CIRCLEVILLE, OH — The Honorable Judge Matthew H. Chafin presided over a packed docket in the Pickaway County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The day’s proceedings resulted in several defendants being sent to state prison, while others entered specialized pleas related to mental health and treatment.
⚖️ Prison Sentences Handed Down
Several defendants received significant prison time following Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and Community Control violation hearings:
- Logan M. Jones: Admitted to a Violation of Probation (VOP). His community control was revoked, and he was sentenced to 30 months in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC).
- Jamie Neff (44): Following a PSI hearing for third-degree felony Aggravated Possession of Drugs, Neff was sentenced to 30 months in the ODRC.
- Tammy L. Bartoe (54): Received 18 months in the ODRC and a 10-year driver’s license suspension for Failure to Comply with the Order or Signal of a Police Officer (F-3).
🏥 Treatment and Probation Dispositions
Judge Chafin utilized community control and specialized programs for several other cases:
- Joseph P. Ferguson (60): Sentenced to 3 years of Community Control for Breaking and Entering. He must complete inpatient treatment and serves a 12-month underlying sentence if he violates. Conditions include a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and $150.00 in restitution.
- Harold Russell Blazer (27): For Attempted Improper Handling of Firearms in a Motor Vehicle, Blazer received 3 years of Community Control. He is required to successfully complete the STAR program, has a curfew, and had his bond revoked.
- Malachi Ward (18): Received 3 years of Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) for Trafficking in Marihuana. If he violates, he faces a 12-month prison sentence. He is required to obtain employment and follow a 9 p.m. curfew.
🧠 Mental Health Pleas and New Proceedings
A significant portion of the docket involved defendants entering specialized pleas or setting future hearing dates:
- Vale L. Raburn (27): Pled Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) to charges including Felonious Assault (F-1) and Inducing Panic (F-4). A hearing has been set for April 8, 2026.
- Jennifer Sue Cleary (42): Also pled NGRI for Trespass in a Habitation. She is being held with no bond and was ordered to have no contact with the victim.
- Dennis J. Gray (57): Pled Guilty to Having Weapons While Under Disability (F-3) and Aggravated Possession of Drugs (F-5). His bond was revoked, and he is scheduled for sentencing on April 18, 2026.
- Christopher Wayne Hiser (39): Pled Not Guilty to a string of charges including Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Forgery. A hearing is set for April 9, 2026.
- Mark E. Rider (49): Pled Not Guilty to Aggravated Possession of Drugs. He was granted an OR Bond, with a hearing set for April 9, 2026.
