Three charged in vehicle vandalism

COSHOCTON - Three local residents remain in custody in the Coshocton County Justice Center, each charged with one count of vandalism in connection with a string of vehicle vandalisms last week.

Jason W. Matis, 22, of 348 N. 10th St., and John A. Newell Jr., 26, and Destiny E. Newell, 25, both of 234 N. Ninth St., are being held on that charge, a fifth-degree felony. The relationship between the Newells was not immediately known by court officials.

Matis appeared in Coshocton Municipal Court Monday afternoon before Judge Timothy France, who set bond at 10 percent of $5,000. France also scheduled Matis to appear back in court at 9 a.m. March 8 for a preliminary hearing on the charge, which could carry up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

That hearing will require prosecutors to prove that probable cause exists to continue holding Matis on the charge.

A self-employed mechanic, Matis said he plans to hire his own attorney.

Assistant County Prosecutor Christie Thornsley said her office plans to seek additional charges in the case.

The Newells are being held in the Justice Center on the same charge awaiting their own bond hearings, which likely will be set for Tuesday, according to court officials.

More than 60 residents in and around the city reported their windshields and car windows were shattered between the evening of Feb. 19 and the morning of Feb. 21.

jwilliams6@gannett.com

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