Circleville, Ohio – November 12, 2025 – Pickaway County Common Pleas Court Judge Matthew H. Chafin presided over a busy docket Wednesday, handling serious felony cases ranging from child sexual exploitation to vehicular homicide and drug offenses. Several defendants entered pleas, while others saw continuances or warrants issued.
Shad N. Sammet Pleads Guilty to Multiple Child Sex CrimesShad N. Sammet, 32, of Circleville, pleaded guilty to all five counts in case 2025CR0096, which included three charges of Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (second-degree felonies) and two counts of Importuning (third-degree felonies). The charges stem from allegations of soliciting minors and distributing explicit material. Judge Chafin ordered a presentence investigation (PSI). Sammet remains in Pickaway County Jail pending sentencing. More info is below
James M. Stumbo Pleads No Contest in Fatal DUI CrashJames M. Stumbo, 60, of Washington Court House, entered a no contest plea to an amended charge of Vehicular Homicide (first-degree misdemeanor) in case 2024CR0175. The original top count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (second-degree felony) was reduced as part of the plea deal. Two OVI-related misdemeanor counts were dismissed. Stumbo is accused of causing a fatal crash while under the influence. A PSI was ordered; he remains out of custody. More info below
Jessica Epling’s Probation Terminated After Drug ViolationJessica Epling, 31, currently incarcerated at Pickaway County Jail, had her Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) terminated unsuccessfully in case 2024CR0005. Epling faced a violation of probation (VOP) on an underlying fifth-degree felony charge of Aggravated Possession of Drugs. She was ordered to pay court costs and serve the remainder of her sentence at the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, with credit for time served.
Logan M. Jones Fails to Appear; Capias IssuedLogan M. Jones, 22, of Circleville, did not appear for his hearing in case 2025CR0099 on charges of Tampering with Evidence (third-degree felony) and Aggravated Possession of Drugs (fifth-degree felony). Judge Chafin issued a capias warrant for his arrest. Jones remains in Pickaway County Jail custody.
James D. Cunningham Enters Not Guilty Plea in Burglary CaseJames D. Cunningham, 40, of Circleville, pleaded not guilty to Burglary (second-degree felony), Aggravated Menacing (first-degree misdemeanor), and Criminal Damaging (second-degree misdemeanor) in case 2025CR0120. A pretrial hearing was set for December 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Bond was continued at $50,000. Conditions include no contact with the alleged victim, no drug or alcohol use, GPS monitoring if released, random drug screens, and a restriction from leaving Ohio.
Three Cases Continued
- Keith A. Doles, 57, of Hamden, Ohio – Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of a Police Officer (third-degree felony), case 2023CR0119 – continued without new date.
- Jennifer E. Robinette, 44, of Circleville – Receiving Stolen Property (fourth-degree felony), case 2025CR0071 – continued to December 17, 2025.
- Tracy A. Metcalfe, 51, of Circleville – Theft from the Elderly (fourth-degree felony), case 2025CR0101 – continued to December 17, 2025.
The court’s actions reflect ongoing efforts to address serious felony offenses in Pickaway County, with sentencing dates for guilty pleas to be scheduled following PSI reports. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty or sentencing is imposed.
