Executive Summary
- Stephen R. McConnell and Arthur J. Krem II were indicted by a Coshocton County grand jury.
- Both men face second-degree felony charges for illegal manufacturing or possessing explosives.
- The charges stem from a December 13 incident where an explosive device and meth were found.
COSHOCTON, Ohio – Two Coshocton men have been indicted by a Coshocton County grand jury following an investigation into an incident occurring last month involving the discovery of an explosive device. Court filings indicate that the charges stem from events that took place on December 13 and involve allegations of possessing dangerous ordnance and narcotics.
According to court records, the grand jury returned indictments against 54-year-old Stephen R. McConnell and 39-year-old Arthur J. Krem II. Both individuals have been formally charged with illegal manufacturing or possessing explosives and complicity in the commission of an offense. Authorities noted that the initial discovery involved finding an explosive device and methamphetamine within a vehicle. Under the indictment, the charges levied against both men are classified as second-degree felonies.
Judicial Procedural Outlook
The issuance of these indictments formally moves the case into the trial phase within the Court of Common Pleas, where the defendants will face arraignment on the felony counts. Second-degree felonies in Ohio typically carry a presumption of prison time, highlighting the legal system’s strict stance on offenses involving the combination of volatile devices and controlled substances. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
