Executive Summary
- Scioto County Grand Jury returned 15 public indictments from its January 16, 2026 session.
- Billy Kerns faces multiple violent felony charges including rape, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery.
- Several individuals face charges for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine, including defendants from Columbus.
- Gerald and Beverly Ohara were indicted on multiple counts of pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor.
SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio — Scioto County Prosecutor Shane A. Tieman announced on January 29 that the Scioto County Grand Jury returned 15 public indictments following its session on January 16, 2026. The slate of charges encompasses a wide range of serious offenses, including violent felonies such as rape and kidnapping, as well as significant narcotics distribution charges involving fentanyl and cocaine.
According to the list released by the Prosecutor’s Office, Billy Kerns, 40, of Portsmouth, faces the most extensive set of violent charges. Kerns has been indicted on two counts of Rape, three counts of Kidnapping, two counts of Abduction, Aggravated Robbery, Robbery, and Theft. In a separate case involving violent conduct, Leo Cassidy, 46, of West Portsmouth, was indicted on charges of Kidnapping, two counts of Felonious Assault, and Attempted Felonious Assault.
The Grand Jury also returned indictments related to the exploitation of minors. Gerald Ohara, 43, and Beverly Ohara, 38, both of Portsmouth, were each indicted on four counts of Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person.
A significant portion of the indictments focused on drug trafficking and possession. Tyquan Mitchell, 28, and Justine Patterson, 34, both of Columbus, face identical charges: two counts of Trafficking in Cocaine, two counts of Possession of Cocaine, Trafficking in a Fentanyl-Related Compound, Possession of a Fentanyl-Related Compound, and Possessing Criminal Tools. Additionally, Christian Scarberry, 30, of Portsmouth, was charged with Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs and Aggravated Possession of Drugs.
Other individuals indicted include Gary Shope, 58, of Lucasville, for Retaliation; Eric Baker, 29, of Portsmouth, for Tampering with Evidence and Obstructing Official Business; and Joshua Davis, 41, of Wheelersburg, for Having Weapons While Under Disability and driving under a suspension. Brandon Watkins, 32, of Columbus, was indicted for Aggravated Possession of Drugs, while Erika Bradford-Bricker, 37, of Portsmouth, faces charges for possession of a fentanyl-related compound and drug abuse instruments.
Procedural charges were also filed against Barry Stonerock, 51, of Wheelersburg, and Melinda Clazon, 37, of Vanceburg, Kentucky, both for Failure to Appear. Similarly, Melinda Claxon, 37, of Portsmouth, was indicted for Possession of Cocaine and Falsification.
Judicial Process Overview
The return of these indictments signals the formal movement of these cases into the Court of Common Pleas for prosecution. An indictment serves as a formal accusation that a grand jury has found sufficient evidence to warrant a trial, rather than a determination of guilt. The next steps in the judicial timeline will involve the arraignment of the defendants, where pleas will be entered and bond conditions reviewed. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
