Gallia County Prosecuting Attorney, Jason D. Holdren, announces the recent sentencings of five Gallia County men this past week in the Gallia County Common Pleas Court.
Michael E. Russell, age 41, of Gallipolis Ohio, was sentenced to five years in prison for his recent convictions of Illegal Assembly or Possession of Chemicals to Manufacture Methamphetamine and Attempted Aggravated Possession of Drugs. I am thankful for the diligent efforts of Sgt. Adam Holcomb, Patrolman Shane Plantz, and Sheriff Matt Champlin (then Lt. Matt Champlin) with the Gallipolis Police Department. These officers spent many hours investigating this case and were ultimately able to locate Mr. Russell in the midst of gathering materials for the manufacture of methamphetamine and able to seize 71 grams of methamphetamine from the Lafayette Mall in Gallipolis.
Kenneth R. Clark, age 59, of Bidwell, Ohio, was sentenced to four years in prison for his recent convictions of Trafficking in Herion (three counts), Possession of Cocaine, and Escape. Over 2015 and 2016 Mr. Clark sold heroin in Gallia County on three occasions. Officers executed a search warrant of his residence where evidence of drug trafficking was located. During the pendency of his case, the Defendant was arrested and placed in a cruiser. Mr. Clark kicked a window out of the cruiser and ran from law enforcement officers.
Matthew J. Depue, age 32, of Vinton, Ohio, was sentenced to four years in prison for violating the terms of his community control. Earlier this year Depue pleaded guilty to Tampering with Evidence and Theft. During the pendency of the case, Depue repeatedly asked the Court for a chance to go to a rehabilitation facility. Although the Court gave him the opportunity to complete an in-patient rehabilitation program, Depue squandered his chance by absconding from supervision. My office immediately filed to revoke his community control. While awaiting a hearing, Depue was incarcerated and continued to cause problems for the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office and the jail. Depue attempted to organize a scheme in which to bring contraband and drugs into the jail. Depue’s attempts failed and ultimately caused him to be sentenced by Judge Margaret Evans to the maximum sentence. I would like to applaud the Gallia County Common Pleas Court Probation Staff for working hard to secure beds for those seeking rehabilitation and providing excellent supervision and monitoring of those individuals placed on community control.
David Shank, age 26, of Gallipolis, Ohio, was sentenced to two years in prison for his recent convictions of Escape and Failure to Notify Change of Address in addition to a 90 day parole sanction. Mr. Shank is a registered sex offender and was on parole from a prior conviction and prison term for Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor. The Defendant failed to notify the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office of his change of address. Once Mr. Shank was located and handcuffed he ran from law enforcement officers. Ultimately, Mr. Shank was apprehended and charged with Escape and Failure to Notify Change of Address. I want to thank Adult Parole Authority Officer, Joel Jagers, for closely monitoring those individuals in Gallia County that are on parole. In this case, Mr. Jagers worked closely with my office to see that this Defendant was held accountable for his actions.
Donald L. Shaver, age 42, of Bidwell, Ohio, was sentenced to 7 months in prison for violating the terms of his community control. Shaver was placed on community control for a prior conviction of Possession of Drugs. Mr. Shaver has refused to address his underlying addiction issues and therefore was sentenced to prison.
