Pomeroy man convicted of sex crimes against children
By Sarah Hawley - shawley@aimmediamidwest.com
POMEROY Following a week-long trial in Meigs County Common Pleas Court, James L. Hess, 53, of Pomeroy, was convicted on six of the seven counts considered by the jury for alleged sexual crimes against four children under the age of 13.
Hess was indicted in October 2018 on four counts of rape, each a first-degree felony; three counts of gross sexual imposition, each a third-degree felony; and one count of gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony. A “nolle prosequi” entry filed before the beginning of jury deliberations dismissed one count of rape, stating that evidence was not produced at trial to support the allegations.
Sex offender compliance check conducted
Staff Report
MEIGS COUNTY Local and federal officials took part in a sex offender compliance check on Friday afternoon.
Meigs County Sheriff Keith Wood reported, in a news release, that on Friday, May 7, 2021, his office along with the United States Marshal Service, conducted a sex offender compliance check operation in Meigs County.
Sheriff’s deputies and deputies with the United States Marshal Service Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) went to 50 addresses within Meigs County where sex offenders currently reside to verify their residential status.
Out of the 50 addresses that were checked, 44 sex offenders were found to be in compliance with correct reporting and proper regulations being followed. Deputies were unable to make contact with the subjects at four of the residences. Sheriff’s deputies will follow up in the coming days on the subjects.
King arrested on warrants, new charges
King
HARRISONVILLE A Meigs County man was arrested on Thursday on felony warrants and a new menacing threats charge. The suspect, Michael King, also allegedly confessed to numerous other property crimes in the area.
Sheriff Keith Wood reported, in a news release, that on Thursday, May 6, deputies with his office were dispatched to 38300 State Route 684 in Harrisonville after Meigs County 911 received a call from a man stating that his son, Michael King, was allegedly threatening to burn down his residence.
According to a news release, “Deputy Campbell responded to the scene and upon his arrival was informed that the subject had taken off running toward State Route 143 prior to his arrival. Lt. Gilkey, Sgt. King and Sgt. Stewart arrived on the scene also at this time. After a search of the area, Sgt. Stewart located the male bedded down in a large section of brush near an abandoned residence. The subject was advised that he was under arr
Sex offender compliance check conducted
Staff Report
MEIGS COUNTY Local and federal officials took part in a sex offender compliance check on Friday afternoon.
Meigs County Sheriff Keith Wood reported, in a news release, that on Friday, May 7, 2021, his office along with the United States Marshal Service, conducted a sex offender compliance check operation in Meigs County.
Sheriff’s deputies and deputies with the United States Marshal Service Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) went to 50 addresses within Meigs County where sex offenders currently reside to verify their residential status.
Out of the 50 addresses that were checked, 44 sex offenders were found to be in compliance with correct reporting and proper regulations being followed. Deputies were unable to make contact with the subjects at four of the residences. Sheriff’s deputies will follow up in the coming days on the subjects.
Honoring and assisting crime victims
A banner remembering homicide victims from Meigs County was displayed on the Pomeroy Levee.
Square One Executive Director Ashley Durst speaks at the National Crime Victim Rights Week event.
Several agencies were set up as part of the resource fair.
Meigs County Victim Assistance staff are pictured with Prosecutor James K. Stanley. Pictured (from left) are Director Shelley Kemper, Stanley, Advocate Katie Gilkey and Advocate Ashley Greenlee.
Prosecutor James K. Stanley and Victim Assistance staff Shelley Kemper, Ashley Greenlee and Katie Gilkey are pictured with Judges Scott Powell and Linda Warner.
Local law enforcement officers, Prosecutor’s office staff and Victim Assistance staff are pictured at the National Crime Victim Rights Week resource fair on Friday.