Tuesday’s grand jury handed down several indictments, with only six released as public record, but the prosecutor said the rest will become part of the public record once the arrests are made.
According to Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins, “a number of other cases were presented and warrants issued; however, the indictments will remain sealed until those charged have been arrested.”
Collins said indictments are sometimes sealed for a variety of reasons that include victim safety, confidential informant safety, or if the person charged is a flight risk.
Among the six indictments released Tuesday was that of a Hillsboro man charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a fourth-degree felony.
As previously reported, Austin LaVan, 20, was initially charged with the offense in August following allegations made by a 15-year-old alleged victim, and also after a law enforcement investigation.
The affidavit filed with the Hillsboro Municipal Court indicated that the alleged victim “reported being raped.” The document also stated that LaVan told law enforcement that he and the victim had engaged in “sexual talk” over social media, and that he and the alleged victim had previously met in the park where the incident is reported to have occurred.
Also among those indicted on Tuesday were:
• Jeromy Warner, 38, New Vienna, charged with fifth-degree felony nonsupport of dependents;
• Robert Domino, 37, Greenfield, charged with fifth-degree felony passing bad checks;
• Ernest Jones, 51, Hillsboro, charged with aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony;
• Michael L. Stafford, 29, Columbus, charged with illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs, a third-degree felony, and aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a fifth-degree felony;
• Anne Gillman, 58, Sardinia, charged with fourth-degree felony receiving stolen property.
Reach Angela Shepherd at 937-393-3456, ext. 1681, or on Twitter @wordyshepherd.
