CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — A busy Thursday session in the Pickaway County Court of Common Pleas saw several major criminal cases resolved, spanning prison sentences, strict community control sanctions, and granted record expungements.
The hearings, held on May 21, 2026, were presided over by the Honorable Judge Matthew H. Chafin.
Prison Sentences and Grand Theft Pleas
- Alexander McGonigle (36, Columbus): Following a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) hearing, McGonigle was officially sentenced to 4 to 6 years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC). McGonigle had previously pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a high-profile 2025 case.
- Kimberly A. Rowland (55, Columbus): Rowland appeared in court and entered a guilty plea to Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, a fourth-degree felony. Judge Chafin ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation and mandated that Rowland be held in custody until her formal sentencing hearing, which has been scheduled for July 22, 2026.
Strict Probation, Treatment Mandates for Local Violators
Two individuals learned their fates following their respective PSI hearings, with both receiving heavily conditioned community control sentences that carry steep prison terms if violated.
- Christopher Wayne Hiser (39, Washington Court House): Hiser pleaded guilty to counts 2 and 3 of his indictment, while counts 1 and 4 were dismissed by the state. He was sentenced to 3 years of Community Control (CC). Under the strict terms of his release, if Hiser violates his probation, he faces a 30-month prison sentence. To avoid prison, he must successfully complete the STAR community justice program, avoid drugs and alcohol, remain in the state of Ohio, obtain steady employment, adhere to a strict 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew, and complete all substance abuse treatment ordered by Adult Probation.
- Ashlee Shashannon Webb (37, Circleville): Webb appeared before Judge Chafin to resolve two separate criminal cases (2026CR0024 and 2026CR0032). In both cases, she pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 3 years of Community Control (36 months), to be served concurrently. If Webb violates the terms, she faces immediate incarceration. Her strict probation mandates that she successfully complete the Pickaway County Drug Court program. Additionally, she is prohibited from consuming drugs or alcohol, cannot leave the state, must obtain employment, must follow a 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew, and must fulfill all treatment programs outlined by Adult Probation.
Clean Slates: Expungements Granted
In civil and post-conviction business, Judge Chafin cleared the past records of two individuals, officially granting their legal requests for expungement:
- Chelsea Marie Drewett: Had two separate past cases formally expunged and sealed by the court (Case numbers 2010CR0013 and 2013CR0058).
- Teresa M. Hancher (53, Laurelville): Successfully had her past record expunged under case number 2012CR0049.
All court actions were filed and finalized in the Pickaway County Clerk of Courts office following Thursday’s sessions.
