Harrison County court handles felony cases for Heslop and Burge

Steven Heslop’s case began in 2021 when he was indicted on one count of fifth-degree felony theft. According to court records, Harrison County did not see Heslop from the filing of the case until July 1, 2025, when he was arrested on a warrant.

“We’ve had a pretrial conference in chambers,” Judge Shawn Hervey said. “I believe the state of Ohio has made an offer for resolution.”

“It would be that the defendant pleads to the indictment, and the state would recommend two years community-based control,” Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Knight said. “It is my understanding the defendant would be requesting a transfer to West Virginia, where he lives. Standard terms are 80 hours of community service and any necessary programming.”

Hervey ensured Heslop understood his rights, explained the possible penalties, confirmed he was satisfied with his legal counsel and asked if pleading guilty was what he wanted to do.

Heslop indicated it was and signed the agreement.

His attorney, Bruce Clark, addressed the court before sentencing. “This is an older case and the reason is my client has since served a prison sentence,” Clark said. “He’s in a state where he’s attempting to turn his life around and clean up some of his old ways.”

Clark noted that Heslop is already under supervision and said community-based controls were appropriate.

Heslop was sentenced in accordance with the agreement: two years community-based controls, 80 hours of community service and court fees. There was no ordered restitution or fine. Heslop will have an 11-month reserved sentence hanging over him while he completes his term.

In a separate case, Scio resident Floyd Burge scored as a very high risk on the Ohio Risk Assessment, a tool courts use to determine how likely it is a defendant will reoffend. Burge appeared in court via video call from the Monroe County Jail on two first-degree felony trafficking in persons charges, two first-degree felony rape charges and two third-degree felony gross sexual imposition charges.

“The court will note that the parties have been discussing this matter,” Hervey said. “But it’s my understanding that the parties are not at the point where an offer has been made.”

“That’s correct, your honor,” Knight said. “I have a scheduled meeting with the alleged victim in this matter set for next week. Prior to making any offer, obviously we want to confer with them.”

Hervey explained to Burge that following the meeting, Knight will likely prepare an offer to resolve the case. The prosecutor will provide that offer to Burge’s attorney, Public Defender Adrian Pincola, who will review it with Burge at the jail.