Gorrell pleads ‘not guilty’ to five felonies
By Bob Robinson 

GREENVILLE – Robert K. Gorrell, Greenville, pleaded not guilty July 2 to five felony counts, four of them first degree felonies. 

Two counts were aggravated burglary, trespassing in the home of the Locke residence with the purpose of committing a criminal offense. The charge also includes inflicting, or threatening to inflict harm. Two counts were aggravated robbery, attempting to or committing a theft offense. All four are first degree felonies carrying a maximum sentence of 11 years each. 

The fifth charge was felonious assault, a third degree felony carrying a maximum eight year sentence. 

All five have specifications that Gorrell had a firearm or indicated he had one. The specification carries a maximum three year sentence. With consecutive sentencing on the five felonies with specifications, Gorrell could be facing 55 years in prison. 

Judge Jonathan Hein, Common Pleas, listed the charges and possible sentences in a video conference to Gorrell, who was in the Darke County Jail. 

Darke County Assistant Prosecutor Debra Quigley, in presenting the Indictment on behalf of Prosecutor R. Kelly Ormsby, requested $100,000 bond. 

Gorrell said he didn’t want to make bond, but indicated a desire to return to the Dayton facility where he was getting counseling. In imposing the bond, Hein told him he would be staying in Darke County where his court-appointed attorney, Paul Wagner of Gettysburg, would be able to work with him on his defense. 

Hein set the trial date for Sept. 24 and 25. 

The co-defendant in the case is Cory M. Rowe, Greenville, who faces identical charges. Rowe’s case is also set for trial on Sept. 24 and 25. 

Gorrell is the father of MacKenzie Gorrell, who was sentenced on May 21 to 12 years for aggravated burglary and weapons charges. He is the son of Robert L. Gorrell, Wayne Lakes, who is under indictment for Obstructing Justice, a Third Degree Felony. The older Gorrell has a pre-trial hearing this month.