Blaine arraigned on theft charge
Lead Summary
By
Brandy Chandler-brandychandler@gmail.com
Former Greenfield area minister Jim Blaine was arraigned Wednesday in Highland County Court.
Jim Blaine, was arrested April 27 on one charge of theft, a felony of the third degree, for allegedly stealing more than $100,000 from the Good Shepherd Church in Greenfield, when he was employed there as a pastor.
According to the Highland County Sheriff's Office, Blaine was arrested in Hamilton County on April 27 by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive/ Warrant Squad at a bankruptcy hearing that he had recently initiated.
The case has also been presented to the Highland County Prosecutor's Office for possible presentation to an upcoming session of a Highland County grand jury, where additional felony charges are likely, according to the sheriff's office.
According to the Highland County Sheriff's Office, Blaine was arrested in Hamilton County on April 27 by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive/ Warrant Squad at a bankruptcy hearing that he had recently initiated.
The case has also been presented to the Highland County Prosecutor's Office for possible presentation to an upcoming session of a Highland County grand jury, where additional felony charges are likely, according to the sheriff's office.
According to Highland County Court, Judge Robert Judkins has recused himself from the case, and Hillsboro Municipal Court Judge David McKenna is presiding. The April 28 hearing was held in the Hillsboro Municipal Courtroom.
During the hearing, McKenna continued bond at $100,000, and scheduled a preliminary hearing for Wednesday, May 5 at 12:30 p.m. in the Hillsboro Courtroom.
Blaine appeared in the custody of the sheriff's office, accompanied by his attorney, Marc Ross of Dayton.
Ross argued that Blaine has community ties, including his mother and father, as well as his primary residence in Highland County, and that he is not a flight risk.
Grandey said that Blaine has been in San Antonio, Texas for a period of approximately six weeks, and that Blaine is only in Ohio as he had to appear at the bankruptcy hearing in Hamilton County, where he ultimately was arrested. Grandey told the court that Blaine has said his house in Highland County is about to be foreclosed on, and that he will have nothing keeping him in Ohio, other than family, if that happens.
Ross said that Blaine has been in Texas looking for a job, as he was unable to secure work in Ohio after resigning from the Good Shepherd Church.
Grandey told The Highland County Press that it was his understanding Blaine resigned from the church in September 2009 at the request of the Bishop overseeing the area.
Ross declined to comment following the court proceedings.
An affidavit out of Highland County Court in Greenfield dated April 26, states that Det. Sgt. Daniel Croy said, "in October 2009, Highland County Sheriff's Office received complaints from church board members with the Good Shepherd Church, located at 12920 State Route 28 Greenfield ... The complaints consisted of possible forgeries involving these board members' signatures on bank loan-related records in order to facilitate a theft offense. An investigation was then initiated and through the last seven months records have been obtained from a variety of financial and banking institutions. Upon review of these records, as well as conducting numerous interviews, it was found that from a period starting in January 2004, through December 2009, James A. Blaine obtained money illegally using the Good Shepherd Church name and information. From 2004 to 2009, James A. Blaine took over $100,000 and less than $500,000 beyond the consent and authority of the Good Shepherd Church."
[[In-content Ad]]During the hearing, McKenna continued bond at $100,000, and scheduled a preliminary hearing for Wednesday, May 5 at 12:30 p.m. in the Hillsboro Courtroom.
Blaine appeared in the custody of the sheriff's office, accompanied by his attorney, Marc Ross of Dayton.
Ross argued that Blaine has community ties, including his mother and father, as well as his primary residence in Highland County, and that he is not a flight risk.
Grandey said that Blaine has been in San Antonio, Texas for a period of approximately six weeks, and that Blaine is only in Ohio as he had to appear at the bankruptcy hearing in Hamilton County, where he ultimately was arrested. Grandey told the court that Blaine has said his house in Highland County is about to be foreclosed on, and that he will have nothing keeping him in Ohio, other than family, if that happens.
Ross said that Blaine has been in Texas looking for a job, as he was unable to secure work in Ohio after resigning from the Good Shepherd Church.
Grandey told The Highland County Press that it was his understanding Blaine resigned from the church in September 2009 at the request of the Bishop overseeing the area.
Ross declined to comment following the court proceedings.
An affidavit out of Highland County Court in Greenfield dated April 26, states that Det. Sgt. Daniel Croy said, "in October 2009, Highland County Sheriff's Office received complaints from church board members with the Good Shepherd Church, located at 12920 State Route 28 Greenfield ... The complaints consisted of possible forgeries involving these board members' signatures on bank loan-related records in order to facilitate a theft offense. An investigation was then initiated and through the last seven months records have been obtained from a variety of financial and banking institutions. Upon review of these records, as well as conducting numerous interviews, it was found that from a period starting in January 2004, through December 2009, James A. Blaine obtained money illegally using the Good Shepherd Church name and information. From 2004 to 2009, James A. Blaine took over $100,000 and less than $500,000 beyond the consent and authority of the Good Shepherd Church."