Phipps held on $50K bond
By Bob Robinson

GREENVILLE – Jesse James Phipps, 26, of Dayton was charged with Aggravated Trafficking of Drugs, Methamphetamine, within 1,000 feet of Greenville Junior High School, a Felony 2 offense, in Darke County Common Pleas Court March 13. Conviction would provide for a mandatory two to eight years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.

Darke County Prosecutor R. Kelly Ormsby asked for $50,000 bond, noting a possible prior drug arrest and escape on a bond in Montgomery County. Phipps said he was released from Montgomery County and the charge was dismissed. He added he had a 5-year-old son and hoped he would be able make bond to take care of the child.

Darke County Magistrate Anne Brumbaugh agreed with Ormsby, setting bond at $50,000. On Phipps declaration of indigence she assigned Randall Breaden as his defense attorney, advising if he made bond he would need to stay in contact with Breaden at least every 10 days, plus meet with probation for pre-sentencing determination.

Phipps was arrested on March 12 in a buy/bust operation by the Darke County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, along with Darke County Sheriff deputies and Greenville police officers. The offense occurring near a school enhances the penalties of the charge.

Published courtesy of The Early Bird