Missing woman Terri Jo Hamm's husband was arrested on a drug charge during a search of the couple's Lancaster home Sunday, but he could face more serious charges in coming days.
Jeffrey S. Hamm pleaded not guilty to a possession of drugs charge, a fifth-degree felony, and asked Fairfield County Municipal Judge Patrick Harris that a reasonable bond be set so he can get his affairs in order and hire an attorney. Hiring an attorney was important, he said, because of his recent dealings with the Fairfield County Prosecutor's Office. "This is going to get crazy real quick, your honor," Hamm said.
Hamm, 54, was arrested before a court-sealed search warrant was conducted Sunday at the Hamms' residence at 1442 E. Chestnut St. after 52-year-old Terri Hamm's disappearance Jan. 26. Jeffrey Hamm reported his wife missing to Lancaster police five days later, on Jan. 31. Fairfield County Prosecutor Gregg Marx said he could not confirm or deny that the investigation has anything to do with Terri Hamm's disappearance. Hamm did not say specifically what his issue with the prosecutor's office was at his arraignment Monday, but he said he needed an attorney quickly. "It's a long story. I'm sure you'll hear it," he told Harris.
According to the original police report, Hamm told police that he and his wife have been married for 17 years "and Terri has never done anything like this." Terri's purse, phone and eyeglasses were missing; her car and clothing were left at their East Chestnut Street home.
Marx attended Hamm's arraignment hearing and requested Jeffrey Hamm be held on a $500,000 cash or surety bond and a $250,000 recognizance bond. The bond recommendation is significant considering Hamm is facing a low-level felony charge for alleged heroin possession. Marx said the high bond was necessary for several reasons, including that Hamm is a potential flight risk and danger to the public if released. "I'm not a flight risk or a risk to anyone in the community or myself," Hamm said in response to the accusation. Marx said prosecutors also have a strong case against Hamm, including that he "confessed to detectives" about the heroin charge.
"I anticipate a great deal of other serious charges," Marx added, saying they could be filed within the next week. Marx did not say whether the other serious charges were related to Terri Hamm's disappearance.
http://www.lancastereaglegazette.co...2/09/missing-woman-husband-arrested/23132741/