Involuntary manslaughter charges dropped in death of Forest man

By JOEL McCULLOUGH

Times staff writer

A Forest man originally charged with involuntary manslaughter was freed on Wednesday during a hearing in Hardin County Common Pleas Court.

Dana Lee Breidenbach, 1445 TR 183, Forest, had his case dismissed at the state’s cost due to insufficient evidence to proceed with charges.

It was ordered that his bond be released. His ankle monitor was removed.

According to records from the Prosecutor Brad Bailey’s office, on or about Feb. 15 or 16, 2023, Wayne E. Breidenbach was fatally shot at the defendant’s address.

The defendant was in possession of firearm and initially was charged with the accidental death of his brother and using a firearm while intoxicated.

Also in court this week:

WEDNESDAY

Riane Amanda Melroy, 301 N. Patterson St., Forest, was sentenced to six months in prison after she pleaded guilty to possession of LSD.

According to records from the prosecutor’s office, on Feb. 16, 2022, An office found that Melroy was wanted for a probation detainer during a causal encounter. She then pulled two squares of suspected LSD from her pocket. The suspected drug was sent to be tested and came back positive for Lysergic Acid Diethylamide.

Melroy was fined $250 and her sentenced is to be served consecutively with her term being served for charges in the Wyandot County Common Pleas Court. She was granted 88 days of jail credit for time already served.

Brett Michael Gillem, 622 S. Wayne St., Kenton, currently being held at the Multi-County Correctional Center in Marion, was sentenced to 102 days of jail after he pleaded guilty to domestic violence.

According to records from the prosecutor office, on Jan. 14, 2023, Gillem did knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to Jody Sue Chaffee. Gillem has previously been convicted of two offenses of domestic violence.

Judge Steve Christopher ordered him to pay a fine of $500 and perform 40 hours of community service. He was credited for 102 days already served in jail.

George Paul Bogatko, Lima, was sentenced to 90 days in jail after he pleaded guilty to aggravated possession of drugs and attempted tampering with evidence.

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According to records from the prosecutor’s office, on July 20, 2022, an officer attempted to pull the defendant over because his license plate county and validation ticket were obscured. Bogatko failed to stop and began to flee the officer.

Bogatko was chased into Roundhead where he lost control and crashed. The officer reported seeing him tossing items from his motorcycle while fleeing. Bogatko was found to be holding a bag of methamphetamine.

Christopher ordered Bogatko pay a fine of $500 and perform 80 hours of community service. His license was suspended for one year.

Shyann Marie Capasso, 398 E. Forest Road, Apt. 74G, Kenton, pleaded not guilty to four counts of aggravated possession of drugs and two counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs. Her bond was set at $7,500 and jury trial is set for Aug. 22 at 8 a.m.

THURSDAY

James Alex Spears, 8005 Flora St., Kenton, was sentenced to 180 days of jail after he pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and obstructing official business.

According to records from the prosecutor’s office, on Dec. 6, 2022, Billy Shears, of the same address, was found shot and later died at Hardin Memorial Hospital. During the investigation the defendant gave false information about the circumstances and location of the incident. An air rifle was found at the residences, hidden, after officers obtained a search warrant.

Christopher granted Spears work release upon filing of an approved work release contract. He is to pay a fine of $1,000 and must perform 75 hours of community service.

Randal Shane Drumm, 312 E. Dixon St., Forest, was sentenced to 180 days of prison at the MCCC in Marion after he pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damaging/endangering.

According to records from the prosecutor’s office, on Dec. 20, 2022, the defendant was caught on camera entering, without consent, the home of Jeff Brady. The defendant trashed the residence, destroying numerous items.

It was reported that Drumm was intoxicated and left a coat in the residence. He admitted to being drunk and high in the time period of the break-in.

Christopher ordered Drumm be placed on five years of community control and pay a fine of $750. He is to perform 75 hours of community service and write a letter of apology to the victims. He also was ordered to pay a restitution of $2,805 to the Brady family.

Brandon Matthew Harper, Nitro, W.Va., pleaded not guilty to possession of a fentanyl-related compound and tampering with evidence. His bond was set at $10,000 and jury trial is set for Oct. 18 at 8 a.m.

Amberkaye L. Webb, 606 E. Lincoln Ave. Apt. 13, Ada, pleaded not guilty to two counts of grand theft. Her bond was set at $5,000 and jury trial was set for Oct. 17 at 8 a.m.