Search on for Lebanon man who failed to show for sentencing

Warren County authorities are searching for a Lebanon man that became the subject of an arrest warrant a day after he failed to appear for his sentencing for aggravated possession of drugs.

John D. Handley, 31, was scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 8.

Warren County sheriff’s deputies are actively searching for Handley, indicted in August on three drug charges. He earlier had been charged with rape through Lebanon Municipal Court, but a grand jury later declined to indict Handley on that.

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Handley was arrested on Aug. 20 at Trader’s World in Monroe after a Monroe man — found on July 12 naked, bloody and holding a knife at a downtown Lebanon restaurant — told police he had escaped after being raped and held captive for several days.

Handley was charged with rape, drug abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia, and held on $100,000 bond.

RELATED: No rape charge in case of Monroe man found naked, bloody, with knife

On Sept. 24, Handley was indicted for aggravated possession of drugs and possession of heroin, both fifth-degree felonies, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.

Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell said his office presented the case to the grand jury and was unable to say why no rape charge was issued.

“I can only assume that they did not believe there was sufficient evidence that the sexual activity was forced,” Fornshell said in a text message.

RELATED: Bond reduced for Lebanon man no longer facing rape case

Handley’s bond was reduced after he had served more than a month in the county jail on the rape charge that was not included in the indictment.

He was released from jail after requesting a medical furlough, and then out on a pretrial services bond in October.

He pleaded guilty to the aggravated possession charge on Nov. 26 and faced no more than a year in prison and a $2,500 fine, according to court records.

Handley’s sentencing, scheduled for Jan. 8, was continued after his lawyer, Markus Moll, filed a motion on the day of the hearing asking for a delay.

“Defendant has a flat tire and is unable to use his vehicle. Further, Defendant has indicted to undersigned counsel that he is unable to find a ride from any friends or family,” Moll said in the motion.

See who’s in the Warren County Jail

The next day, an arrest warrant was issued after Handley failed to “comply with community corrections,” and his bond was revoked, court records show.

This week, authorities said Handley was still on the loose.

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