CIRCleville, Ohio — A Pickaway County jury has found a local man not guilty on all counts following a felony drug trial in the Court of Common Pleas.
Gary L. Giffin, Jr. was acquitted of two counts of aggravated possession of drugs, a violation of Ohio Revised Code §2925.11, following a jury verdict delivered on August 17, 2026. The trial was presided over by Judge Matthew H. Chafin.
Details of the Charges
According to court filings, the state alleged that on or about October 31, 2025, Giffin knowingly obtained, used, or possessed controlled substances within Pickaway County.
The two separate counts in the indictment specified:
- Count One: Aggravated Possession of Drugs involving Hydrocodone.
- Count Two: Aggravated Possession of Drugs involving Oxycodone.
Both substances are classified as Schedule II controlled substances under Ohio law.
Jury Returns ‘Not Guilty’ Verdicts
Giffin entered pleas of not guilty to both counts, placing the legal burden on the prosecution to prove every element of the alleged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt.
In jury instructions, Judge Chafin outlined the definitions of actual versus constructive possession, emphasizing that mere presence near contraband or access through premises ownership is insufficient alone to establish legal control.
Following deliberations, all 12 impaneled jurors signed verdict forms clearing Giffin of both charges.
