Circleville, OH — July 2, 2025
Ten individuals faced Judge Matthew H. Chafin in Pickaway County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday as a variety of felony cases were addressed, ranging from drug possession and trafficking to kidnapping and assault.
Among the most serious cases:
- Austin B. Keil, 30, currently incarcerated in the Pickaway County Jail, was granted judicial release after being charged with Attempted Kidnapping, a third-degree felony. Keil will serve three years of community control, complete the STAR program, and comply with all adult probation conditions.
- Chad W. Temple, 42, also jailed in Pickaway County, pled guilty to Possession of a Fentanyl-Related Compound (F-5). He received a six-month concurrent sentence to one he is already serving in Licking County.
- Richard E. Garrett, 60, of Circleville, faces a jury trial on July 24 after being charged with Illegal Conveyance of Drugs of Abuse onto the Grounds of a Detention Facility and Aggravated Possession of Drugs (both felonies). Garrett was issued a $25,000 bond and ordered to have no contact with jails or incarcerated individuals.
- Caleb J. Kesner, 29, of Lancaster, pled not guilty to three charges, including Aggravated Possession of Drugs and Illegal Conveyance of Drugs into a Detention Facility. He received a $10,000 recognizance bond and is scheduled for pretrial July 17.
- Mark Hess, 41, currently in custody at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC), also pled not guilty to drug conveyance charges and will face a jury trial on July 17.
- Lucas E. Stephens, 35, of Waverly, pled not guilty to Possession and Trafficking in a Fentanyl-Related Compound (F-1), as well as Aggravated Possession of Drugs. His pretrial is also set for July 17.
Other notable cases:
- Gregory S. Hartzell, 48, of Stoutsville, and Timothy L. Martindale, 56, of Circleville, both pled guilty to drug-related offenses and were ordered to undergo presentence investigations.
- Trenton L. Hambrick, 39, of Chillicothe, pled not guilty to Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer. He was released on bond with a pretrial set for July 17.
- Romeo Teves, 35, of Germantown, MD, faces multiple charges of Felonious and Vehicular Assault and is scheduled for a continued sentencing hearing on July 30.
- Robert D. Wamsley, 54, of Gallipolis Ferry, WV, pled not guilty to a four-count indictment, including Receiving Stolen Property, Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence, and Possession of Fentanyl. His pretrial is scheduled for July 17.
These proceedings reflect the court’s continued focus on serious drug-related offenses, public safety, and compliance with court-ordered programs.
