Meigs County Prosecuting Attorney James K. Stanley

05/01/2026

May 1, 2026 is Law Day.

Law Day is an annual commemoration and celebration of the rule of law and is always held on May 1. One of the purposes of Law Day is foster a greater understanding of the legal system. The rule of law is what ensures the rights and freedoms of the people. The American Bar Association utilizes this definition of rule of law: "a system of self-government in which the government and all individuals are held accountable to a set of fair, publicized, and broadly understood laws that are evenly enforced."

This year’s Law Day theme is The Rule of Law and the American Dream. The American Bar Association "encourages all Americans to recognize Law Day on May 1, 2026, and to reflect on how the rule of law ensures all Americans have the ability to fulfill their dreams."

The Declaration of Independence states that all individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights and chief among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The rule of law protects these unalienable rights. As the American Bar Association points out, "the Rule of Law protects the rights necessary for each person to pursue their own happiness – their own vision of 'the American Dream'—the belief that hard work can produce a better life."

04/15/2026

We invite you to support crime victims and family members of victims of homicide by joining us on the Pomeroy parking lot on April 21, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. for the National Crime Victim's Rights Week program where we honor our survivors, remember those we have lost, and comfort and fellowship with all who have been impacted by crime.

04/15/2026

04/13/2026

April 13, 2026 Meigs County Court of Common Pleas Criminal Docket

1:00 Stephanie Fulton Final Pretrial and Motions Hearing
1:00 Joshua Cremeans Final Pretrial and Motions Hearing
1:00 Austin Clutter Final Pretrial and Motions Hearing
1:30 Jonathon Hair Status Hearing
2:00 Jerry Stone Motions Hearing
2:30 Travis Barber Change of Plea and Sentencing Hearing
3:00 Taylor Burge Final Pretrial and Motions Hearing
3:15 Donald Stephenson Change of Plea and Sentencing Hearing

04/09/2026

Child abuse prevention starts with all of us. 💙
This month, we stand together to raise awareness, support families, and protect the most vulnerable in our community.

It takes a village to keep our children safe. In Meigs County, we are proud to be a part of that village.

04/09/2026

Today, we stand alongside our community partners to raise awareness for child abuse prevention. 💙
This year’s theme, “It Takes a Community,” is more than words—it’s who we are. This picture speaks volumes, and we are proud of the community we call ours. Thank you to Integrated Services for Behavioral Services- Elizabeth Jones-Ramirez, Meigs County Sheriff's Office, Meigs County Prosecuting Attorney, Meigs-Gallia CASA/GAL Program, Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency, Ohio Rise - Yvonne Coleman, Meigs County Commissioners, Zachary Manuel, Meigs County Auditor for joining us today. Thank you Shade River Drone Services for taking our aerial picture.

03/31/2026

Tristan Shealey Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking in Drugs

Meigs County Prosecuting Attorney James K. Stanley announces that on March 30, 2026, Tristan Shealey, 46, of Rutland, Ohio, was sentenced to 3 to 4.5 years in prison for a trafficking in drugs conviction. The charge resulted from the ex*****on of a search warrant at Shealey's residence on March 20, 2024. Shealey previously pled guilty on February 5, 2026.

This matter was investigated by the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office and the Major Crimes Task Force.

03/24/2026

March 2026 Appellate Case Update

Ohio Supreme Court:

State v. John Kincaid: awaiting decision following oral argument in October 2025.

Ohio Fourth District Court of Appeals:

State v. Andrew Halley: case will be submitted on briefs on March 30, 2026;

State v. Timothy Wickersham: case will be submitted on briefs, date unknown;

State v. James Brannon: Case submitted on briefs;

State v. Brandon Grover: conviction affirmed (special prosecutions case handled by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office on behalf of the Meigs County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office);

State v. Dorothy Rogers: Case submitted on briefs.