient culpability for commission of a violation of 2903.02(A) of the Revised Code, engaging in conduct that, if successful, would constitute or result in a violation of 2903.02(A) of the Revised Code, to wit: murder.”
As previously reported, on Feb. 20 at 8:46 a.m., the Highland County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a shooting in the Rocky Fork Lake Region of Paint Township.
Upon officers' arrival, a juvenile was taken into custody by deputies, according to Sheriff Randy Sanders.
The victim was transported from the scene by Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to assist with the crime scene.
The suspect was previously charged with attempted murder in Highland County Juvenile Court before the case was bound over to Common Pleas Court due to the type of offense charged.
In other indictments:
• In a joint indictment, Glenn Arledge Jr., 42, and Brittany N. Brunk, 32, both of Wilmington, were charged with one count each of trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound and possession of a fentanyl-related compound, both third-degree felonies. Brunk was additionally charged with tampering with evidence, also a third-degree felony.
It is alleged that on or about March 1, Arledge and Brunk “did knowingly obtain, possess or use,” and “did knowingly prepare for shipment, ship, transport, deliver, prepare for distribution or distribute a fentanyl-related compound … in an amount equal to or exceeding five grams but less than 10 grams” while allegedly “knowing or having reason to believe the controlled substance was intended for sale or resale.”
On the same date, Brunk is accused of “altering, destroying, concealing or removing a thing with the purpose to impair its value or amiability as evidence in [an official] proceeding or investigation.”
• Mark D. White, 62, of Hickory, N.C. was charged with having weapons while under disability, a third-degree felony, and a forfeiture specification.
It is alleged that on or about Dec. 4, White “did knowingly acquire, have, carry or use a firearm or dangerous ordnance” while having previous indictments or convictions for offenses of violence. The rifle allegedly in his possession is subject to forfeiture.
• Josiah M. Dragon, 24, of Hillsboro was charged with aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a third-degree felony. It is alleged that on or about Dec. 30, Dragon “knowingly obtained, possessed or used” meth in an amount equal to or exceeding bulk amount but less than five times bulk amount.
• Jeffrey E. Tedford Jr., 41, of Hillsboro was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony. It is alleged that on or about Jan. 21, Tedford “knowingly obtained or exerted control over” a 2005 Ford Ranger without its owner’s consent.
• Rachael Baker, 32, of Chillicothe was charged with aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.
• Augusta F. Clay, 53, of Greenfield was charged with aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.
• Ronald Crutcher Jr., 56, of Hillsboro was charged with aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.
• Alex Franklin, 38, of Hillsboro was charged with theft from a person in a protected class, a fifth-degree felony. Franklin is accused of “knowingly obtaining or exerting control over” $650 without the consent of an elderly victim.
• Samantha Patton, 37, of Lynchburg was charged with aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.
In addition to the above-listed indictments, another 11 indictments were handed down as part of a Highland County Task Force investigation, according to Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins. As of this article’s posting, these charges remain sealed, or secret.
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 28 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.