Morrow County Prosecutor's Office

10/23/2026

This horrific crime and the murder of our own Deputy Sherrer caused Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich and I to get on a first name basis as we navigated the murder of a law enforcement officer. Both were senseless and without excuse. I pray that the parole board remembers this Defendant's arrogance and lack of remorse so that 15 - life, the statutory sentence for felony murder, actually turns out to be life. Prayers to the fallen deputy's family and the families of all the law enforcement personnel who have lost their lives of late.

The jury in the Rodney Hinton Junior trial found Hinton guilty on all charges.

10/20/2026

JURY TRIAL VERDICT
State v. John Wallace 26 CR 59

On October 20, 2026, a Morrow County Jury returned a verdict of guilty in State of Ohio v. John Wallace. The Defendant was charged with a 4th OVI violation in 10 years. The Defendant was discovered by Ohio Department of Natural Resources Lt. Kozan after crashing into a guard rail. The Defendant was so heavily impaired that he had to be revived with a sternum rub. The Defendant displayed aggression towards Ohio State Patrol troopers throughout their investigation of the matter.

This case was investigated by Trooper Myers of the Ohio State Patrol with assistance from Sgt. Geer; Trooper Geiger; and Sgt. Galvin all of the Ohio State Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Earl Desmond.

Sentencing will be set for a future date. Under the Ohio Revised Code, the Defendant has a mandatory minimum sentence of 120 days local jail with a maximum possible sentence of up to 1 year in jail or 120 days in prison with an optional additional amount of 6 to 30 months in prison. A mandatory minimum fine of $1,540 up $10,500 and a minimum 3 years up to life license suspension.

A thank you to the assisting members of law enforcement and congratulations to Assistant Prosecutor Desmond.

10/19/2026

CASE UPDATES

10/7/26
State v. Zachary Steele 2026 CR 0033 (Assault M1): Defendant was sentenced to a term of community control with restitution for the Victim. Case prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Earl Desmond.

10/8/26
State v. Rachel Grace 2025 CR 0069 (Possession of Drugs F3): Defendant was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.

State v. Timothy May (Weapons Under a Disability F3, Using Weapons While Intoxicated M2): State moved to amend the Weapons Under Disability to an Attempted Weapons Under Disability, an F4.

On 4/26/26, Cardington PD was dispatched to the residence belonging to the Defendant in relation to a self-harm threat. When they arrived, officers located Mr. May in the living room. The Defendant's mother informed them that while she was packing to move to an assisted living facility, she heard a gunshot go off inside the home. When asked if he had been drinking, Defendant replied in the affirmative. Defendant's wife arrived home and gave permission to search. The Defendant acknowledged a fi***rm was for protection for his home. When he asked "if I give you the gun, you won't put me in jail?" to which Chief Otterbacher replied he would not. When asked, he said his wife would find the gun. Defendant's wife then walked out and said there was a bullet on the floor. She then placed a live round on the kitchen counter. Defendant's wife walked out of the bedroom a second time with a white trash can and informed officers that the gun was in the bottom. A Ta**us 9mm D2C was located in the bottom of the trashcan. A squad was requested due to Defendant becoming emotional. Defendant's wife stated she found where the shot went through the bedroom floor into the basement. Defendant is under disability due to a conviction for Aggravated Vehicular Assault, a felony of the third degree, in Morrow County Common Pleas Court, Case Number 2008-CR-0178.

Defendant was sentenced to community control. Case investigated by Chief Otterbacher with CPD. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.

10/9/26

State v. Stephanie Karshner 2026 CR 0014 (OVI, F4): Defendant was sentenced to a term of community control with a CBCF requirement. Case prosecuted by Assistant Earl Desmond.

State v. Todd Yarger 2026 CR 0020 (Robbery F2, Theft F5): Defendant was sentenced to 7-10.5 years. Case prosecuted by Assistant Earl Desmond.

10/15/2026

Case Updates

9/28/26
State v. Orlando Garnes 2026 CR 0065 (Forgery F5 X2, Complicity to Commit Forgery F5 X2, Theft F5, Attempted Theft M1): Defendant was sentenced to a prison term of 9 months in prison on each of the Forgery counts for a total prison term of 18 months. The Complicity charges, Theft and Attempted Theft all were merged as required by law with the Forgery counts for sentencing purposes. Case prosecuted by Prosecutor Andrew Wick.

9/29/26
State v. Stella Rowland 2026 CR 0047 (Aggravated Possession of Drugs F5): Defendant pled guilty but finding of guilt was held pending a successful term of Intervention in Lieu of Conviction.

On 3/1/26, Trooper Hibner was patrolling I-71 Southbound when he located a Cadillac weaving within its lane and traveling at a paced 87 in a 70 MPH zone. The vehicle also drove over the white painted lane dividing line by approximately 1 tire width while negotiating a curve. A traffic stop was conducted. The passenger was identified as the Defendant. Trooper Hibner located a box of White Claw beverages on the passenger floor board. The driver was pulled for an OVI investigation, wherein an arrest for OVI was completed. Upon the arrest of the driver, Ms. Rowland was asked if she was sober enough to drive the vehicle, which she replied no. An administrative search was performed, and inside Defendant's purse suspected Co***ne was located. The OSP Crime Lab tested the suspected Co***ne, and tested positive for Co***ne.

Case investigated by Trooper Hibner of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Case prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Earl Desmond.

State v. Matthew Cox 2025 CR 0062 (Obstructing Justice M1): Defendant violated his community control by testing positive for Methamphetamines and Amphetamines. Defendant admitted the violation and was continued on community control with inpatient treatment. Case prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Earl Desmond.

9/30/26
State v. Breannah Philpot 2025 CR 0126 (Aggravated Possession of Drugs F5): Defendant pled guilty but finding of guilt was held pending a successful term of Intervention in Lieu of Conviction.

On August 31, 2025, Trooper Ethan Hibner was on patrol in the southbound lanes in Morrow County on I-71 when he observed a black Dodge SUV traveling northbound where the vehicle was traveling at 96 MPH. A traffic stop was initiated after Trooper Hibner caught up to the vehicle. Upon approach, Trooper Hibner noted an observance of blood shot glassy eyes and an odor of alcohol beverage, along with a bag with white powdery substance sitting in the center console. Trooper Hibner then asked the Defendant to exit the vehicle and the Defendant voluntarily handed the bag to the Trooper upon request. The substance was sent to OSP crime lab where it tested as Co***ne in the amount of .0221 grams.

Case investigated by Trooper Hibner of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.

State v. Dustin Goddard 2024 CR 0077 (Attempted Obstruction of Justice F4): Defendant violated the terms of his community control by failing to report as required. Defendant admitted to this violation. Defendant was continued on community control and ordered to be screened for and complete a CBCF program. Case prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Earl Desmond.

10/2/26
State v. Jill Kennedy 2025 CR 0048 (Assault on Police Officer F4): State requested 18 months in prison. Defendant asked for time served with community control. Court ordered Defendant to a term of community control with a CBCF requirement. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.

State v. Jimmy Watts 2026 CR 0002 (Aggravated Possession of Drugs F3): Defendant pled guilty to the Indictment. In exchange, the State recommended a 30 month prison sentence concurrent with another prison sentence he received.

On April 20, 2025 a single car accident resulted in OSP Trp Reidenbach being dispatched to I 71 Southbound near MP 147 in Morrow County, Ohio. A black Chevy S-10 had collided with the cable barrier. The driver, Jimmy Watts, was asked why he had crashed and Watts indicated he didn't know. While speaking with Watts, it was observed that he was unsteady on his feet, and was slurring his words. EMS was called and checked out Watts. He was cleared medically by EMS. When asked why he was stumbling Watts stated he has bad legs. HGN and VGN were conducted on Watts with 0 clues with one eye functional. A modified rhomberg test was conducted with Watts observed swaying and having eye tremors. Watts was unable to perform the one leg stand, or walk and turn due to his claimed leg issues. Watts was unable to count backwards from 59-42. A decision to arrest for OVI was made, during an administrative inventory of the vehicle a clear baggy with white powder was observed on the ground below the tailgate of the vehicle. After review of bodycam it was determined that Watts dropped the baggy when speaking with Reidenbach. Watts refused urine testing when provided the opportunity.

Defendant was sentenced to 30 months in prison, to be served concurrently with another case he currently is incarcerated for. Case investigated by Trooper Reidenbach of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Case prosecuted by Assistant Earl Desmond.

10/13/2026

While the office was closed yesterday, Prosecutor Wick took advantage of the lack of court proceedings to requalify with the Mount Gilead Police Department - OHIO.

Ohio Revised Code § 2923.123 authorizes certain officials, including prosecutors, to carry fi***rms in locations where fi***rms may otherwise be prohibited.

As a strong proponent of responsible gun ownership, Prosecutor Wick believes that proper training and ongoing proficiency are essential to carrying a fi***rm safely and responsibly. That commitment extends to his office, where any staff member who wishes to carry under this statutory authority is required to qualify under the same standards as an Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA)-trained officer.

10/07/2026

The Morrow County Prosecutor's Office sends its prayers to our brethren in Hamilton County as they continue to seek to bring justice in the case involving the murder of Deputy Larry Henderson.

10/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Morrow County Victim Services K9 Mayor and Director Ettel Achieve Ohio State Certification as Crisis K9 Team

Morrow County, Ohio — October 6, 2026 — Morrow County Prosecutor's Office Director of Victim Services Richelle Ettel and K9 Mayor have completed the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) and Ohio Attorney General's Office Crisis K9/Therapy K9 First Response Course, earning Ohio State Certification as a Crisis K9 Team.

Approximately one year ago, K9 Mayor joined the Morrow County Prosecutor's Office with a primary mission: to provide comfort and support to victims as they navigate the criminal justice system.

Mayor came to the Prosecutor's Office at no cost to Morrow County taxpayers, after receiving approximately $50,000 in initial training before being matched with Director Ettel. Since his arrival, however, Mayor's role has expanded well beyond the initial mission envisioned for him.

Over the past year, K9 Mayor and Director Ettel have responded to and participated in a variety of settings throughout the community, including local schools, the Morrow County Jail, court proceedings, community events, and situations where law enforcement believed the presence of a trained therapy dog could assist in calming or de-escalating a situation.

Director Ettel and Mayor have also continued to expand their training and expertise. The team has attended specialized training in Chicago and New Orleans and recently presented at a conference in Columbus.

“People in crisis are not always going to be encountered within the four walls of the Prosecutor's Office. Some may never come through our doors at all,” said Morrow County Prosecutor Andrew Wick. “Richelle and Mayor have spent the past year building the skills and experience necessary to go where those people are. This certification is another step in making sure that Morrow County has a resource available when victims, witnesses, children, families, or members of our community need a little extra support.”

The Crisis K9 certification recognizes the team's continued commitment to providing trauma-informed support and expanding the ways in which the Morrow County Prosecutor's Office can respond to people experiencing difficult and sometimes traumatic circumstances.

“The impact that Mayor has had on our office and our community over the past year has been remarkable,” Prosecutor Wick said. “What began as an effort to make the criminal justice process a little less intimidating for victims has grown into something much bigger. Richelle and Mayor have demonstrated that this program can reach far beyond the Prosecutor's Office.”

The Morrow County Prosecutor's Office extends its congratulations to Director Richelle Ettel and K9 Mayor on achieving Ohio State Certification as a Crisis K9 Team and looks forward to the continued expansion of their work throughout Morrow County.

10/05/2026

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault are the two hardest kinds of cases to prosecute. Offenders often destroy the confidence and independence of their victims first making it so that the victims do not feel they can do it without the offender or that they did something to cause the offender to hurt them. Add in a society who sometimes does not understand that people react differently to these horrible events and it is a perfect storm. At the Morrow County Prosecutor's Office we fight daily for the victims of these crimes so they can escape the cycle of violence.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office, Morrow County Sheriffs Office, Mt. Gilead Ohio, Mount Gilead Police Department - OHIO, Cardington Police Department, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

09/29/2026

Our Dear Leader has wagered his face for the Friends of the Library fundraiser. We at the Morrow County Prosecutor's Office would never dream of encouraging people to financially contribute to his being pied. There of course, are all manner of aggravating circumstances that would warrant him getting pied. But of course we would never suggest people should both support the Mount Gilead Library and see Andrew get pied.

🥧 MEET CONTESTANT #6: ANDREW WICK! 🥧

Things are getting serious… or at least as serious as a pie to the face can be.

Our next Pie in the Face contestant is Andrew Wick, from the Morrow County Prosecutor's Office!

Andrew spends his days dealing with the law, making arguments, and keeping things on the right side of the courtroom.

But this October, the people get to make the call.

Will Andrew successfully defend himself against the whipped-cream evidence?
Will the prosecution object?
Will the judge allow it?

We’ll let the donations decide.

From October 1–21, your donations will count as votes toward deciding which of our Village VIPs gets the ultimate punishment…

A PIE. IN. THE. FACE.

HOW DO YOU DONATE?

💵 At the Mount Gilead Library
🙋‍♀️ Through any Friends of the Library member
💻 Online through Givebutter (more to come!)

However you choose to vote, your dollars bring us one step closer to PIE IN THE FACE! (and supporting the Mount Gilead Public Library)

09/29/2026

COURT UPDATES

9/21/26
State v. Matthew Horn 2025 CR 0030 (Theft of Drugs F4): State dismissed the probation violation due to medical issues while at CBCF. Defendant’s terms of community control modified to remove CBCF requirement to complete the Riverside program. Defendant continued on community control sanctions. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.

9/22/26
State v. Tiffany Artressia 2025 CR 0072 (Identity Fraud F5, Obstructing Official Business M2): Defendant pled guilty to Identity Fraud, a felony of the fifth degree.

On March 17, 2025 during a traffic stop, Defendant gave the name, social security number and date of birth of another individual, Tami Young. Tami Young ended up having a Warrant, so Defendant was arrested and transported to Ontario, OH to turn her over for the Warrant. Ontario PD called Officer Ramey and informed him that the individual, after fingerprinting, was discovered to actually be Tiffany Artressia.

Case set for sentencing on October 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Case investigated by Officer Brandon Ramey of the Cardington Police Department. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.

State v. Stephanie Goligoski 2025 CR 0109 (Theft, F5, Theft from Person of Protected Class F5 X 3): Defendant pled guilty of 1 count of Theft, F5 and 2 counts of Theft from Person in Protected Class, F5. One count of Theft from Person in Protected Class dismissed.
Victim asked her home health worker, the Defendant, to pick up her medications on July 25, 2025. The pharmacy was closed, so the Defendant used her card to get gas. The Defendant ended up using the credit card 3 times, 1 on July 25, 2025 and 2 on July 30, 2025. Defendant originally denied this, then when Officer Cronenwett appeared to pick up Victim's Witness Statement, he overheard the Defendant admitting that she used the card these 3 occasions outside the scope of consent, and offering to repay her. Claimed it was an "accidental use." Victim's Date of Birth is 3/21/1957, making her 68 years of age at the time of the offense.
Case investigated by Captain Cronenwett of MGPD. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.

State v. Quincy Boone 2025 CR 0129 (Possession of Drugs F5): Defendant was sentenced to 3 years of community control. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.

9/23/26
State v. Nicholas Smith 2024 CR 0132 (Felonious Assault F2 X2, Vandalism F5): State moved to dismiss 2 counts of Felonious Assault and amend Vandalism to Attempted Vandalism, M1, per victim’s request and upon further investigation.

On April 3, 2024, Cardington Police was dispatched in relation to a harassment complaint. Victim explained that the Defendant struck her vehicle with his truck causing extensive damage.

Sentencing scheduled for November 12, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Case investigated by Deputy Convy of MCSO. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.

State v. Orlando Garnes 2026 CR 0065 (Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity F2, Forgery F5 X2, Complicity F5 X3, Complicity F4 X2, Theft F5, Attempted Theft M1) State moved to dismiss Engaging in Pattern of Corrupt Activity. Defendant pled guilty to Forgery F5 x2, Complicity F5 x2, Theft F5, and Attempted Theft M1.

On July 2, 2026, officers from the Cardington Police Department responded to the First Federal Bank in Cardington after bank personnel reported that Orlando Garnes was attempting to negotiate a suspected counterfeit check. Upon arrival, officers contacted Garnes inside the bank before the transaction was completed. During the investigation, Garnes admitted he had already been to the First Federal Bank branch in Mount Gilead earlier that day to cash another large check. Officers subsequently learned that Garnes had successfully negotiated a counterfeit check for $2,984.20 at the Mount Gilead branch shortly before arriving in Cardington. The investigation further revealed that First Federal employees at both the Mount Gilead and Cardington branches recognized the same three individuals—Orlando Garnes, James Christian Jr., and Tony Smith—as having negotiated or attempted to negotiate similar counterfeit checks at their branches over three consecutive days. Officers recovered the counterfeit check Garnes attempted to cash in Cardington, as well as additional counterfeit checks made payable to James Christian Jr. and Tony Smith, each bearing similar formatting and amounts, indicating a coordinated counterfeit check scheme. Bank employees advised that the suspects may have parked near the American Legion Park and walked to the Cardington branch. Mount Gilead surveillance video was requested and preserved, although the Cardington branch's camera system was inoperable at the time of the offense.
Sentencing occurred September 28, 2026 and the Defendant received 18 months and is required to pay restitution to the Victim.

Case investigated by Chief Otterbacher and Officer Goetz of Cardington Police Department and Officer Gattshall of MGPD. Case prosecuted by Prosecutor Andrew Wick.

9/25/26
State v. William Hoffer nka Miller 2022 CR 0102 (Possession of Drugs F5): Defendant admitted to violating the terms of his community control by being unsuccessfully terminated from CBCF. State requested the Court revoke community control and order defendant to serve a prison sentence of 12 months. Defendant requested the Court continue the defendant on community control or order a lesser prison sentence. Court ordered the defendant to serve 12 months in prison. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.

State v. Bikas Kami 2024 CR 0050 (Failure to Appear F4): State requested the defendant, after violating the terms of his community control again, be ordered to serve 18 months in prison. defendant requested continued community control with Knox Recovery or a reduced sentence. Court ordered the defendant to serve 18 months in prison. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.

State v. Cody Gilkerson 2026 CR 0003 (Theft from Person in a Protected Class F5): Defendant pled guilty to the sole count of the Indictment. Sentencing scheduled for October 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

On 12/4/25, the Defendant transferred $200 from the Victim's bank account to his PayPal account. The Defendant did not have permission to do so. Victim is elderly and as such it is enhancable.
Case investigated by Sgt. Pearon and Deputy Winkler of MCSO. Case prosecuted by First Assistant Eddie Bibler.