Trish Bennett, Editor
CIRCLEVILLE – An arrest Wednesday in Toledo brought the last suspect into custody of 72 people indicted in March in a large drug trafficking ring in the city.
Reuben L. Joyner, a.k.a. “Unc,” was arrested by the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force after being found hiding in a crawl space under a house in Toledo, according to Detective Tom Royster, Circleville Police Department.
Joyner is one of the 11 suspects considered “upper management” of the ring and is charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, two counts of trafficking in cocaine and two counts of trafficking in heroin.
He is currently being held in the Lucas County Jail awaiting transfer to Pickaway County for arraignment in the case.
As Joyner’s case begins its way through the Pickaway County court system, 38 other cases have already been resolved and the suspects sentenced for their crimes. An additional 19 suspects are awaiting sentencing following pre-sentence investigations by the court.
Charges against eight suspects have been dismissed without prejudice at this time, meaning the same or amended charges could still be filed at a later date. Such was the case for five of the lower-level suspects, most of whom now face additional charges from their original indictment in March.
The following is the current status of the 72 cases in Pickaway County Common Pleas Court:
Upper Management suspects
1. Thomas M. Binkley II, 33, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and trafficking in cocaine. He was sentenced to a mandatory 11 years in state prison with an additional seven years suspended.
2. Jermaine C. Bozeman, 31, was charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in cocaine and trafficking in heroin. He pleaded guilty Aug. 5 and will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
3. David Caslin, 44, pleaded guilty to engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and trafficking in cocaine. He was sentenced Aug. 12 to 11 years in state prison at Orient and a six-month driver’s license suspension.
4. Jessica Dodge, 34, pleaded guilty May 21 to engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in heroin and trafficking in cocaine. She was sentenced to eight years in state prison at Marysville and a six-month driver’s license suspension on June 24.
5. Dejon A. Dunning, 27, pleaded guilty to engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and trafficking in cocaine. He was sentenced to 11 years in state prison at Orient and a six-month driver’s license suspension.
6. Reashawn Dunning, 30, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and drug trafficking. The status of his case could not be confirmed at time of publication.
7. Nicole Grambo, 35, pleaded guilty May 27 to her charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in cocaine and trafficking in heroin. She was sentenced to four years in state prison at Marysville, plus an additional four years suspended, and five years of community control.
8. Reuben Joyner, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, two counts of trafficking in cocaine and two counts of trafficking in heroin. He was arrested Sept. 23 in Toledo and is awaiting transport to Pickaway County for arraignment.
9. Erica D. Moretti, 26, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and trafficking in cocaine. She was sentenced to a mandatory 11 years in state prison with an additional five years suspended.
10. Andrew E. Swift, 45, pleaded guilty Aug. 26 to engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and trafficking in cocaine. He was sentenced to a mandatory 11 years in state prison at Orient and a six-month driver’s license suspension.
11. Anesha R. Swift, 25, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, two counts of trafficking in cocaine and one count of trafficking in heroin. She pleaded guilty to her charges May 28 and was sentenced July 15 to serve 16 years in state prison with 11 years mandatory.
Middle Management suspects
1. Rodney A. Evans, 47, now deceased. His case has been dismissed.
2. Elisa Leasure, 41, pleaded guilty July 15 to two counts of trafficking in cocaine, two counts of trafficking in heroin and one count of trafficking in drugs. She will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
3. Arnold Pennington Jr., 35, trafficking in heroin and trafficking in cocaine. He was sentenced to 30 months in state prison on April 29. His sentence includes time for a charge of escape from a previous case.
4. Lindsey N. Pyle, 20, pleaded guilty Aug. 5 to trafficking in heroin and trafficking in cocaine. She was sentenced to three years of intervention.
5. Pamela S. Swift, 44, pleaded guilty Aug. 12 to three counts of trafficking in cocaine and one count of trafficking in heroin. She will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
6. Betsy Vangundy, 22, trafficking in cocaine and trafficking in heroin. She pleaded guilty to both charges June 24 and was sentenced to three years of intervention, 30 days in the county jail and completion of a community-based correctional facility program.
Customer/User suspects, each charged with possession of cocaine and/or heroin:
1. Mary Barton, 22, of Circleville, two counts of possession of heroin. Barton pleaded guilty to both charges June 24 and was sentenced to three years of intervention and completion of a community-based correctional facility program.
2. Julia Boyer, 45, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. She pleaded guilty on July 9 and was sentenced Sept. 23 to three years of intervention.
3. Terri N. Byrd, 24, of Circleville, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of possession of heroin. A warrant was issued after she failed to appear for a jury trial on July 9. She was taken into custody and pleaded guilty to both charges Sept. 23. She will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
4. Donald E. Cassady, 44, of Orient, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of possession of heroin. He pleaded guilty July 15 to possession of cocaine and will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
5. Mallory L. Cordell, 20, of Circleville, pleaded guilty May 27 to two counts of possession of heroin. She was sentenced to 30 days in the county jail and three years of intervention.
6. Elyse D. Craig, 25, of Circleville, pleaded guilty July 22 to two counts of possession of heroin. She was sentenced to three years of intervention and completion of a community-based correctional facility program.
7. Joshua T. Cross, 33, of Circleville, two counts of possession of heroin. He pleaded guilty to both counts on May 27 and filed a motion for treatment in lieu of conviction. He will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
8. Roger C. Derr, 40, of Circleville, two counts of possession of heroin. He pleaded guilty to both counts on May 27 and was sentenced to 14 months in state prison at Orient and a six-month driver’s license suspension.
9. Gwen A. Draise, 37, of Stoutsville, two counts of possession of cocaine. She pleaded guilty to both counts and was sentenced to 11 months in state prison (suspended) and a six-month driver’s license suspension. She also must serve three years of community control and complete a community-based correctional facility program.
10. Sherri A. Evans, 45, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed May 20, which means the same or amended charges could be filed at a later date.
11. Michael S. Eversole, 27, of Circleville, pleaded guilty July 22 to one count possession of heroin and one count possession of cocaine. He will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
12. Dustin A. Fausnaugh, 25, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed June 10, but he was later charged with four counts of possession of cocaine. A pretrial hearing was held Sept. 18.
13. Daniel K. Ferry, 54, of Williamsport, two counts of possession of heroin. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed May 27, which means the same or amended charges could be filed at a later date.
14. Amy K. Frazier, 36, of Circleville, pleaded guilty May 20 to two counts of possession of heroin. She was sentenced to 30 days in the county jail and three years of intervention.
15. Carey “Rocky” Gilpen Jr., 43, of Logan Street, Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. He pleaded guilty to the charges July 9 and will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
16. Carey Gilpen III, 23, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. He pleaded guilty to both counts May 27 and was sentenced to 30 days in the county jail and three years of intervention.
17. Harold D. Hamilton, 60, of Clarksburg, two counts of possession of cocaine. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed July 9, which means the same or amended charges could be filed at a later date.
18. Kenneth Hardman, 40, of Circleville, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of possession of heroin. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed May 27, but he was later re-charged on the same counts. A pretrial hearing was held Sept. 18.
19. Rhonda Hardman, 42, of Circleville, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of possession of heroin. She pleaded guilty July 8 to possession of heroin and will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court. She was arrested again Aug. 4 on a warrant for charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of drug abuse instruments.
20. John F. Hill, 50, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed June 10, and he was later charged with four counts of possession of cocaine. A pretrial hearing was held Sept. 18.
21. Thomas B. Hunt, 47, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed June 29, but he was later charged with six counts of possession of cocaine. A pretrial hearing was held Sept. 18.
22. Christina A. Jenkins, 34, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed June 29, which means the same or amended charges could be filed at a later date.
23. Jason H. Johnson, 36, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed July 9, but he was later charged with six counts of possession of cocaine. A pretrial hearing was held Sept. 18.
24. Tyler A. Johnson, 23, of Circleville, pleaded guilty May 27 to two counts of possession of heroin. He was sentenced to three years of intervention.
25. Travis R. Kellough, 25, of Circleville, two counts of possession of heroin. He pleaded guilty to both charges May 6 and was sentenced to 14 months in state prison at Orient and a six-month driver’s license suspension.
26. Brian M. Kitchen, 23, of Circleville, pleaded guilty Aug. 19 to possession of heroin. He failed to appear for a sentencing hearing Sept. 9, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
27. Jason P. Lambert, 41, of Circleville, pleaded guilty July 22 to two counts of possession of cocaine. He will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
28. Malaine Lambiase, 26, of Circleville, two counts of possession of heroin. She pleaded guilty to both charges plus a violation of terms of intervention on April 16. She was sentenced to 18 months in state prison at Marysville and a six-month driver’s license suspension.
29. Nicole L. Leasure, 39, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. She pleaded guilty to one count July 15 and will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
30. Bobby L. Lowry, 39, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 18 and will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
31. Cody S. McKibben, 24, of Circleville, two counts of possession of heroin. He pleaded guilty to one count July 15 and will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
32. Rusti N. Neff, 28, of Circleville, two counts of possession of heroin. She pleaded guilty to one count July 15 and will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court. She also currently is charged with forgery in an unrelated case. A pretrial hearing on that charge is set for Oct. 9.
33. Timothy Neff Jr., 35, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed Sept. 10, which means the same or amended charges could be filed at a later date.
34. Bryan T. Parmer, 34, of Circleville, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of possession of heroin. Parmer also faced two unrelated counts of grand theft in Pickaway County Common Pleas Court. At a plea hearing June 17, Parmer pleaded guilty to one count of possession of heroin and one count of grand theft. He was sentenced Aug. 19 to 30 months in state prison at Orient, $1,025 in restitution and a six-month driver’s license suspension.
35. Michelle R. Parmer, 34, of Circleville, pleaded guilty July 22 to two counts of possession of cocaine. She was sentenced Sept. 23 to three years of intervention and completion of a community-based correctional facility program.
36. Jaime D. Pennington, 38, of South Bloomfield, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of possession of heroin. She pleaded guilty to both counts July 1 and was sentenced Sept. 23 to three years of intervention.
37. Carre L. Perkins, 49, of Laurelville, two counts of possession of heroin. She pleaded guilty to both counts June 24 and was sentenced Sept. 9 to 11 months in state prison (suspended), 30 days in the county jail, three years of intervention and completion of a community-based correctional facility program.
38. Kendra A. Queen, 25, of South Bloomfield, two counts of possession of heroin. She pleaded guilty to both counts June 24 and was sentenced Sept. 9 to three years of intervention, 30 days in the county jail and completion of a community-based correctional facility program.
39. Jessica R. Quito, 31, of Circleville, pleaded guilty June 3 to two counts of possession of cocaine. She was sentenced to 30 days in the count jail and three years of intervention.
40. Philip A. Reichelderfer, 32, of Circleville, pleaded guilty Aug. 5 to two counts of possession of cocaine. He will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
41. Carla J. Riffle, 42, of Circleville, two counts of possession of heroin. She pleaded guilty to one count July 1 and was sentenced Sept. 23 to three years of intervention and completion of a community-based correctional facility program.
42. Doris Riffle, 81, of Circleville, one count of permitting drug abuse. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed June 29, which means the same or amended charges could be filed at a later date.
43. Renee S. Rittenhouse, 32, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. She pleaded guilty to both on June 11 and was sentenced to three years of intervention plus 30 days in the county jail and six months in a community-based correctional facility program.
44. Heath Z. Rowland, 26, of Circleville, one count of possession of cocaine and one counts of possession of heroin. He pleaded guilty to both counts and was sentenced to two years in state prison and a six-month driver’s license suspension.
45. Shannon W. Schwalbauch, 40, of Circleville, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine. He was sentenced to 18 months in state prison at Orient and a six-month driver’s license suspension.
46. Laurie L. Smith, 38, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. She pleaded guilty to both counts June 24 and filed for intervention in lieu of conviction. She will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
47. Terra N. Smith, 38, of Circleville, two counts of possession of heroin. She pleaded guilty July 15 to one count of possession and one count of non-support of dependents. She will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
48. John P. Sutton, 60, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. He pleaded guilty on June 17 and was sentenced Aug. 19 to three years of intervention.
49. Billie Jo Thompson, 38, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed Aug. 19, which means the same or amended charges could be filed at a later date.
50. Tamera J. Thornton, 55, of Circleville, one count of possession of cocaine and one count of possession of heroin. She pleaded guilty to both charges June 24 and was sentenced to three years of intervention.
51. Mary A. Walker, 50, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. She pleaded guilty to both counts on June 24 and was sentenced to three years of intervention.
52. Christian Welsh, pleaded guilty Aug. 5 to two counts of possession of cocaine. He will be sentenced following a pre-sentence investigation by the court.
53. James H. Williams, 60, of Circleville, two counts of possession of cocaine. An entry of dismissal without prejudice was filed July 9, which means the same or amended charges could be filed at a later date.
54. Cassandra N. Young, 34, of Williamsport, two counts of possession of heroin. She pleaded guilty to both counts July 8 and was sentenced Sept. 23 to three years of intervention and six months in a community-based correctional facility program.
55. William R. Young Jr., 37, of Circleville, pleaded guilty July 22 to two counts of possession of heroin, as well as breaking and entering and theft from the elderly from an unrelated case. He was sentenced to three years of intervention and 30 days in the county jail.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced the 72 indictments on March 27 at a press conference at the Circleville Police Department. DeWine said the upper and middle management of the ring had been selling heroin in Pickaway County like a pizza delivery business, setting up shop in various homes, taking orders by phone and delivering the drugs to buyers throughout the area.
The indictments were the result of an eight-month investigation initiated by Chief Wayne Gray and conducted by the Circleville Police Department and the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office with the support of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Ohio Attorney General’s Heroin Unit.
Editor’s Note: Case status is based on the most recent information available from the Pickaway County Common Pleas Court and may be subject to change.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
