Arraigned Monday was Jesse Alexander, 29, of Piqua. He pleaded not guilty to attempted aggravated murder with a firearms specification, conspiracy and felonious assault. Bail was set at $75,000, and Alexander’s next hearing was scheduled April 10.
Pleading to charges Friday was Courtney McCarel-Kraska, 37, of Troy. She pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated murder with a firearms specification, conspiracy, felonious assault and tampering with records. As part of a plea agreement, a six-year prison term will be recommended at sentencing May 8.
Pleading Monday to attempted aggravated trafficking in drugs in the August incident was Todd Norris, 26, of Troy. Other charges filed against him of attempted aggravated murder, felonious assault and conspiracy were dismissed. Norris will be sentenced May 8.
Charges against Bruce Harms, 51, of Piqua, were dismissed by prosecutors, who retained the right to refile the charges. Harms had been indicted on charges of attempted aggravated murder, conspiracy and felonious assault.
Matthew Joseph, an assistant county prosecutor, said that with charges against other defendants still pending, he could not comment on the dismissal of the charges against Harms or the agreement to allow Norris to plead to the attempted trafficking charge.
The alleged shooter in the incident, Derrick Peeples, 27, of Columbus, has pleaded not guilty to attempted aggravated murder with a firearm specification, felonious assault and conspiracy. A trial in his case is scheduled for late April.
About the Author