Jury Trial Postponed in Jacob Payen Gun Case
BY JEFF SKINNER
SPRINGFIELD - A jury trial, which was previously scheduled for May 13 has been postponed and subpoenas have been issued for witness testimony in the criminal case of Haitian community pillar Jacob Payen, who allegedly brought a firearm into a courthouse in Clark County.
The criminal case of Haitian Community leader Jacob Payen, which began on May 13, continues with Clark County issuing subpoenas for witness testimony. Jacob Payen is accused of bringing a Glock 17 pistol into the Clark County courthouse on August 27, 2024. Payen is considered a local pillar of the Springfield Haitian community, as a leading member of the Haitian Community Alliance, and is often a cited source in local reporting regarding Haitian related issues. Payen is often interviewed by news outlets looking for a 'Haitian perspective' on issues and situations occurring in Clark County, and is unofficially seen as the 'poster child' for the Haitian Community in Springfield.
Most recently, Channel 10 news interviewed Payen in their article highlighting Governor Mike DeWine’s comments that things have effectively ‘returned to normal’ in the small town. The interview ironically may have taken place during Payen’s ongoing criminal trial. Payen owns a small voodoo shop in Springfield.
For the prosecution, the court has subpoenaed Bailiff Raney. The defense has requested Emmanuela Francoise Valcourt, owner of Manoo Beauty Salon and Daniel Pamphil. It is believed the defense witnesses will be character witnesses.
Despite news outlets being completely silent regarding the case and proceedings, many in the community are watching the case with great concern, believing this, like so many other criminal charges among the Haitian community in Springfield, will simply get dismissed. Payen was previously convicted in Clark County of failing to register his motor vehicle in October, 2024. Payen additionally has an extensive court history in his previous residence of St. Lucie County Florida.
