Defiance County Prosecuting Attorney, Morris J. Murray, has released the following information regarding recent Indictments returned by a Defiance County Grand Jury on March 26, 2025:
Among those Indicted was 40-year-old Anthony J. Beldon, of Edgerton, for sex offenses involving a child under the age of thirteen.
Anthony J. Beldon, age 40, 3445 Rosedale Rd., Edgerton, was indicted for Five Counts of Rape, each a Felony of the First Degree, and Five Counts of Gross Sexual Imposition, each a Felony of the Third Degree. Authorities allege that on or about December 26, 2024, through February 3, 2025, at his residence on Rosedale Rd., in Edgerton, Beldon engaged in sexual conduct, and had sexual contact, with a juvenile under the age of thirteen, on multiple occasions.
Other Indictments Included:
Damien P. Bell, age 25, 3510 RD 230, Hicksville, was indicted for One Count of Felonious Assault, a Felony of the Second Degree, as well as One Count of Aggravated Menacing and One Count of Domestic Violence, each a Misdemeanor of the First Degree. Authorities allege that on March 16, 2025, at a residence on W. High St., in Hicksville, Bell caused or attempted to cause physical harm to another by means of a deadly weapon. Authorities further allege that during the aforementioned incident, Bell also caused the victim to believe that he would cause them or their property serious physical harm, and Bell also caused or attempted to cause physical harm to a family or household member.
Cole J. Reynolds, age 29, 1624 Woodhurst Dr., Defiance, was indicted for One Count of Domestic Violence, a Felony of the Third Degree. Authorities allege that on March 20, 2025, at his residence on Woodhurst Dr., in Defiance, Reynolds caused or attempted to cause physical harm to a family or household member, and he has two prior domestic violence convictions, which elevate the level of this offense to a Felony of the Third Degree.
Tina M. Shirkey, age 52, 8306 State Route 15, Apt. 3, Defiance, was indicted for One Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the Fifth Degree. Authorities allege that on November 26, 2024, during a traffic stop on State Route 15, in Ney, Shirkey was found in possession of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II drug.
Kevin D. McCoy, age 43, 195 E. Vine St., Sherwood, was indicted for One Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a Felony of the Fifth Degree. Authorities allege that on October 2, 2023, during a traffic stop on N. Clinton St., in Defiance, McCoy was found in possession of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II drug.
Jason B. Middleton, age 44, 3744 County Road 9, Bryan, was indicted for One Count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs and One Count of Having Weapons While Under Disability, each a Felony of the Third Degree, as well as One Count of Receiving Stolen Property, a Felony of the Fourth Degree, and One Count of Receiving Stolen Property, a Felony of the Fifth Degree. Authorities allege that on or about January 16, 2024, through August 7, 2024, Middleton possessed property valued at over one thousand dollars, and also possessed a firearm, that he had reasonable cause to believe had been obtained through a theft offense. Middleton is also prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction for an offense of violence. Authorities also allege that on August 7, 2024, during a traffic stop on OH 66, in Defiance, Middleton was found in possession of over four grams of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II drug.
Andrew J. Keber, age 34, 1944 Edgewood Dr., Defiance, was indicted for One Count of Having Weapons While Under Disability and One Count of Tampering with Evidence, each a Felony of the Third Degree, as well as One Count of Receiving Stolen Property, a Felony of the Fourth Degree. Authorities allege that on March 18, 2025, on CR 424, in Defiance, Keber possessed firearms, one of which he had reasonable cause to believe had been obtained through a theft offense, and Keber is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction for an offense of violence. Authorities further allege that Keber also concealed items, with purpose to impair those items for availability as evidence, knowing that an official proceeding or investigation was about to be or likely instituted.
Michael G. Dennison, age 74, 16243 State Route 66, Oakwood, was indicted for One Count of Menacing by Stalking, a Felony of the Fourth Degree. Authorities allege that from February 1, 2025, through March 25, 2025, Dennison engaged in a pattern of conduct that caused mental distress to another and also caused the victim to believe that he would cause them or their family serious physical harm. Authorities also allege that Dennison trespassed on the land or premises where the victim lives.
Joshua S. Gawain, age 46, 205 N. Taylor St., Sherwood, was indicted for Two Counts of Gross Sexual Imposition, each a Felony of the Third Degree. Authorities allege that on March 15, 2025, at his residence on Taylor St., in Sherwood, Gawain had sexual contact with a juvenile under the age of thirteen.
Arraignments are scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 9 a.m.