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Groves faces one, may have more filed later

An 18-year-old woman charged with beating to death a 67-year-old Lucasville man on Sept. 14, has been arraigned in Scioto County Common Pleas Court.

Robin R. Riggs, of 38 Valley St., Lucasville, was arraigned on a six-count indictment, including three counts of aggravated murder, a count of aggravated robbery, a count of aggravated burglary and a count of tampering with evidence.

“She entered a not-guilty plea, and the court continued the bond of $220,000 set by Portsmouth Municipal Court. And she remains in the Scioto County jail,” said Scioto County Prosecutor Mark Kuhn.

The man previously listed as her accomplice has been indicted on a single charge, tampering with evidence.

Scott A. Groves, 40, of 1718 Poplar St., Portsmouth was arrested after Scioto County sheriff's deputies arrested Riggs in the death of Ronald Cox, in his home at 631 Little Egypt Road, Lucasville.

Groves had been charged with aggravated murder, aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence, but a Scioto County Grand Jury filed the one charge.

“He was indicted on just the tampering with evidence charge, but several other charges are before the grand jury and may possibly be brought in the future,” Kuhn said.

The indictment stated in part: “Scott A. Groves, knowing that an investigation was in progress, or is about to be or likely to be instituted, did alter, destroy, conceal, or remove any record, document, or thing, with the purpose to impair its availability as evidence in such proceeding or investigation.”

Kuhn said, “Groves was returned to the Scioto County Jail, where he is being held without bond.”

Riggs is accused of beating Cox to death with a flashlight while attempting to commit the crimes of aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary.

FRANK LEWIS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.