Former Warren man arraigned on new charges in Alesha Bell's death

JEFFERSON — James E. Brooks, 41, of Roaming Shores in Ashtabula County, formerly of Warren, was arraigned today in Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court on new charges related to the death of Alesha Bell, 18, of Warren.

He entered a not-guilty plea, and bond was set at $500,000. He also is in jail on federal charges.

Two of the new charges are involuntary manslaughter and accuse him of causing Bell’s death while kidnapping her or abducting her. Other new charges are single counts of trafficking in persons, kidnapping and abduction.

The new charges only related to Bell, said Nick Iarocci, Ashtabula County prosecutor. None relate to the disappearance of a Farrell, Pa., woman, Jasmaine Smith, 23, Iarocci said.

Smith’s family reported her missing in late June 2015 after last seeing her June 5, 2015. She reportedly had contact with Brooks. The family had a vigil Saturday to mark the Sunday one-year anniversary of her disappearance.

If convicted on the new charges, Brooks could get about 30 years in prison.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com