Chillicothe, Ohio – A Ross County Grand Jury returned 15 cases for deliberation last Friday, with notable legal proceedings emerging for a local man found contravening multiple laws. The Ross County Prosecutor’s Office has released details about the case, shedding light on a series of events involving concealed weapons and drug possession.
On the evening of December 19th, an officer on patrol identified 28-year-old Ethan James Fields from Renick Avenue as he passed through the premises of Ross County Bank located at 222 East Main Street. Fields, known to have an outstanding arrest warrant, was apprehended by the police.
During the arrest, Fields attempted to disclose fully by pulling a small handgun from his sweatshirt and relinquishing it, indicating his intention to be transparent about possessing it. Subsequent to his arrest, Fields was found with a cut straw, typically used for inhaling crushed pills, and admitted to relapsing into drug use.
The situation escalated at the Ross County Jail where during processing, authorities discovered a loaded needle on Fields. Monitoring further revealed Fields attempting to conceal additional items in his clothing, leading to a confrontation and subsequent body scan. The scan unveiled an object concealed near his genitals, later identified as capsules of Gabapentin, a controlled anticonvulsant used for nerve pain. Fields claimed he was hiding the medication to prevent withdrawal symptoms while detained.
Notably, Fields has a criminal record from April 2022 for aggravated drug possession in Ross County, which legally restricts his ability to possess firearms. These prior convictions have compounded his legal troubles as he now faces third-degree felony charges for having weapons under disability and tampering with evidence. Conviction on these charges might result in up to six years in prison and fines totaling $20,000.
Additional charges related to drug possession are expected, pending the results of laboratory tests on the substances found during his arrest.
This case highlights ongoing issues with drug relapse and the illicit measures taken by individuals to conceal prohibited items within correctional facilities. The details of Fields’ case underscore the challenges facing law enforcement and the judicial system in managing offenders with histories of drug abuse and legal non-compliance.
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