Court News

LISBON — An East Liverpool man already sentenced to four to six years in prison in February for multiple drug counts was sentenced recently to an additional three to four and a half years for additional drug charges, meaning he’ll have to serve a minimum of at least seven years altogether.

Richard M.J. Tittle, 34, Harvey Avenue, appeared for sentencing in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court for first-degree felony possession of a fentanyl-related compound, fourth-degree felony possession of cocaine (a lesser included charge which was originally a first-degree felony), and fifth-degree felonies of two counts of possession of drugs, along with specifications for forfeiture of money from a drug case.

All of the offenses occurred on July 19, 2024 when he possessed fentanyl in an amount equal or greater than 20 grams, but less than 50 grams, an amount of cocaine equal or greater than 5 grams but less than 10 grams, and possessed alprazolam, and buprenorphine. The amount of money seized for forfeiture was $120.

Charges of first-degree felony trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound, first-degree fleony trafficking in cocaine and fifth-degree felony trafficking in drugs were dismissed as part of the pleas deal.

In both cases, there were charges which required indefinite terms, meaning the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections could tack on additional time equal to one-half of the minimum sentence given, meaning the maximum time possible would be 10 and a half years.

The case from February involved charges of first-degree felony possession of cocaine, second-degree felony possession of fentanyl-related compound and two counts fifth-degree felony possession of drugs for possessing cocaine in an amount equal or greater than 27 grams but less than 100 grams, possessing an amount of fentanyl equal or greater than 10 grams but less than 20 grams and possessing tramadol and buprenorphine on Feb. 1, 2023.

He was also given mandatory fines of $10,000 and $7,500 and received credit for 11 days already served in jail.

Also in Common Pleas Court:

— Derek J. Thompson, 31, Chester Avenue, Wellsville, was sentenced to 24 months or two years in prison for charges from three different cases, including third-degree felony illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility and fifth-degree felonies of aggravated possession of drugs, two counts possession of cocaine, two counts possession of a fentanyl-related compound, possession of heroin, and two counts possession of drugs. The six-month prison term for two of the cases was ordered served consecutive to an 18-month term for the other case, bringing the total to 24 months. He received credit for 181 days served in jail for one case, with credit for one day in another case.Thompson possessed cocaine and methamphetamine on July 18, 2022, took drugs into a detention facility and possessed cocaine, fentanyl, bromazolam and xylazine on May 31, 2024 and possessed heroin, fentanyl and xylazine on Dec. 18, 2024.

— Martel M. Selig, 41, Cherry Street, Salem, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for third-degree felonies of illegal conveyance of weapons onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility and illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility and fifth-degree felonies of aggravated possession of drugs and possession of fentanyl-related compound. The incident with the deadly weapon and drugs occurred on Nov. 4, 2022 at the county jail and involved methamphetamine and fentanyl. Selig entered a guilty plea in June 2024 and then failed to appear for sentencing in September 2024, with a bench warrant issued. He was apprehended in November this year.

— Andrew Freed, 19, Hadley Road, East Palestine, was placed on an intervention plan for three years and ordered to serve up to six months at the Eastern Ohio Correction Center for two separate cases after pleading guilty to fifth-degree felonies of breaking and entering and possessing criminal tools and misdemeanors of theft and criminal mischief, and fourth-degree felony receiving stolen property and misdemeanors of resisting arrest and obstructing official business. Freed was accused of using a metal object to force the door open to unlawfully gain entry to Tiger Smoke and Vape, North Market Street, East Palestine, on June 15 and remove numerous items from the store shelves before leaving, including THC cartons, Mini Pre Rolls and Torch lighters. He also tampered with a camera. On June 23 in East Palestine, he was found in possession of a stolen 2003 Chevy Silverado that was stolen from Feezle’s Auto in Enon Valley, Pa. He fled out of a residence in East Palestine and attempted to get back inside the stolen vehicle and then was tased by a police officer.

— David Kane, 40, West Ninth Street, East Liverpool, was placed under community control for three years and ordered to serve up to six months at the Eastern Ohio Correction Center for attempted illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility, a fourth-degree felony, and aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony. Kane possessed methamphetamine and attempted to take drugs into a detention facility on March 20, 2023.

–Michael William Dailey, 41, North Lincoln Avenue, Salem, was placed under community control for three years after pleading guilty to fourth-degree felony trespass in a habitation when a person is present or likely to be present and misdemeanor aggravated menacing amended from endangering children. Charges of aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony, second-degree felony burglary, and misdemeanor interference with custody were dismissed. Dailey was originally accused of attempting to remove a child after entering a property unwanted and a physical altercation allegedly occurred with the homeowner Nov. 28, 2024 in Center Township.

— Bobby L. Burkey, 39, Niles, was sentenced to nine months in prison after pleading guilty to theft, a fifth-degree felony, to be served at the same time as any sentence he’s currently serving. He was ordered to pay restitution of $7,437. Burkey was accused of depriving Clear Creek Oilfield Solutions of rims and rotors valued at $7,437 on Oct. 24, 3023.

— Melissa A. Tamalonis, 33, Hookstown, Pa., was placed under community control for three years and ordered to serve a term at the Eastern Ohio Correction Center until the program is complete for attempted tampering with evidence, a fourth-degree felony lesser included offense, fifth-degree felonies of possession of a fentanyl-related compound, possession of cocaine and possession of heroin and misdemeanors of driving under suspension, drug paraphernalia, obstructing official business and two counts possession of drugs. She received credit for 87 days served in jail. The charges all stemmed from an incident June 6, 2023 when she possessed fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, tramadol and alprazolam, tampered with evidence and obstructed official business.

— Landon G. Knight, 19, Commerce Street, Wellsville, was placed on an intervention plan for 18 months after pleading guilty to a lesser offense of theft, a fifth-degree felony, for stealing a firearm on May 1. He was originally charged with grand theft.

— Melissa M. Barnhart, 46, Main Street, Wellsville, was placed under community control for three years and ordered to serve up to six months at the Eastern Ohio Correction Center in Lisbon for possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony, for possessing cocaine on Nov. 26, 2024.

— John W. Kelly, 60, state Route 154, Lisbon, was granted limited driving privileges by Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam for two separate cases of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them, with the judge ruling he has been without driving privileges in excess of three years, completed the term of his incarceration and was gainfully employed. The judge wrote that granting limited driving privileges will help to continue the defendant’s employment and rehabilitation. In a 2007 case, his license was suspended for life for OVI and in a 2022 case his license was suspended for 10 years for OVI and driving under suspension.