Not guilty plea in drug case
Woman seen as a key to probe of local safety forcesBy Brad Bauer, bbauer@mariettatimes.com
Article Photos
The woman at the center of a recent sex scandal involving three area safety-service departments pleaded innocent Wednesday to drug trafficking charges in Washington County Common Pleas Court.
The sex scandal broke in early June, shortly after Crystle L. Phillips, 27, of 1009 Third St., Marietta, learned she was the target of a drug investigation, prosecutors said.
Phillips spoke with her cousin, an attorney, who in turn contacted the Washington County Sheriff's Office and divulged that the woman had allegedly been having affairs with officers - often while they were on duty.
But the information didn't buy any leniency. It did spark internal affairs investigations that resulted in a deputy resigning; a Marietta City firefighter and police officer being fired; and another city police officer being demoted.
Also, the Phillips case was fast-tracked to the next session of the grand jury where she was indicted on third-degree felony charges of trafficking in drugs and fourth-degree felony trafficking in drugs.
"When this was brought to my attention, my comments were 'arrest her and start the internal affairs investigation,'" said Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks. "There was going to be no consideration for giving any information or any slack to cover up or hide anything."
Both charges against Phillips stem from the alleged sale of approximately 100 prescription pills to a confidential informant on Sept. 2. Police claim the sales took place when children were present, which elevates the level of the offenses.
None of the internal affairs investigations indicated any of the officers involved in the affairs were aware of the drug investigation.
Phillips' attorney, Rolf Baumgartel, said his client would not have any comment.
Phillips faces 6 1/2 years in prison and a possible five-year driver's license suspension, if convicted. Her trial is set for Aug. 12 in Judge Susan Boyer's court.
Phillips remains free from jail on a personal recognizance bond while awaiting trial.
Other than entering her not guilty plea, Phillips made no statement.
|
lordofthesmokingmirror
|
|
|---|---|
|
07-12-09 3:39 PM
|
One last hing the third degree charge is non descript there doesn't have to be an actual child present just a school within like a thousand feet. This creates an awful big blanket to say a child might have been present. But I ask if none were actually there what makes the difference? Kind of a victimless crime. All this drug nonsense is just to take our eyes off the actual important things going on in our cities, towns, and country.
|
|
lordofthesmokingmirror
|
|
|
07-12-09 3:27 PM
|
As far as this case goes some of you are finally beginning to think that maybe there is more to this. Look back at the stories a chunk of the information is missing. Once again she was allegedly busted in an under cover informant buy. But it was not until half a year later they finally got around to charging her. Doesn't any of this seem suspect to any of you? Why not arrest her on the spot or the next day? The answer is simple THERE WAS SOMETHING ELSE GOING ON AT THAT TIME. I can see the future on this one. She is going to walk and your sheriff is going to look like the fool that he is mark my words. Just think of your tax dollars being wasted as I post this. Thankfully I don't live in your county so it doesn't make me sick like it will you.
|
|
lordofthesmokingmirror
|
|
|
07-12-09 3:16 PM
|
I know Kristle as well as her ex boyfriend and know a whole lot more about this particular case than you might think. For instance why do you suppose the cops haven't questioned him about anything pertaining to either her or their charges? Simple he is damaging to their case, so they are avoiding him like the plague. Secondly, where are all of the drug traffickers coming from in Washington county? I have been looking at the papers it seems like every day there is at least one more person trafficking in drugs in your county. I have been there it is a mostly quiet uneventful place. Doesn't this seem odd to any of you? This case not withstanding Your sheriff sure likes to pander about that charge an awful lot I find this very suspect and you should too.
|
|
lordofthesmokingmirror
|
|
|
07-12-09 3:08 PM
|
I have been busy and not had time to comment here as i have in the past. Here goes. Newportgirl "poor drug addict mommy" is not only slander but totally mis-informed. Kristle has a legal prescription for the pills in question, which can be had at Walmart for 5$ with said prescription. The only drug she abuses is nicotene, which some one with Newport in their name surely must understand. It is amazing that every comment I have read has been missing the questions I have been wondering about?
|
|
GuardianAngel
|
|
|
07-10-09 5:17 PM
|
@ilovemybaby- I see your point that crime can be overlooked by law enforcement. But neither am I implying that is going on locally. But I can't figure out your logic on the fire stations. Do they give druggies preferance over heart attack victims? Do they not inspect local stores if they have meth dealers as employees? What's your angle on them?
|
|
GuardianAngel
|
|
|
07-10-09 5:10 PM
|
@Beetlejuice - I completely agree. Illegal drugs have no place in any work place. Start with the Commissioners, Mayors and work your way on down thru the ranks. Might be some openings for the unemployed. Yes, I also think that welfare recipients need help, but not by getting a buzz on my & your tax dollar. Mandatory testing!
|
|
Beetlejuice
|
|
|
07-10-09 3:40 PM
|
Quote: "They should make random {couple times a year} drug testing of police and fire department mandatory.” All welfare recipients should have to submit to drug testing too!
|
|
ilovemybaby
|
|
|
07-10-09 3:00 PM
|
Also, who is to say that the local departments are "reasonable"? Looks like there could be alot of misdirection going on anyway. They throw out bits and pieces to chew on, thinking they're satisfying the masses, while they sweep the real dirt under the rug. I DON'T CARE WHO WAS HAVING SEX WITH WHOM! I'm more interested in if they were either overlooking or participating in crimes (dealing or abuse of *dr*ugs*).
|
|
ilovemybaby
|
|
|
07-10-09 2:53 PM
|
Guardian angel---- I'll give credit where it's due. I want to know why we aren't reading about department-wide dr*ug testing at the police/sheriff/fire statioms. Police are supposed to uphold the law. They SHOULD be held to a higher standard. Even when you work at places such as WALMART, you agree to submit to random dr*ug testing. So..........
|
|
GuardianAngel
|
|
|
07-10-09 10:26 AM
|
Mention their names and who they are employed with for days. Inquiring minds need to know!
|
|
GuardianAngel
|
|
|
07-10-09 10:24 AM
|
Are you ready for your employer to start random drug testing? Because what you do on the side might affect me or the product and service I receive. Maybe the Times can be a shining example and lead the way. Random test your own employees! And publish it on the front page, like you did the deputies, cops and FF.
|
|
GuardianAngel
|
|
|
07-10-09 10:22 AM
|
Do you also understand that if a doctor gives you a prescription say for pain and you use that pain killer for anything but the original episode, say 9 months later, then you are guilty of drug abuse. Bus drivers, truckers and anyone with a CDL are strictly under that law. And the rest of us can be held to that standard for prosecution. And alcohol is a drug, so test for that too! If you do it for then then why not all goverment employees? Don't forget our elected officials. Some of them won't pass.
|
|
GuardianAngel
|
|
|
07-10-09 10:21 AM
|
@freddy1 I agree "They should make random {couple times a year} drug testing of police and fire department mandatory. Everyone their would welcome that! Well maybe one or two wouldn't. But that is in any crowd.
|
|
GuardianAngel
|
|
|
07-10-09 10:09 AM
|
@Ilovemybaby you don't give our law enforcement enough credit in their investigation. Don't you think that any reasonable department would also look into other issues as drug use? Sure looks like their employers threw all kinds of mud and hoped some would stick. Just look at how many ways that they got busted for the same onduty acts. Sex on duty would have been enough of a charge. Where else except the playboy mansion or a strip club would tolerat that behavior?
|
|
JayVillainsMC
|
|
|
07-10-09 12:43 AM
|
and i dont like cops
|
|
ilovemybaby
|
|
|
07-10-09 12:26 AM
|
Dealers known "associates" are typically targeted for investigation as well, aren't they? Why aren't all parties involved under more scrutiny? How many of the men either witnessed or were aware of the crimes being committed?
|
|
ilovemybaby
|
|
|
07-10-09 12:23 AM
|
Why aren't the cops, firemen and deputies who were involved with Ms. Phillips being investigated for possible *dr*ug* abuse/use?
|
|
ilovemybaby
|
|
|
07-10-09 12:21 AM
|
COMMENTING ON SOMEONE ELSE'S POSTING: I don't understand how having a relative, who's an attorney, represent you in court is a conflict of interest. That shouldn't matter. The only time it should make a difference is when one is related to the prosecutor or judge. Maybe her cousin isn't representing her because he/she isn't a criminal attorney or licensed to practice in Ohio?
|
|
newportgirl
|
|
|
07-09-09 11:48 PM
|
It never fails to amaze me how if a woman is "hot" she can do about anything and still have guys panting after her. Really, you know where she has been, you really want to go there too?
|
|
newportgirl
|
|
|
07-09-09 11:45 PM
|
100 pills? I know guys that go to prison for just one. Her having sex with the officers, that is on them. She is no victim here, she needs to go to jail and her children need to be given a chance at a better life. I really hope that the court system does not back down on case and feel sorry for the "poor drug addict mommy". If they do then they are enabling her!
|
|
professorchaos
|
|
|
07-09-09 10:58 PM
|
Joseph, what the heck are you talking about... What mob? In what possible way is it connected? There may be some other officers involved in inappropriate activity (fooling around on their spouses on company time), but that doesn't warrant a federal investigation. It probably warrants the sheriff needing to get off his rear and getting control of his department.
|
|
professorchaos
|
|
|
07-09-09 10:54 PM
|
washco... been busy, but around. No bloging at the moment. Lets play it out here for a while. See how long until they shut this down for good.
|
|
GuardianAngel
|
|
|
07-09-09 10:30 PM
|
Back here after the deletion Nazi came to work this morning. She ain't no snow white. Except for 1 cop, it looks like every one else are also used merchandise. Some don't mind that if the person is single, but most people hate people that cheat on their spouse. Drugs and sex are both addictions that probably didn't start with this episode. At least the Times isn't tracking her past like TMZ. But her past will come out, if the judge doesn't muzzle the prosecution. The guys may not fair so well either. Stupid guys! Shouldn't have let your southern hemisphere do the thinking.
|
|
realist
|
|
|
07-09-09 10:24 PM
|
while we re investigating safety personnel lets check what cousin said to the sheriff s department maybe blackmail drop the charges or she ll sqeal quite a lot of liayers should be jailed but it won t happen they are all bar members and all liars
|
|
chrisandme
|
|
|
07-09-09 9:56 PM
|
finallap your right, and i wasn't meaning anything bad of our cops or our firefighters i just wish that people would stop looking at her as the victim here she is guilty for the crimes she did Im not saying what the officers and firemen did wasn't wrong either it was they are all old enough to know right from wrong this is a sad situation all around
|