Couple pleads not guilty to exchanging drugs in courtroom

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — A couple accused of trying to exchange drugs in the Mahoning County Courthouse pleaded not guilty on Tuesday at their arraignments in common pleas court.

Joseph Grove, 37, of Youngstown, was arraigned before Magistrate Dominic DeLaurentis on charges of illegal conveyance of drugs and tampering with evidence, both third-degree felonies; possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony; and misdemeanor counts of possession of drugs and attempted possession of drugs.

Marquia Burroughs, 33, also of Youngstown, was arraigned on charges of assault, a fourth-degree felony, and obstructing official business, a fifth-degree felony.

Trial for both of them has been set for Dec. 16 before Judge Anthony D’Apolito.

Bond was denied for Grove, who has pending cases in common pleas court and federal court. Bond for Burroughs was set at $15,000.

The two were indicted last week via direct presentment.

The indictments came after prosecutors said the pair were caught on video Oct. 1 passing drugs to each other.

Video shows Burroughs was in Judge D’Apolito’s court for a heading and she dropped something on the floor. Grove, who was carrying court papers, dropped his papers on that spot. Prosecutors say Burroughs dropped cocaine on the ground which Grove scooped up.

Grove was tackled by deputies after he picked up what was dropped.

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