LISBON — Tyree Deshaun Robinson of Youngstown, a man accused of involuntary manslaughter after an East Palestine man died after using drugs police said Robinson provided, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment hearing Thursday.

Although the majority of arraignments scheduled in Columbiana Common Pleas Court on Thursday were canceled, an exception was made for seven men being held in the county jail.

Robinson, 25, said he plans to hire Boardman defense attorney Thomas Zena, but Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Bickerton appointed attorney James Wise in case Robinson is unable to do so.

When it came to setting bond, chief assistant county Prosecutor John Gamble said there was great difficulty in locating Robinson, who he noted is transient by nature. Gamble asked that because of the seriousness of the charges that bond be continued at $75,000 cash or surety and Bickerton agreed.

Investigators said they believe Robinson is responsible for the overdose death of Joseph Robert Urgitus on March 6, 2019, after the substance Robinson is accused of supplying to Urgitus contained fentanyl.

Additionally, Shamar Gould was among those who appeared. Gould, 36, East Third Street, Salem, pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and felonious assault. The charges are first- and second-degree felonies.

Gamble said Gould has a history of trafficking in drugs in Columbiana County and in this case is accused of severely beating a known drug addict, Brandon Zepernick, to collect on a drug debt. Gamble said Gould has been known to exhibit violence in the past as well.

Gould’s bond was reduced from $500,000 cash or surety to $250,000 cash or surety, despite Gould’s assurances to Bickerton that he is not a flight risk. Gould said he is in the process of having his family hire attorney Joseph King. For now, Bickerton appointed attorney Paul Conn to represent him.

djohnson@mojonews.com