Executive Summary
- A Clinton County grand jury returned indictments on December 18 involving serious felonies against a juvenile and several adults.
- A 16-year-old identified as G.M. faces charges of rape, sexual battery, and pandering sexually oriented matter.
- Michael B. Doyle, 53, was indicted for domestic violence and strangulation; he has prior domestic violence convictions from 2003 and 2022.
- Five other individuals face charges including drug trafficking, possession of cocaine, and firearm offenses.
WILMINGTON, Ohio — A Clinton County grand jury returned multiple indictments during a session on December 18, involving serious felony charges against a juvenile and a domestic violence case involving allegations of strangulation. The cases were investigated by the Wilmington Police Department.
According to court documents, a 16-year-old juvenile, identified by authorities as G.M., was indicted on several felony sex offenses. The charges include rape, two counts of sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, and pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor or impaired person. Due to the defendant’s age, specific identifying information remains restricted under juvenile privacy laws.
In a separate case, the grand jury indicted Michael B. Doyle, 53, of Wilmington, on charges of domestic violence and strangulation, both categorized as third-degree felonies. The indictment alleges that on or around December 9, Doyle caused or attempted to cause physical harm to a family or household member. The charges further state that he created a substantial risk of physical harm specifically by means of strangulation. Court records indicate that Doyle has a history of similar offenses, having previously pleaded guilty to or been convicted of domestic violence in Hamilton County in August 2003 and in Clinton County in March 2022.
The grand jury session also resulted in indictments against five other individuals for various offenses ranging from drug trafficking to firearm violations. Cole Huffman, 24, of Port William, and Celina Marie Mercedes Jernigan, 26, of Wilmington, were both indicted on multiple drug-related counts, including aggravated trafficking in drugs, aggravated possession of drugs, and possession of cocaine. Additionally, Alec J. Allen, 29, and Andre L. Diggs Jr., 19, face charges related to the improper handling of firearms in a motor vehicle and operating a vehicle under the influence. John R. Kushner, 39, of Milford, was indicted for failure to comply with a police order and aggravated possession of drugs.
Judicial Proceedings
These indictments mark the formal commencement of felony criminal proceedings in the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas. The inclusion of the specific felony strangulation charge against Doyle reflects the application of statutes designed to address high-lethality markers in domestic violence cases, elevating the severity of the prosecution compared to standard misdemeanor assaults. As these cases move to the arraignment phase, the court will address bond conditions and legal representation for the defendants. It is important to note that all individuals named in these indictments are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
