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Attorney Rafael Villegas Appears in Lima News Broadcast
July 8, 2022
Attorney Villegas to Represent Defendant in Lima Faced with Murder Charges
LIMA — Murders charges will be sought against six teenagers who reportedly set in motion a plan to rob a Lima man last Friday, only to have that poorly-orchestrated scheme result in the man’s shooting death.
An Allen County grand jury will be asked to return murder indictments against two of the teens prosecutors say were complicit in the robbery attempt which ended in the death of 17-year-old Lima resident Jaden Halpern.
Four juveniles who participated in the planning and attempted execution of the robbery will also face murder charges.
Jaquan Glenn of Lima and Keion Darden of Louisville, Kentucky, appeared in Lima Municipal Court on Thursday for probable cause hearings. The 18-year-olds saw their cases bound over to Allen County Common Pleas Court for grand jury consideration. Magistrates John Payne and Richard Warren continued the $900,000 bonds for Glenn and Darden, respectively.
New details surrounding the shooting emerged during Thursday’s hearings as Lima Police Department Detective Steve Stechschulte took the witness stand. He described events that led to police being called to 764 W. Lane Ave. on the morning of June 10. Halpern was found dead inside the residence. A preliminary autopsy report from the Lucas County Coroners Office revealed he died as the result of a single gunshot wound, Stechschulte said.
Stechschulte said Glenn told police he had “picked up a couple of females” earlier that morning and took them to a residence in the 100 block of East Fourth Street.
“He said one person brought up the idea to commit a robbery and a female came up with Jayden Halpern as a potential target. He was believed to have a large quantity of marijuana and some guns in the home,” the LPD detective said.
The group, which included Glenn, Darden, a juvenile male and three juvenile females, drove to the Lane Avenue residence. Stechschulte testified that the females attempted to lure Halpern outside the home in hopes of carrying out a robbery. When that failed, two males attempted to force their way inside the home.
Glenn told the detective the two males carrying replica weapons — an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun — got to the threshold of the entrance when they were engaged by Halpern.
“A shot was fired and everybody ran,” Stechschulte said.
The single bullet struck Halpern in the right side of his abdomen. He was found by officers lying on a bed inside the home, already deceased.
Stechschulte said Darden gave a similar story when interviewed by police. He admitted carrying a replica handgun and being the second person to attempt to enter the home. The unnamed person in front of him was said to be carrying a replica AR-15 rifle.
“We never did find the pistol,” Stechschulte said, adding that a rifle discovered by police was a replica.
Attorneys Chima Ekeh and Rafael Villegas, representing Glenn and Darden, respectively, each sought a reduction in their clients’ bond. Allen County Prosecuting Attorney Juergen Waldick opposed the request in both cases, calling the defendants’ behaviour “egregious” and telling the magistrates that murder charges would be sought in both cases.
Hearing are scheduled in Allen County Juvenile Court on Tuesday for the four juvenile suspects. Each reportedly will be charged with murder.
Stechschulte said the names of the juveniles involved will be released once charges have been finalized.
“This ought to be broadcast in all schools so young people can see what happens in tragedies such as this when kids think they’re just playing around,” Magistrate Warren said.
Legal Triumph:
Check out what our client made for us:
Attorney Villegas Secures Success in Miami County
Mr. Villegas delivered a significant legal victory in Logan County. Our client was faced a multitude of serious charges, including Felonious Assault, Abduction, Strangulation, Disrupting Public Services, Using Weapons while Intoxicated, Resisting Arrest, OVI, and Driving Under OVI Suspension. Thanks to Mr. Villegas' strategic representation, Five charges, including Felonious Assault and Abduction, were dismissed. The remaining four charges, involving OVI, resulted in our client being placed on community control. Additionally, a mandatory 10-day sentence was imposed due to the OVI being the second within 10 years. This outcome reflects Mr. Villegas' skillful advocacy and dedication to achieving the best possible results for our clients.
Mr. Bucio has spent the last several months side by side his client in Miami County who was being charged with four (4) Felony One Rape, Felony Two Robbery, Felony Three Strangulation, Felony Three Abduction. Facing up to over 40 years in Prison. After spending half of this year working diligently, overnight, nonstop in an effort to prove our clients innocence Mr. Bucio did just that. After declining every plea offer that came our clients way, Mr. Bucio knew his client’s innocence would prevail above all. In the end Mr. Bucio was able to demonstrate that the allegations of Sexual Assault and Domestic Abuse were unfounded. Having an experienced attorney by your side makes all the difference in a criminal matter. While other attorneys would have sought negotiated plea deal in this matter Mr. Bucio aligns his goals in each case the same as the clients. We are happy to announce that this case has been closed and all the charges were dismissed.
Mr. Chris Bucio successfully closed a pro bono case in Darke County today. Mr. Bucio enjoys being able to find the time to be available for those in need of assistance. Our client was being charged with Theft, a felony of the fifth degree and through the efforts of Mr. Bucio, the charge was mitigated down to Obstructing Official Business, a misdemeanor of the first degree, free of any jail time. Our client is able to have this expunged from her record, as a courtesy from our Office.
Congratulations to our Attorney Rafael A. Villegas, he has recently been awarded the NACDA Top 10 Attorney Under 40. Mr. Villegas continues to amass accolades for his work as a criminal defense attorney. His knowledge and trial experience has earned him an impressive reputation not only with his clients, but amongst his peers in the legal profession. He dedicates numerous hours defending our clients, ensuring each client receives the best outcome.
Our client is a traveling Registered Nurse working in Ohio when she was charged with a pile of felonies in Mercer County, Ohio. She was indicted for Attempted Rape - F2, Attempted Sexual Battery - F4, Gross Sexual Imposition - F4, Assault - M1, and Endangering Children - M1. After months of timeless work, endless hours in pre-trials, deliberations, and continuous negotiations and a deep analysis of the evidence, our client walked out of court, free of any prison time, and no probation. The charges were amended from felonies to misdemeanors.
February 10, 2023 A very big shout out to our own Rafael Villegas for being granted a Rising Star award in both Ohio and Kentucky for his professional achievements. Fun fact: Rafael has practiced in over 25 counties, and counting, in Ohio. He has always strived to give his clients his very best for every case and will continue to do so as he advances even further in his career.
January 25, 2023 Congratulations to our own Associate Attorney Rafael Villegas for his successful outcome in Allen County today! He successfully obtained not Guilty verdicts on all felony drug possession charges. Rafael spent three whole days in trial to ensure that our client walked out in the end, alongside her family and happy with her verdict. After reaching their respective verdicts, members of the jury commented that they liked Rafael's presentation of the defense.
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