A complaint about a missing bicycle was quickly overshadowed when Portsmouth police learned the man accused of taking it was already wanted by state authorities.
Officers were called to Harding Avenue after a woman reported that a man had allegedly taken her son’s bicycle several days earlier.
According to the report, the woman told officers that Jessie Jewell took the bicycle near the end of May.
The bicycle was described as having blue tires.
The woman said she wanted police to be aware of the situation but did not wish to pursue a formal theft report at that time.
🚔 ARRESTED HOURS LATER
The next morning, Jewell was arrested on parole and probation violation charges.
According to records from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Jewell had been listed as a violator at large.
Authorities warned that he should be considered dangerous and potentially armed.
⚖️ LONG CRIMINAL HISTORY
Court records show Jewell was sentenced to 27 years in prison in 1996 after being convicted of rape and felonious assault.
He was released on parole in 2021 but was later returned to prison following additional legal trouble.
Records show he was subsequently charged with hit-skip and aggravated menacing before being sent back to prison.
He was released again in January of this year.
👀 WHAT IS A PAROLE VIOLATOR?
When a person is released from prison on parole, they must comply with a variety of conditions set by the state.
Violations can include:
- Failing to report to a parole officer
- Committing new offenses
- Possessing prohibited items
- Leaving approved areas without permission
- Other violations of supervision rules
When authorities determine those conditions have been violated, warrants can be issued and the individual can be taken back into custody.
🚨 BIKE COMPLAINT REMAINS SEPARATE
At this time, no charges related to the bicycle complaint have been filed.
The woman who contacted police declined to pursue a formal report.
However, the allegation surfaced just hours before Jewell was taken into custody on unrelated parole and probation violations.
He remains in custody pending further proceedings.
