Defendant awaits felony indictment
Oct. 27—GREENUP — Prosecutors said a federal indictment may be looming for a West Liberty man under indictment in Greenup and Morgan counties.
In June, Damon C. Stout, 48, was indicted by a Greenup grand jury on charges of possessing a handgun by a convicted felon and receiving a stolen automobile.
The previous month, online records indicate Stout was officially charged in Morgan County on those same charges in addition to first-degree rape and third-degree unlawful transaction with a minor.
On Thursday in Greenup County Circuit Court, Stout's court-appointed attorney, Charles Oppenheimer, said their case is close to resolution, but they have hit a familiar lull as they wait to see if the United States will indict Stout.
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys said federal investigators were currently looking into forensic evidence, but didn't elaborate if that was for his sexually related or theft and gun possession charges, or a combination of both.
As Greenup Circuit Judge Brian McCloud said, he had "no control over the federal government — thank God," he would set the case out 90 days to give the federal authorities more time.
Stout will reappear after the first of the year.
(606) 326-2652 — mjepling@dailyindependent.com
