A man and woman are now facing charges after allegedly selling a fatal dose of fentanyl to a local man.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted James William Walden IV and his girlfriend Amanda Stigall, both of Springfield.
WALDEN STIGALL
Walden, 31, is charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of trafficking in drugs and two counts each of trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound and corrupting another with drugs.
Stigall is charged with one count of trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound.
Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillip said that on March 28, first responders were called to an overdose death on Sycamore Street.
When they arrived at the scene, they found a man and a woman unconscious. Medics were able to revive the woman using Narcan. She was taken to the hospital.
The man, Jarrod D. Spurlock, was pronounced dead.
Phillips said the woman was eventually able to tell investigators Spurlock “had visited one of Jarrod’s friends in Springfield” to get the drugs.
He said the investigations are often pretty easy because individuals will often use their cell phones to set up the drug buys. The prosecutor said investigators were able to use text messages and other cell phone records to identify Walden as the “friend.”
“Both individuals (Walden and his girlfriend Stigall) are alleged to have been involved in setting up the sale of the fentanyl,” Phillips said.
He said that once the pair was identified, additional search warrants were issued and executed.
Phillips said repeatedly said that his office will continue to investigate every possible overdose death. He has said that while the victim chose to use drugs, the seller also chose to commit a crime.
“Every overdose death is investigated to see if we can find the source of the drugs,” Phillips said.
If convicted on all charges, Walden could face as many as 29 years in prison. Stigall could face as many as 12 months in prison if convicted.
Also indicted was:
– Jose P. Melwani, 39, of 18924 Smokey Road, Marysville. Melwani is charged with two counts of operating a motor vehicle under the influence stemming from a July 3 incident when he was pulled over by an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper for a marked lanes violation.
Driving under the influence is often cited as a misdemeanor. However, once an individual has a conviction for the offense, future allegations can be charged as felonies. According to court documents, Melwani has at least three drunk driving convictions, one each in 2011, 2012 and 2017.
– Robert Nathaniel Thompson, 29, of Lima. Thompson is charged with one count of identity fraud.
According to court documents, about 4:23 a.m. July 26, Thompson was driving west on U.S. 33 near Scottslawn Road. An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper allegedly clocked Thompson driving 99 miles per hour. When the trooper from the attempted to stop him, Thompson allegedly fled. When he was eventually caught, Thompson gave police an identification card belonging to another man and told them he was that man. Thompson was taken to Tri-County Reginal Jail in Mechanicsburg and booked under the other man’s name, charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence, fleeing and eluding, speeding and failure to drive in the marked lanes. After he was booked under the other man’s name, Thompson eventually revealed his identity to corrections officers.
If convicted, Thompson could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Mona Goodson, 22, an inmate at the Ohio Reformatory for Women. Goodson is charged with two counts of assault stemming from a Dec. 5, incident at the prison.
Goodson was originally sent to prison in March of 2018 for robbery and assault convictions in Franklin County. While incarcerated, she was convicted of harassment by an inmate in Franklin County.
The most recent indictment is at least the ninth time Goodson has been charged criminally for her behavior while at ORW. She has a history that includes throwing urine, spitting, punching, kicking, biting, smearing feces, pinching and throwing things.
If convicted, Goodson could have an additional 10 years added to her sentence.
– James Michael Long, 49, of Columbus. Long is charged with aggravated possession of drugs, stemming from a May 11 incident. According to court documents, Long was driving on Delaware Avenue near Cherry Street when he was stopped by the Ohio State Highway Patrol for failing to follow a traffic signal. The trooper determined his license had been suspended. During a search of the vehicle investigators allegedly found methamphetamines.
If convicted, Long could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Brittany Nicole Anthony, 33, of 22839 Northwest Parkway, Marysville. Anthony is charged with one count of possession of cocaine.
On Feb. 29, Anthony was stopped for allegedly speeding on a county road in Allen Township. Once the vehicle was stopped, a search revealed alleged marijuana and cocaine.
If convicted, Anthony could face as many as 12 months in prison.