Court News

LISBON — A Youngstown man convicted for soliciting sexual conduct from an undercover agent in 2022 had his motion for judicial release denied.

Jerry Granberry, 46, has been serving time at the Columbiana County jail since May 2025 while his appeals were pending. He was sentenced by county Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam to 15 months in prison after Washam found him guilty on Nov. 7, 2023 based on what he heard during a trial to the bench in August 2023.

Granberry was found guilty of third-degree felony compelling prostitution, fourth-degree felony attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, fifth-degree felony possessing criminal tools and misdemeanor engaging in prostitution. A charge of importuning was dismissed at the request of the prosecution due to evidentiary issues.

The Ohio Supreme Court declined jurisdiction for his appeal after the Seventh District Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction in December 2024. An appeal over Washam’s denial of his request for his conviction to be vacated was also denied..

Granberry had been indicted on the charges in February 2023 after responding to an ad placed on a known prostitution website by an undercover Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force agent and soliciting sexual conduct from an adult female and 15-year-old female in exchange for $180. He arrived in East Palestine on Oct. 6, 2022 for the meeting with his cell phone used to make the arrangements in his possession.

Also in Common Pleas Court:

— Philip M. Kelley, 38, North Lincoln Avenue, Salem, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree felony trespass in a habitation when a person is present or likely to be present and misdemeanor obstructing official business, with sentencing set for March 20. Charges of second-degree felony burglary and misdemeanor resisting arrest will be dismissed. He was accused of breaking into a home on North Lincoln Avenue, Salem on Nov. 3, 2025, breaking the front door window, reaching inside to unlock the door and continuing through the entryway and kitchen. After being confronted by the homeowner, he fled southbound on North Lincoln Avenue and was seen by police walking on Superior Avenue. Officers attempted contact and told him to stop multiple times, but a small foot chase took place and he was taken into custody after being caught.