Hillsboro man indicted on attempted murder charges, Florida man charged with rape in February Highland County grand jury session

A Hillsboro man indicted on attempted murder charges, and a Florida man charged with rape, were among the 24 individuals and one business indicted by a Highland County grand jury in their Tuesday, Feb. 4 session.

James E. Hall, 33, of Hillsboro was charged with two counts of attempted murder. For both counts, it is alleged that on or about Jan. 8, Hall “did purposely or knowingly, and with sufficient culpability for commission of a violation of violation of ORC 2903.02(A), engage in conduct that, if successful, would constitute or result in a violation of ORC 2903.02(A), to wit: murder.”

According to the Hillsboro Police Department, on Jan. 8 at approximately 10:39 a.m., the Hillsboro Police Department received a call to respond to an address on Northview Drive in reference to a male attacking another male with a knife while two males were detaining the alleged attacker on the ground.

Upon officer arrival, three males, all of whom had injuries and were bleeding, were located outside in a parking lot. A knife was recovered, and one male, who was identified as the aggressor, was detained, then transported to the hospital for his injuries. The suspect was later identified as Hall.

The two males who were allegedly attacked were treated at the scene for their injuries. Statements were obtained by the victims and several witnesses who were at the scene.

In an unrelated case, Nicholas V. Tobin, 36, of Lehigh, Fla. was charged with one count of rape, a first-degree felony; and one count of sexual battery, a third-degree felony.

It is alleged that in December 2022, Tobin “did engage in sexual conduct with” a victim, including allegedly “purposely compelling” the victim “to submit by force or threat of force.”

In other indictments:

• Shannon R. James, 53, of Hillsboro was charged with one count of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; and aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.

The indictment alleges that on or about Dec. 2, James “did alter, destroy, conceal or remove any record, document or thing, with purpose to impair its value or availability as evidence” while “knowing that an official proceeding or investigation was in progress, or [was] about to be or likely to be instituted.” On the same date, James is accused of “knowingly obtaining, possessing or using” meth.

• Virginia A. Beall, 48, of Hillsboro was charged with one count of aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a third-degree felony. It is alleged that on or about July 17, Beall “knowingly obtained, possessed or used” meth “in an amount that equals or exceeds bulk amount but less than five times bulk amount.”

• Judy Ann Russell, 62, of Hillsboro was charged with one count of aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a third-degree felony. Russell allegedly “knowingly obtained, possessed or used” meth “in an amount that equals or exceeds bulk amount but less than five times bulk amount” on or about July 17, the indictment alleges.  

• Christopher Burns, 41, of Hillsboro was charged with one count of possession of a fentanyl-related compound, a fourth-degree felony; and aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.

• Cassen K. Conaway, 18, of Leesburg was charged with possessing criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony; theft, a fifth-degree felony; and criminal damaging or endangering, a second-degree misdemeanor.

Conaway is accused of possessing a glass breaker “with the purpose of using it criminally in the commission of theft” in January. On the same date, Conaway is accused of “causing or creating a substantial risk of physical harm to a jewelry case” and “knowingly obtaining or exerting control over” jewelry valued between $1,000 and $7,500.

• James Bishop, 59, of Hillsboro was charged with one count of aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.

• David W. Everhart, 53, of Leesburg was charged with one count of aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.

• Allen R. Greene, 52, of Hillsboro was charged with one count of aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.

• Chadwick J. Price, 46, of Hillsboro was charged with one count of aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony.

• Zacahriah Tonti, 40, of Greenfield was charged with one count of aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony.

• Valor Outfitters, a Cincinnati business, was charged with one count of theft by deception, a fifth-degree felony. The indictment alleges that in July 2024, the company “did knowingly obtain or exert control over” U.S. currency valued between $1,000 and $7,500 from a victim.

In addition to the above-listed indictments, there were 12 sealed cases as a result of Highland County Task Force investigations, according to Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins.

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 25 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.