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Anderson-Myers innocent of kidnapping

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — After about an hour of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of innocent Thursday for Gary Edward Anderson-Myers, who had been charged with counts of kidnapping and aggravated burglary. This concluded a three-day trial.

Anderson-Myers, 33, of 1731 Guernsey St., Bellaire was accused of abducting Jamie L. Jackson, 35, after an apparent domestic dispute at the Belle Village Apartments in Bellaire in August. Jackson was found unharmed six hours later. Anderson-Myers was arrested three days afterward. Anderson-Myers testified Wednesday and said there was no kidnapping and both he and his alleged victim had used drugs and were fleeing law enforcement together.

During closing arguments, Belmont County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan said when Anderson-Myers was arrested he claimed to have no memory of what happened, but described the events during Wednesday’s testimony.

“A lie, ladies and gentlemen, has to be involved,” Flanagan said, adding that being high was not an excuse.

Flanagan also referred to recorded phone calls from the jail, when Anderson-Myers apparently asked Jackson to make a post on social media to help clear him. He said witnesses for the prosecution testified Jackson had asked to be left alone. The property manager at Belle Apartments testified Jackson had gone to the apartment office to call for a ride and Anderson-Myers broke through the locked door.

“Constraint … comes in all forms. It comes in physical, but it comes in mental as well. It comes in emotional, especially if you’ve been abused,” Flanagan said. “You get to judge the testimony of the defendant. … It is absolutely incredible testimony.”

Anderson Myers’ defense attorney, Bruce Clark, argued there was not sufficient evidence for a finding of guilty.

“I want you to get to the right result,” he said. He said the officer who took Jackson’s statement testified he had doubts about her believablility. He also said there was no evidence of injuries on Jackson.

Clark also said the damage to the office door was inconsistent with breaking through a deadbolt lock.

“The deadbolt’s not locked. It never was,” he said. “I think (the property manager) made some mistakes. … This all happened quickly.”

He said another of the prosecution’s witnesses was convicted of a serious crime. Clark also said the prosecution was unable to produce Jackson to testify, and she has not been cooperating with the state.

“We haven’t heard from Jamie Jackson. She hasn’t said she was taken against her will,” Clark said. “What evidence did they put on the stand? They didn’t prove this on the stand. … You’re not consider whether (Anderson-Myers) is citizen of the year. You’re not to consider whether he is a choir boy. … You’re to consider … the elements of these crimes, and the evidence.”

After the jury returned its verdict, Anderson-Myers addressed Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Vavra.

“I hope I don’t have to see you anymore,” he said, adding that he is seeking help for his substance-abuse issues.

Vavra cautioned Anderson-Myers that further drug use could be fatal.

“Based on the testimony, you have a substance-abuse problem,” Vavra said. “You’ll be released from jail today. … (If) you use, after having abstained for a period of time, it may be the last time you ever use.”

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