Ex-Aberdeen police chief found guilty of domestic violence

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Clark Gast

by Aaron Gibson, Editor, Dec 15, 2015

The former Aberdeen police chief accused of domestic violence was found guilty Tuesday, Dec 15th on one of the counts against him.

The jury found Clark Gast, ex-police chief for Aberdeen Police Department, guilty on one count of domestic violence, with a second count being dismissed.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Brown County Municipal Court, on Aug 11, 2013, Gast allegedly threatened his wife, then grabbed her by the throat and slammed her into a wall, choking her in the process.

Clark Gast called 911 at 12:43 PM the following day claiming he had just arrived home from work and discovered his wife was dead.  Investigators found Laura Gast’s lifeless body hanging from a ceiling fan. Her death was ruled a suicide.

In August of this year, local newspaper Brown County Press quoted investigator Forrest Coburn as saying the investigation into the death of Laura Gast is still ongoing.

After Gast allegedly assaulted his wife, Laura’s 10-year-old daughter took photos of her injuries, which included marks and bruising on her neck, head, arms and other areas of her body. The injuries depicted in the photographs were consistent with those observed in the investigation, according to the affidavit.

Attorney Tyler Cantrell filed a 10-page motion on Nov 17 which requested all mentions of Laura Gast’s death and his alleged drug use be exempted from the trial, court records indicate.

In an unrelated incident, Clark Gast was arrested in Maysville, Kentucky for driving under the influence on August 18, 2013.

The second count of domestic violence against Clark Gast was dismissed, which accused him of grabbing Laura’s 10-year-old daughter by her hair and pulling her on the day preceding Laura Gast’s death. According to the affidavit, the daughter allegedly told investigators she stepped in after witnessing her mother’s husband assault her mother and choke their dog.

Sentencing for Clark Gast has been set for Jan 8, 2016 in Brown County Municipal Court. He faces a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail.

Clark Gast resigned from the Aberdeen Police Department during a meeting in August 2012, one year prior to the suspected domestic violence incident.

—Brown County Crime Reporter, Dec 15, 2015, 6:12 PM EST

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Sardinia man wanted for home-invasion, robbery, abduction

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Randy Crosby

by Aaron Gibson, Editor, Dec 9, 2015

A Sardinia man wanted for an alleged home invasion-robbery on Nov 18 was indicted by a Brown County grand jury Monday, Dec 7.

The suspect, Randy J. Crosby, last known to live at 145 Sardinia-Mowrystown Rd, is accused of breaking into Ashley Attinger’s home, taking her to the ground, choking her, and attempting to steal her cellphone as she tried to call for help, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Brown County Municipal Court the next day.

The affidavit says Attinger was able to flee the home with her 7-year-old son and lock herself in a truck. Crosby allegedly beat on the driver side mirror and attempted to enter through the sliding rear window before giving up and leaving in a white van.

Crosby faces an additional charge for allegedly attempting to intimidate her after the fact, according to the indictment.

A warrant on indictment has been issued for Crosby, who faces charges of first-degree felony aggravated burglary, third-degree felony robbery, third-degree felony abduction, and third-degree felony intimidation of an attorney, victim or witness in a criminal case.

Anyone with information on Randy J. Crosby’s whereabouts is asked to call the Brown County Sheriff’s Office at 937-378-4435.

—Brown County Crime Reporter, Dec 9, 2015, 6:00 PM EST

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44 charged in three Brown County meth rings

by Aaron Gibson, Editor, Dec 9, 2015

The Brown County grand jury handed indictments Monday, Dec 7th against 44 individuals alleged to be involved with three area drug rings that illegally manufactured and sold methamphetamine.

This brings a total of 51 individuals charged in connection with the rings, as seven were already the subjects of previous indictments in the Brown County Court of Common Pleas.

Several individuals named in the Dec 7 indictments face additional charges for various offenses including, but not limited to, endangering children and witness intimidation.

The first suspected meth ring is alleged to have consisted of at least ten individuals, according to the indictments. Those indicted on Dec 7 in connection with that ring include:

Bryan Bellamy, of Amelia, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, and one count of second-degree felony complicity in the commission of an offense.

Emily Brumett, of Goshen, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, and one count of second-degree felony complicity in the commission of an offense.

Randy Campbell, of Amelia, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, and one count of second-degree felony complicity in the commission of an offense.

Jena-Marie Goodwin, of Cleves, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, and one count of second-degree felony complicity in the commission of an offense.

Weslie Johnson Jr., of Cincinnati, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, and one count of second-degree felony complicity in the commission of an offense.

Emily Wallace, of Cincinnati, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, and one count of second-degree felony complicity in the commission of an offense.

William Woodruff, of Goshen, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, and one count of second-degree felony complicity in the commission of an offense.

Ryan Campbell, Rebecca Tice, and Samuel Tice were named in previous indictments relating to their alleged role in the meth ring.

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According to the indictments, the second alleged drug ring is suspected of containing at least 27 members, with those indicted on Dec 7th including:

Sherry Campbell, of Sardinia, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, one count of fourth-degree felony aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine, one count of fifth-degree felony trafficking in heroin, and one count of fifth-degree possession of heroin.

Anthony Chambers, of Sardinia, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, one count of third-degree felony intimidation of an attorney, victim or witness in a criminal case, and three counts of first-degree misdemeanor aggravated menacing. The victims in two of the aggravated menacing counts are juveniles, age 8.

Sally Chambers, of Sardinia, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Timothy Cooper, of Georgetown, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, one count of fourth-degree felony aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine, one count of fifth-degree felony trafficking in heroin, and one count of fifth-degree felony possession of heroin. The indictment includes a specification for forfeitures of a 1996 Jeep used by Cooper and $307.00 in currency.

Jamie Davis, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Bennie Davis, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, one count of fifth-degree felony possession of heroin, and two counts of first-degree misdemeanor endangering children.

Jessica Gates, of Georgetown, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Bridget Gates, of Georgetown, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, one count of fifth-degree felony possession of heroin, and one count of fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of methadone. The indictment also includes a specification for forfeiture of a 1998 Infinity QX4 used by Gates.

Sandra Harris, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Andrew Havens, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Steven Henderson, of Williamsburg, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, one count of fifth-degree felony possession of heroin, and one count of fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of methamphetamine.

William Hobbs, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Amber Jones, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Johnny Lawson, of Hillsboro, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Jennifer Martin, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, one count of fifth-degree felony possession of heroin, and two counts of first-degree misdemeanor endangering children.

Mary Beth Martin, of Sardinia, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Brandon McCarty, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Rusty Mcpherson, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Larry Morris, of Georgetown, Ohio, charged with one count of second-degree felony illegal manufacture of methamphetamine, two counts of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of fourth-degree felony aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine, one count of fifth-degree felony possession of heroin, one count of fifth-degree felony possession of methadone, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, and one count of first-degree felony engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

Justin Newberry, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Amanda Piatt, of unknown location, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Seth Saxour, of New Vienna, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Chad Sissel, of Williamsburg, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Joseph Sissel, of Williamsburg, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Robin Strunk, of Bethel, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Amanda Sweet, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Logan Williams, of Milford, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

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The third alleged meth ring is believed to have consisted of at least 14 members, according to the indictments. Those named in Dec 7 indictments included:

Anita Idler, of Mount Orab, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Cheri R. Campbell, of Fayetteville, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Ericka Krimmer, of Fayetteville, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Emily Smith, of Wilmington, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Jessica Campbell, of Fayetteville, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, and one count of fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of methamphetamine.

Thomas Cordes, of unknown location, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, and one count of fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of methamphetamine.

John Neville, of Fayetteville, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, one count of third-degree felony conspiracy, and one count of fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of methamphetamine.

Joshua Lovins, of Fayetteville, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Lynne Lovins, of Batavia, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Nicholas Spurling, of Fayetteville, Ohio, charged with one count of third-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and one count of third-degree felony conspiracy.

Brenda Krimmer, Christopher Smith, Garry Turner, and Mark Shank Jr., have already been named in previous indictments for their alleged roles in the third meth ring.

—Brown County Crime Reporter, Dec 9, 2015, 5:15 PM EST

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