Pepple ordered a presentence investigation and that victim impact statements be prepared for the hearing, when he will entertain a recommendation from the county prosecutor’s office that McPheron be placed on community control sanctions. She would have to serve 11 years in prison should she violate any of the terms of the sanctions, according to the recommendation.
Her female co-defendant, 28-year-old Natosha Gilbert, remains in jail after having pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, aggravated burglary and intimidation of a witness.
A pretrial hearing for her is scheduled for Nov. 20. A jury trial, anticipated to take up at least six days, is scheduled to begin with jury selection on Jan. 6, 2016, according to online court records.
EARLIER REPORT (Oct. 29)
New charges have been filed in a 2014 murder in Auglaize County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sarah A. McPheron, 26, of Wapakoneta, and Natosha N. Gilbert, 28, Lima, now face charges in the 2014 murder of Charles Hicks, said Auglaize County Sheriff Allen F. Solomon in a release.
Gilbert is charged with aggravated burglary, intimidation of a witness and murder. She remains in Auglaize County Jail.
McPheron is charged with involuntary manslaughter. She was released on bond.
Both women’s involvement in the murder surfaced during the investigation conducted by Auglaize County sheriff’s detectives.
“The sheriff’s office cannot go into too many details but will say that the two women knew about the murder and were a part of the group that went to the Hicks home,” Solomon said in a release. “Even if someone did not participate in the actual murder or crime they can still be charged.”
The new arrests bring the count to five individuals charged in this murder.
Charles Hicks, 54, was found beaten to death inside his Uniopolis apartment in June 2014.
Aaron M. Dietrich, Joseph R. Furry and James P. Dinsmore have been charged and have pleaded guilty to various counts in the case.
“I am pleased that we are able to continue to bring people to justice responsible for this case,” Solomon said in the release. “Some had different roles in the case but all need to pay for the crime committed against the victim, Charles Hicks. Justice for the family is most important”.
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