Largestrongp

Former Detective’s Surrender Update: Attorney Claims Court Bond is ‘Painfully Absurd’ as Client Remains at Large

by

TROY, Mo. — A former Lincoln County detective remains at large despite his attorney’s assurances that he would surrender to authorities on felony charges related to a high-profile murder trial. Michael Merkel, 44, is facing two Class A felony counts of perjury tied to the controversial conviction of Russ Faria in the murder of Betsy Faria. Merkel’s attorney, Joel Eisenstein, had repeatedly informed the court that his client would turn himself in on Thursday morning. As of that evening, however, prosecutors confirmed Merkel had not complied. The Journal has uncovered that Merkel is no longer … Read more

Fifteen Indicted in Major Drug Crackdown in Washington County: Fentanyl and Trafficking Charges Loom Large

by

MARIETTA, Ohio — A Washington County Grand Jury has indicted 15 individuals on various drug-related charges, including aggravated possession and trafficking of fentanyl-related compounds. The indictments reflect ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis in the region. Among those charged is Nicole Marie Goodman, 41, of Belpre, who faces a fifth-degree felony for aggravated possession of drugs stemming from incidents in June 2024. Another defendant, 55-year-old Eric Gordon Pangle of Caldwell, also faces a similar charge for events occurring in May 2024. Michael Lee Nichols, 26, of Belpre, was indicted on a count of aggravated … Read more