Executive Summary
- Kelvin C. Watson indicted on 32 counts, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and major drug offenses.
- Harold J. McCormick faces charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and passing bad checks.
- Multiple defendants charged with trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.
- Prosecutor Jason D. Holdren confirmed cases will proceed in Gallia County Common Pleas Court.
Gallia County Prosecuting Attorney Jason D. Holdren announced that the grand jury convened in January and returned indictments against twelve individuals, addressing alleged crimes ranging from extensive narcotics trafficking to financial fraud and vehicle theft. The proceedings mark the formal beginning of prosecution for several serious felony cases in the jurisdiction.
According to the prosecutor’s announcement, Kelvin C. Watson, 48, faces a significant 32-count indictment. The charges include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a felony of the first degree. Watson is further charged with multiple counts of trafficking in and possession of fentanyl-related compounds, heroin, and cocaine, as well as aggravated possession of methamphetamine and aggravated trafficking in drugs.
Several other defendants face charges related to the distribution of controlled substances. Christopher W. McDermitt, 33, was indicted on charges including trafficking in heroin and a fentanyl-related compound, both third-degree felonies, alongside a charge of having weapons while under disability. Sandy R. Farmer, 43, faces indictments for aggravated trafficking in drugs, trafficking in heroin, and trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound. Additionally, Aaron Thacker, 49, and Carla Thacker, 51, were both indicted for complicity to possession of a fentanyl-related compound and permitting drug abuse.
In matters concerning financial and property crimes, Harold J. McCormick, 66, of Middleport, was indicted on a second-degree felony count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and multiple counts of passing bad checks. Leondra M. Strawder, 20, of Opa Locka, Florida, faces a charge of telecommunications fraud. Christopher E. Blevins, 37, was indicted for grand theft of a motor vehicle and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, while Brande N. Snapp, 34, and Ryan E. Curtis, 35, face charges of theft and receiving stolen property, respectively.
The grand jury also returned indictments involving weapons and detention facility security. Paige M. J. Porter, 22, is charged with the illegal conveyance of drugs onto the grounds of a detention facility and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle. Paul C. Reynolds Jr., 48, faces charges of aggravated possession of methamphetamine and having weapons while under disability.
Judicial Process and Case Outlook
The cases stemming from these indictments will now move to the Gallia County Common Pleas Court for arraignment and further adjudication. The nature of the charges, particularly the first-degree felony counts involving corrupt activity and the volume of fentanyl and methamphetamine offenses, indicates a continued prosecutorial priority on dismantling organized criminal elements and narcotics distribution networks within the county. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
