LEBANON — The attorney for Jake Jones, a Warren County employee accused of drug trafficking, says the charges in the case can be deceiving.

Jones was arraigned in Lebanon Municipal Court Thursday where Judge Mark Bogen continued his $10,000 bond and scheduled a preliminary hearing for July 28. Bogen said he won’t preside over the case because he and Jones were neighbors for years.

Jones, 63, director of building services for the county, was arrested on two counts of alleged trafficking in drugs, hydrocodone, as part of an undercover drug investigation by the Warren County Drug Task Force on Monday. The charges are fifth degree felonies.

His attorney Charlie Rittgers could not discuss details of the case but said, the charges don’t reflect necessarily what happened.

Jones, who has worked for the county for nearly 30 years, would not comment after the hearing. County Commissioner Pat South expressed the shock many county employees have voiced this week.

We all are just still in shock over this whole thing. Jake is one of the kindest and gentlest people I’ve ever known in my life…, she said. Mr. Jones is innocent until proven guilty and he will have his day in court.

She said he will be treated the same as any other county employee who has been brought up on charges and will remain on paid administrative leave until the court proceedings have concluded.

Jones has overseen all of the construction and maintenance for county-owned buildings. His 2010 salary was $74,592 according to county records.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.

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