Charge against Middletown man dropped when state can’t produce document

The most serious charge against a Middletown man was dropped when the state couldn’t produce certified documents that showed his previous felony convictions, visiting Judge Thomas Hanna ruled Wednesday in Middletown Municipal Court.

Jamie Banks, 36, of the 6900 block of Lesley Lane, was charged with discharging weapons under disability, a third-degree felony, after he allegedly fired four shots Feb. 20 at two of his dogs who were fighting outside.

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He also was charged with three misdemeanors: drug paraphernalia, obstructing official business and discharging weapons within city limits, said Lt. Jimmy Cunningham from the Middletown police department.

Discharging the weapons under disability is a felony, but the state had to prove Banks had a previous felony conviction. Hanna said the state provided “a lack of evidence” so he dropped the charge. However, the charge could be filed later if the state locates the documents.

Banks will have his pre-trial hearing next week in Middletown Municipal Court on the three misdemeanors and his bond was set at $3,500. Banks was represented by Kathleen A. Batliner, of Middletown.

Detective Steve Winters testified that police were called to the residence after receiving a 911 call from a neighbor who reported hearing several shots fired and possibly someone struck.

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Middletown police surrounded the home, and after about 30 minutes, convinced Banks to exit, Winters said. He said Banks told detectives he fired an air gun, then changed his story and said he fired three shots into the ground trying to break up a fight between two pit bulls in the back yard.

Police later found a hand gun and ammunition in the home and a rifle in Banks’ truck, Winters said.

Banks’ girlfriend, Maranda Vormwald, 26, was charged with obstructing official business, police said.

After Banks and Vormwald were arrested, Middletown police found Amanda Banks, 34, hiding in the basement. She was charged with drug abuse/methamphetamine and a bench warrant for failure to comply by Middletown police.

During her court appearance Wednesday, she waived her right to a preliminary hearing and she was released on her own recognizance

MORE: Woman found hiding in basement charged by police

The Warren County dog warden took the two dogs into custody, police said. Dog Warden Nathan Harper said the dogs were removed for the safety of the officers. He said the dogs, both male, suffered from bites. The dogs will stay at the shelter until the owners can care for them, Harper said.

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