HILES
A man previously charged with tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice in connection with the death of a local woman has now been charged with causing that death.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Todd Phillip Hiles, 42, whose last known address is in Columbus. Hiles is charged with one count each of involuntary manslaughter, corrupting another with drugs, trafficking in heroin, trafficking in a Fentanyl-related compound and trafficking in cocaine. In October, Hiles was indicted and charged with two counts of tampering with evidence and one count of obstruction of justice.
According to court documents, on Sept. 8, 2019, officers from the Marysville Division of Police were dispatched to the Super 8 Motel on Square Drive on a report of an unresponsive female.
When officers arrived, they found Samantha Ann Evans, 26, of Marysville, dead on the bed. Investigators found a gray pen tube with a residue inside underneath her left forearm.
Additionally, investigators said there were also several prescription medications, along with loose pills on the counter in the bathroom.
Investigators seized cellphones belonging to Hiles and another woman. Through the investigation, it was learned that Hiles had texted with the other woman earlier in the day.
“Subsequently through a cellphone forensics examination, it was learned that Todd Hiles deleted the text message conversation with (the other woman) which was pertinent to the death investigation,” according to court documents.
Assistant Union County Prosecutor Rick Rodger said that since then, investigation has revealed, “Mr. Hiles allegedly provided the drugs that ultimately killed Ms. Evans.”
He said that’s why the additional charges, including involuntary manslaughter, were added.
Rodger said the prosecutor’s office has made it a policy to look for the supplier any time there is a drug overdose.
Hiles is currently being held in the Tri-County Regional Jail on $250,000 bond.
If convicted, Hiles could face as many as 21 years in prison on the new charges as well 11 on the prior charges.
Also indicted was:
– Brandon Charles Huff, 26, of 425 W. Seventh St., Marysville. Huff is charged with one count each of possession of drugs and tampering with evidence.
According to court documents, on Nov. 1, Huff was driving west on U.S. 33 in Millcreek Township. He was pulled over for allegedly speeding, as well as having tinted windows. Huff allegedly refused to take a blood-alcohol test. A search of the vehicle revealed marijuana.
If convicted, Huff could face as many as six years in prison.
– Nathaniel R. Aitchinson, 33, of 7805 Lafayette-Plain City Road, Plain City. Aitchinson is charged with one count of possession of drugs. According to court documents, about 5:14 p.m., Oct. 20, Aitchinson was driving west on U.S. 33 in Millcreek Township when he was stopped for a variety of alleged traffic offenses. While the officer was questioning him, Aitchinson made movements and was ordered out of the car. He told the trooper he had may have had arrest warrants.
“During questioning, he admitted to having marijuana in the vehicle,” according to court documents. “During the search of his person, three orange tablets wrapped in cellophane fell out of his clothing.”
The tablets were identified as Suboxone.
Court documents indicate Aitchinson has a prior drug conviction in Madison County.
If convicted, Aitchinson could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Quintin T. Snodgres, 42, whose court listed address is the Tri-County Regional Jail. Snodgres is charged with one count of possession of a Fentanyl-related compound. The charge stems from an Aug. 30 arrest. If convicted, Snodgres could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Kaitlyn Chapman, 35, of Plainwell, Michigan. Chapman is charged with one count each of aggravated possession of drugs and illegal use or possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges stem from an Aug. 10 incident when she was arrested with what prosecutors are calling a “bulk amount” of methamphetamines.
If convicted, Chapman could face more than eight years in prison.
– Tammy Hall, 44, of 49 Cheshire, Delaware. Hall is charged with one count each of possession of a Fentanyl-related compound and possession of cocaine. According to court documents, on July 8, Hall was arrested with the alleged drugs.
If convicted on all counts, Hall could face as many as 24 months in prison.