COLUMBIANA COUNTY MUNICIPAL (2024)

LISBON — A preliminary hearing was set recently in Columbiana County Municipal Court for an East Liverpool man who faces felony charges after allegedly assaulting a woman at their shared residence. The hearing for Robert Simms, 32, Ohio Avenue, East Liverpool, was set for June 3. Simms is charged with strangulation and domestic violence, felonies in the fourth and fifth degree, respectively. Simms allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face and attempted to strangle her on May 22. The victim advised she scratched Simms in self-defense.

A preliminary hearing was set May 30 for Seth Portwood, 20, Elton Road, Columbiana, charged with reckless operation, third-degree felony fleeing and fourth-degree felony failure to comply. Portwood allegedly was witnessed consuming alcohol in the Circle K bathroom in Salem and then later drove off in his vehicle. The witness called police, and Portwood’s truck was observed at Walmart. Portwood failed to stop when police attempted to make contact. A chase allegedly ensued with speeds up to 95 miles per hour. Portwood was able to evade officers but was later pulled over by the Ohio Highway Patrol near Leetonia.

Jason McEldowney, 38, Ravine Street, East Liverpool was sentenced to a 90-day suspended jail sentence and fined $300 for theft and criminal trespass. Charges of obstructing official business and resisting arrest were dropped. McEldowney was observed on May 11 by East Liverpool police running through the Giant Eagle parking lot with a black duffel bag. He ran to his residence and it was later confirmed that McEldowney had active warrants. McEldowney stole a soda, bag of chips and a breakfast bowl by concealing the items in his jacket March 21 at Dollar Tree in East Liverpool. McEldowney had previously been trespassed from the store on March 4. McEldowney returned to the store on April 30.

A pretrial was set May 30 for Caleb Walker, 23, Harvey Avenue, East Liverpool, charged with assault. Walker allegedly shoved his girlfriend down, held her and threatened to kill her with a fork during an incident in St. Clair Township on May 18. In another incident on the same day, Walker allegedly shoved the victim down steps causing an injury to her face. Officers observed dry blood on her lips.

A pretrial hearing was set Aug. 20 for Steve Yoon, 34, Ravenna, charged with possessing criminal tools and engaging in prostitution. Yoon allegedly agreed to exchange $120 for sexual activity after communicating with an undercover agent via a cell phone and traveled to Salem to do so on May 10.

A pretrial hearing was set Aug. 19 for Gregory Hulbert, charged with OVI, open container, possessing criminal tools and engaging in prostitution. Hulbert allegedly agreed to exchange $160 for sexual activity after communicating with an undercover agent via a website and traveled to East Palestine to do so on May 23. Hulbert arrived drinking rum from an open bottle.

A pretrial hearing was set Aug. 19 for Michael Lovaty, 51, Canton, charged with possessing criminal tools and engaging in prostitution. Lovaty allegedly agreed to exchange $160 for sexual activity after communicating with an undercover agent via a cell phone and traveled to Salem to do so on May 23.

A pretrial hearing was set July 23 for Kayla Clingerman, 39, Youngstown, charged with illicit drug use. Officers responded to reports of a suspicious person on May 23 in Salem. Officers made contact with Clingerman at the scene and allegedly found a straw with white residue in a cigarette pack following a voluntary search.

A pretrial hearing was set July 22 for Tyler Holenchick, 28, Bank Street, Salem, charged with driving under suspension, unauthorized plate, improper registration and no motorcycle endorsem*nt.

A pretrial hearing was set July 22 for Brandon Woodburn, 20, Norman Avenue., Alliance, charged with speed.

Kayla Roberts, 24, Annesley Road., East Liverpool, was fined $30 for no seat belt.

A pretrial was set July 30 for Christopher Shaffer, 52, Parkview Drive, Wellsville, charged with physical control and reckless operation.

A pretrial hearing was set July 29 for Kristine Murphy, 55, Poland, charged with OVI, speed and marked lanes.

A pretrial was set May 30 for Brandon Green, 32, Lisbon Street, East Liverpool, charged with drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension and loud exhaust. Green was allegedly found to be in possession of a hypodermic needle, a pop cap with suspected drug residue, a clear straw and a rubber tie-off following a search of his vehicle following a traffic stop on May 23. Green also was fined $250 for driving under suspension and marked lanes on outstanding charges from April.

Jason Giralico, 40, Quay Road, Negley, was fined $550 for possessing a drug abuse instrument, resisting arrest, obstructing official business and loud. He was also sentenced to probation and community service. A charge of no operating license was dismissed. On May 14, Giralico fled after officers attempted to arrest him on a warrant for possessing syringes during a traffic stop on April 29.

Nathan Knight, 40, North Market Street, Lisbon, was fined $400 and sentenced to 60 days in jail with credit for 23 days for drug paraphernalia, obstructing official business, criminal trespass, failure to dim, and driving under suspension. Knight fled on foot following a traffic stop in Salem on Oct. 25 and providing a fake name to officers. A glass pipe with residue was found in Knight’s pocket following his arrest.

Brandon Daniels, 36, Maple Drive, Columbiana was fined $925 for physical control and speed amended from OVI. Daniels was also sentenced to 30 days in jail with 27 suspended and credit for three days served and 180-day license suspension.

Charges of driving under suspension were dismissed against Emica Hall, 19, Carey Road, Salem.

A pretrial hearing was set July 18 for Brandon Patterson, 38, Massillon, charged with driving under suspension.

Brandon Hopkins, 27, Rochester, Pa. was fined $60 for speed.