Grand jury indictments
SIMPKINS
A second victim has come forward to make allegations against a former day care provider.
Joshua D. Simpkins, 29, is currently serving a 15-years-to-life sentence in Chillicothe Correction Institution.
In 2015, the former Marysville man pleaded guilty to one count of rape. At the time, Simpkins admitted to abusing a 3-year-old relative more than 20 times between January 2010 and December 2013.
Now, another victim has come forward to say she too was abused.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Simpkins on 14 counts of gross sexual imposition.
County Prosecutor Dave Phillips said earlier this year a child revealed to her mother that when she was 6 years old, Simpkins began to abuse her. The girl and her mother came to the Marysville Division of Police. The victim told police that Simpkins abused her multiple times between May 2011 and September 2012.
“I think it is understandable that children don’t come forward, either because they are scared or they are embarrassed,” Phillips said.
He added that often, small children “don’t really know it’s wrong.”
Officials have said that Simpkins was working at Bizzy Tots Child Care Center, 943 E 5th St, Marysville at the time of the rapes and worked at a day care before that.
Phillips said investigators followed up with the childcare center.
“As soon as they found out, they let him leave,” said Rodger.
Phillips noted, there may be other victims, “but we would need them to come forward before we would know about them.”
Simpkins is not eligible for parole until May 2029. A judge could have sentenced Simpkins to life in prison with no opportunity for parole on the original rape charge.
At the original sentencing hearing, Defense attorney Michael Streng said Simpkins has no prior criminal record and has repeatedly shown remorse. He said his client hopes to get help so he can move on and lead a productive life if he is ever released.
If convicted on the new charges, Simpkins could face an additional 70 years in prison.
Also indicted was:
– Derek T. Heminger, 35, of 14360 state Route 36, Marysville. Heminger is charged with one count of possession of a Fentanyl-related compound. On Aug. 3, Heminger was stopped on U.S. 33 in Milcreek Township on an alleged traffic violation. During the stop, investigators located the alleged illegal drugs.
If convicted, Heminger could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Gregory Allen Crislip, 46, and his wife, Tanya Lynn Crislip, 43, both of Orient.
Both Crislips are charged with one count of possession of cocaine. On Aug. 19, the Crislip’s vehicle was stopped on state Route 38 for an alleged traffic violation. The trooper remembered Gregory Crislip from a traffic stop in June. During that stop Gregory Crislip needed to be transported to a hospital from the scene due to a drug related issue.
When the trooper stopped the car, he contacted the Marysville Police Department to ask for assistance from the police dog. The dog identified items of alleged drug paraphernalia, including a pipe with copper wire.
If convicted, each Crislip could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Steven Edward Butler, 28, of 10125 Crottinger Road, Plain City. Butler is charged with two counts of aggravated possession of drugs, stemming from a July 21 incident involving meth. If convicted, Butler could face as many as 24 months in prison.
– Timothy Bryan Hicks, 33, of Marion. Hicks is charged with one count each of identification fraud and falsification. According to court documents, on July 6, Hicks was stopped for a traffic violation.
“The defendant knowingly used (another man’s) name and address to conceal his identity due to the knowledge of a warrant,” according to court documents.
The owner of the original identification contacted investigators and informed them of the mix-up and the alleged identity theft.
If convicted, Hicks could face as many as 18 months in prison.
– Phillip T. Palmer, 36, of Grove City. Palmer is charged with one count each of breaking and entering and attempted petty theft.
According to court documents, on Sept. 1, Palmer allegedly broke into a building, owned by Columbia gas, and attempted to steal from the building.
If convicted, Palmer could face as many as 13 months in prison.
– Darryl Alan Johnson, 25, of 22089 Raymond Road, Raymond. Johnson is charged with one count of aggravated possession of drugs, stemming from a July 23 incident involving meth. If convicted, Johnson could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Dennis Jerome Mitchell, 29, of Columbus. Mitchell is charged with one count of aggravated possession of drugs. According to court documents, on May 28, Mitchell was arrested with illegal bath salts. If convicted, Mitchell could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Carter Hannah, 50, of Columbus. Hannah is charged with two counts of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. According to court documents, on Aug. 31, Hannah was arrested for driving under the influence. If convicted, Hannah could face as many as 30 months in prison.