Court reversal means felony charge reinstated

10/1/2003

LIMA, Ohio — Citing a decision by the Ohio Supreme Court, the Third District Court of Appeals has overturned a Seneca County decision that declared the state's concealed-weapon ban unconstitutional.

The appeals court decision, filed Monday, reversed a February ruling by Judge Michael Kelbley of Seneca County Com|mon Pleas Court. Judge Kelbley had dismissed an indictment against a Fostoria woman who said she hid a gun under a car seat because she had been raped twice.

Because of the appeals court's ruling, a felony charge of carry|ing a concealed weapon has been reinstated against the woman, county Prosecutor Ken Egbert, Jr., said yesterday. The charge carries a maximum prison term of 18 months.