Prior agreement prevents prosecutor’s opposition
A man convicted in 1990 of murdering his grandmother will have a parole hearing in January to determine if he is eligible for parole.
Normally, the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office would argue against parole, but Prosecutor Eric Stewart is bound by a previous agreement to remain silent regarding Jeffrey M. Phillips.
Relatives and friends of his victim, Ronalda Roles, and community members can express their opposition to the convict’s release from prison to the parole board and Stewart’s office is encouraging them to act before his hearing.
Former county prosecutor, the late Gerald L. Heaton reached an August 1990 plea agreement with defense attorney Marc Triplett to not oppose Phillips’ parole on a life sentence for aggravated murder. The agreement is binding on subsequent prosecutors, Stewart’s office reports.
Phillips, now 51, was convicted of killing his 72-year-old grandmother when she refused to lend him money in 1989. He shot her between the eyes, stole her purse and food stamps and fled Ohio to Missouri.
Phillips is eligible for release on March 1 if the parole board approves it after the January hearing.
Opinions regarding the convict’s parole must be in letter form or by email. All correspondence must include his full name, Jeffrey M. Phillips, and his inmate number A-228572.
Letters should be addressed to: Ohio Department of Rehabilitations, Division of Parole and Community Services, 4545 Fisher Road, Suite D, Columbus, Ohio 43228.
E-mails should be sent to drc.paroleboard.
Further questions can be directed to Victim Advocate Jennifer Stanley at Logan County Prosecutor’s Office, 117 E. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
