Gallia County Sheriff

06/23/2026

GALLIA COUNTY JURY CONVICTS BIDWELL MAN AFTER ONE-DAY TRIAL

Gallia County Prosecuting Attorney Jason D. Holdren has announced that Gary W. Woodrow, 52, of Bidwell, Ohio, was convicted by a Gallia County jury on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, following a one-day trial.

The jury returned a guilty verdict on one count of Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor, a second-degree felony, after deliberating for less than 90 minutes.

Woodrow faces a maximum prison sentence of 8 to 12 years. The State will seek the maximum penalty at the sentencing hearing scheduled for August 12, 2026.

Woodrow is also currently awaiting trial on two additional felony indictments.

The State of Ohio was represented by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Emily VanSickle and Amanda Miller. The case was investigated by the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from Chief Justin Rice of the Gallipolis Police Department.

06/22/2026

Training is how we continue to improve and better serve our community every day.

Recently, Deputy Owen Green attended the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Subject Control Instructor Course. This specialized training equips officers with proven defensive tactics and control techniques that can be brought back and taught within their agencies.

We are grateful for opportunities like this that allow us to invest in our personnel and enhance the services we provide to the citizens of Gallia County. Take a look at OPOTA’s presentation highlighting this recent training.

06/22/2026

STRONG THUNDERSTORMS

https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=129616346

06/21/2026

Today we honor the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who lead by example, sacrifice for their families, and make our community stronger every day. 💙🇺🇸

06/20/2026

https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=129513867

06/19/2026

Gallia County Sheriff Matt Champlin has released the following statement regarding an incident that occurred on the evening of June 18, 2026:

“At approximately 8:01 p.m., a proactive member of our Patrol Division attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Lake Drive in the Village of Rio Grande for operating at an excessive rate of speed and in excess of the posted speed limit. Rather than comply with the lawful order of a law enforcement officer, the operator chose to flee.

The driver proceeded to lead deputies on a pursuit through back roads and state routes across the western portion of Gallia County, displaying a complete disregard for the safety of our citizens, our deputies, and everyone else traveling on our roadways.

The pursuit came to an end at the intersection of State Route 775 and Northup Road when deputies successfully forced the vehicle from the roadway and rendered it inoperable.

The individual taken into custody was identified as Robert A. Gullett, age 42, of Gallipolis.

Unfortunately, Gullett is no stranger to law enforcement. He was recently released from prison after serving a sentence for similar offenses and was currently listed as a violator-at-large through the Adult Parole Authority.

During the course of the investigation, deputies also determined that the vehicle Gullett was operating had been reported stolen.

I am pleased to report that Gullett is once again in custody and no longer has the opportunity to victimize or endanger the citizens of our community tonight. Let this serve as a reminder: if you choose to flee from law enforcement in Gallia County, we will pursue every lawful avenue available to hold you accountable for your actions. Reckless criminals who threaten the safety of our communities should expect to be met with determination, professionalism, and unwavering resolve from the men and women of the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office.”

Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

06/18/2026

Please join us in welcoming three new members to the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office.

This morning, Cooper Davis, Logan Eskew, and Kris Lloyd were officially sworn in and joined the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office family as members of our Road Patrol Division.

Deputies Davis and Eskew will begin their field training in the coming days under the guidance of our experienced Field Training Officers as they prepare for independent patrol duties.

Deputy Lloyd recently returned home to Gallia County after proudly serving our nation in the United States Air Force. He is scheduled to attend the Ohio State Highway Patrol Peace Officer Basic Training Academy in August. Upon successful completion of the academy, Lloyd will undergo field training before being assigned to solo patrol duties.

Deputy Davis also returns home to Gallia County, bringing prior law enforcement experience from a neighboring agency in Jackson County.

Deputy Eskew, a graduate of Meigs High School, recently completed Peace Officer Basic Training at Hocking College. In addition to his law enforcement career, he currently serves as a reservist in the United States Army.

We are proud to welcome these three individuals to our team and look forward to the service they will provide to the citizens of Gallia County.

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

FLASH FLOOD WARNING

https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=129333405