Portsmouth, Ohio — A grand jury in Ross County convened on July 25, 2025, to consider several cases, one of which involved 56-year-old Patrick Stuart Jackson, who faces serious charges stemming from an incident earlier this year.
On May 1, a sheriff’s deputy observed a vehicle with an unlit license plate entering a closed business. When the officer approached, Jackson claimed he pulled over upon noticing the deputy’s presence. However, the deputy quickly detected signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, along with a strong odor of alcohol and marijuana emanating from Jackson.
Following these observations, the deputy arrested Jackson for operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI). During a subsequent search of the vehicle, a loaded handgun was discovered in a black bag located on the passenger floorboard. Although Jackson is not legally disabled from possessing firearms, the circumstances surrounding his OVI charge elevated the handgun’s status to a felony offense.
Jackson now faces indictments for misdemeanor OVI and a fifth-degree felony charge for improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle. If convicted, he could face a maximum of 12 and a half months in prison, along with fines reaching up to $2,500.
The Ross County Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for presenting law enforcement reports to the grand jury, which deliberates on these cases behind closed doors. Following their adjournment, the Prosecutor’s Office informs the media about cases that can be publicly released, shedding light on the proceedings.
This case exemplifies the serious legal consequences of impaired driving and the complications that arise when firearms are involved. The prosecution’s approach aims to reinforce public safety by addressing such offenses with substantive legal action.
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