Press Releases

Six defendants were sentenced and four pled guilty before Judge Mark S. O’Connor on Monday August 11, 2008.

Justin Bauer, 28 of West Carrolton was sentenced to twelve years in prison for burglary and felonious assault.  In addition, the Defendant must be supervised by the Adult Parole Authority for three years after he completes his prison sentence.

Franklin Bailey, age 48 of Russells Point was sentenced to sixty days in jail, five years community control and ordered to pay child support, attorney fees and costs for the charge of non-support of dependents.

David Young, age 28 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to five years community control and ordered to pay attorney fees and court costs for failure to provide written address change as a sexual offender.

Sherisicia Powell, age 24 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to thirty days in jail, two years probation, and ordered to pay a $250 fine, attorney fees and court costs for arson.

Whitney LeVally, age 22 of Marysville was sentenced to five years community control which was suspended until her completion of a previous prison sentence, and ordered to attend counseling for forgery.

Aaron Mertz, age 28 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to illegal processing of drug documents and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction.  Mr. Mertz must complete substance abuse counseling and three years community control.

Jeffrey Carothers, age 23 of Rushsylvania pled guilty to failure to register, Buddy Miller, age 27 of Lima pled guilty to possession of drugs, Danielle Leming, age 23 of London pled guilty to forgery, and Francis Conte, age 37 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to robbery with a gun specification.  Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencings are scheduled for September 15, 2008.

Six defendants were sentenced and two defendants pled guilty before Judge Mark O’Connor on June 9, 2008.

Matthew Haley, age 23 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to three years in prison on each count of having a weapon under disability and tampering with evidence to be served concurrently.

Joseph Collins, age 25 of Lakeview had a three year prison sentence reimposed after he violated his probation.  His original charge was burglary.

Ronald Griffith, age 48 of Marysville was sentenced to eighteen months in prison for a probation violation.  He originally pled guilty to driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Marvin Nickell, age 41 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to twelve months in prison for assault on a police officer.

Kyna Brown, age 26 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to ten months in prison for possession of drugs.

Robert Ferguson, age 38 of Belle Center was continued on community control after a probation violation hearing.  He previously pled guilty to safecracking.

Daniel Slaven, age 28 of DeGraff pled guilty to misuse of a credit card and Austin Herron of Bellefontaine pled guilty to burglary and illegal conveyance of a weapon or prohibited item into a jail.  Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencings are scheduled for July 14, 2008.

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Three defendants were sentenced and four defendants pled guilty on Tuesday May 27, 2008 before the Common Pleas Court Judge Mark O’Connor.

            Jason Brandon, age 23 of Springfield was sentenced to four years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation, given and $7,500 fine and shall serve a mandatory three years on post release control.  This sentence is to be served consecutively to a sentence from Champaign County.  The defendant was previously found guilty of possession of crack cocaine.

            Jair Mundy, age 23 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to six months in the West Central correctional facility, placed on community control for five years and ordered to pay a $250 fine, restitution, attorney fees and court costs for receiving stolen property.

            Jeffrey Young, age 26 of Russells Point was sentenced to five years community control, and ordered to pay a $500 fine, attorney fees, restitution and court costs for trafficking in drugs.

            Teather Spires, age 19 of Lewistown pled guilty to passing bad checks. She was then placed on the prosecutor’s pretrial diversion program.

            Donald Huffman, age 39 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to safecracking, Karen Shafer pled guilty to theft and Benjamin Clark pled guilty to two counts of burglary, and one count each of breaking and entering and theft.  Presentence investigations were ordered for each defendant and sentencings are scheduled for June 30, 2008.

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Five defendants were sentenced on May 12, 2008 by Common Pleas Judge Mark O’Connor.

Misty Clark, age 29 of Cairo was sentenced to fifteen months in the Ohio Reformatory for Women for the charge of burglary.

James Beckman, age 29 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to ten months in prison on each of three counts of breaking and entering to be served concurrently.

Victoria Hall, age 37 of Forest previously pled guilty to non-support of dependents and was sentenced to five years community control, ordered to seek employment and pay restitution, costs and attorney fees.

Daryl Hawkins, age 24 of Lakeview was sentenced to ten months in prison for a probation violation.  His original charge was breaking and entering.

Alyssa Holmes, age 20 of Bellefontaine was continued on five years community control for a violation.  She was also ordered to complete family treatment court.  Her original charge was theft.

Martha Fields, age 30 of Columbus pled guilty to one count of trafficking in drugs.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2008.

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Judge Mark O’Connor sentenced six offenders and took one guilty plea on May 5, 2008.

Berry Emberling, age 44 of Lakeview was sentenced to three years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for one count of gross sexual imposition.  He was classified as a Tier II sex offender with a duty to register with the sheriff for twenty-five years.  In addition, he was ordered to be on post release control for five years after his prison sentence.

Steven Briley, age 43 of Huntsville was sentenced to three years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for violating a protection order.

Douglas Boggs, age 26 of Bellefontaine previously pled guilty to non-support of dependents and was sentenced to five years community control and ordered to pay child support, attorney fees and court costs.

Kendra Henry, age 30 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to five years community control, ordered to obtain drug counseling and to pay a $250 fine, attorney fees and court costs for possession of drugs.

John Stevens, age 42 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to five years community control, ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, drug counseling and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, attorney fees and court costs for trafficking in marijuana.

Matthew Haley, age 23 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to having a weapon under disability and tampering with evidence.  A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for June 9, 2008.

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Four defendants changed their plea on Monday April 21, 2008 before Judge Mark O’Connor.

Jason Brandon, age 23 of Springfield pled no contest and was found guilty of possession of drugs.  Jair Mundy, age 23 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to receiving stolen property.  Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencings are scheduled for May 27, 2008.

Marvin Nickell, age 40 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to assault.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2008.

Anthony Brenner, age 36 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to forgery and receiving stolen property.  Mr. Brenner was then sentenced to fifteen months in prison.

Clint Pierce, age 27 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to ten months in prison for a probation violation.  He originally pled guilty to theft.

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Seven defendants were sentenced before Judge Mark O’Connor on March 10, 2008.

Terrance Cooper, age 22 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to six years in prison and ordered to pay restitution for felonious assault.

Amber Hartman, age 19 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to eleven months in the Ohio Reformatory for Women for theft to be served concurrently with a sentence she is currently serving.

Brett Ballentine, age 27 of Springfield was sentenced to three years in prison for trafficking in cocaine.

Cindy McIntire, age 42 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to five years community control and ordered to pay a $250 fine, restitution, attorney fees and court costs for the charge of identity fraud.

Josh Harman, age 19 of Dublin was sentenced to two years on community control, six months in jail and $1000 fine both of which were suspended and ordered to pay restitution, costs and attorney fees for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Michael Grinch, age 33 of Bellefontaine and Jarrod Taylor were both continued on community control and ordered to obtain full time employment for probation violations.  Mr. Grinch’s original charge was importuning and Mr. Taylor was convicted of aggravated assault.

Brian Gordon, age 43 of Quincy pled no contest and was found guilty of theft of cable.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2008.

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Seven defendants were sentenced by Judge O’Connor on March 3, 2008 and three pled guilty.

Zane Grandi, age 19 of Russells Point and Damon Sims Jr, age 19 of Urbana were both sentenced to the West Central Community Based Correctional Institution, placed on community control for five years and ordered to pay a $500 fine, court costs and attorney fees.  Both had previously pled guilty to burglary.

Bonner McCluskey, age 45 of Findley was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail, five years community control and ordered to pay a $250 fine, attorney fees and restitution for the charge of theft.

Clyde Jordan, age 38 of North Lewisburg was sentenced to five years community control, ordered to attend counseling and pay restitution, a $500 fine, court costs and attorney fees for misuse of a credit card.

Herbert Johnson, age 34 of Lakeview was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail and ordered to pay a $250 fine, court costs and attorney fees for theft.

Stephany Barth, age 29 of Dunkirk previously pled guilty to attempted deception to obtain a dangerous drug and was sentenced to six months in jail suspended based on her good behavior.  She was also ordered to pay a $250 fine and court costs.

Robin Jutras, age 45 of Lima pled guilty to possession of drugs and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction.  She was ordered to complete counseling through Lutheran Social Services and placed on community control for three years.

Aaron Slave, age 26 of DeGraff pled guilty to forgery, Michael Justin age 38 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to non-support of dependents and Steven Clark age 29 of Springfield pled guilty to attempted trafficking in drugs.  Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencings are scheduled for April 7, 2008.

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Judge Mark O’Connor sentenced four defendants on Monday February 25, 2008 and took two guilty pleas.

Michael Robinson, age 44 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to fourteen years in prison for felonious assault, endangering children and domestic violence.

James Sheriff, age 40 of Lakeview was sentenced to three years each on two counts of sexual battery to be served concurrently.  A jury found him guilty of two counts of sexual battery in January and found him not guilty of two counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor and one count of sexual battery.  He was classified as a Tier III sex offender and notified of his duty to register for life.

Steve Fordham, age 51 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to five years community control, ninety-three days in the Logan County Jail, which has been served and ordered to pay a $500 fine, restitution and court costs for the charge of escape.

Alex Stewart, age 24 of Quincy was continued on community control and ordered to participate in parenting classes and mental health counseling for a probation violation.  Mr. Stewart originally pled guilty to burglary.

Eric Johnston, age 37 of Lakeview pled guilty to breaking and entering and was placed on the Prosecutor’s pretrial diversion program.

Damon Rollins, age 40 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to complicity to trafficking in drugs.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for March 31, 2008.

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Two defendants pled guilty on February 19, 2008.

Jonathan Gerard Jr., age 27 of Holland, pled guilty to theft.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for March 31, 2008.

Logan Cary, age 22 of Lakeview pled guilty to two counts of grand theft and was placed on the Prosecutor’s pretrial diversion program.

Josh Ross, age 28 of Huntsville, was sentenced to ten months in prison on each of the two counts of possession of drugs to be served concurrently. 

Bradley Morris, age 26 of Forest, admitted to a probation violation for an alleged traffic homicide and was sentenced to six months local jail time.  His original charge was permitting drug abuse.  He faces prosecution for the traffic homicide in Hancock County.

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On Wednesday February 20^th,

Jason Clevenger, age 26 of DeGraff pled guilty to the use of harmful intoxicants and was sentenced to two years community control and ordered to attend drug counseling.

Sergio Delgado, age 29 of Reynoldsburg pled guilty to possession of drugs.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for March 31, 2008.

Larry Taylor, age 47 of West Liberty admitted to a probation violation and was sentenced to three days in jail and continued on probation.  His original charge was possession of cocaine.

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On Friday February 1, 2008, Terrance Cooper, age 23 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to felonious assault.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for March 10^th.

Four additional defendants pled guilty on Monday February 4^th before Judge Mark O’Connor.

Cynthia McIntire, age 42 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to identity fraud, Josh Harman, age 19 of Dublin pled guilty to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and Brett Ballentine, age 27 of Springfield pled guilty to trafficking in drugs.  Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencings are scheduled for March 10, 2008.

Karen Erickson, age 41 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to passing bad checks and was placed on the prosecutor’s pretrial diversion program.

Steve Angel, age 32 of Millsboro Delaware was sentenced to three years in prison and ten months in prison, to be served concurrently for the charges of theft and escape.

The Third District Court of Appeals recently upheld a maximum sentence of five years against Matthew Parmer.  Parmer pled guilty to robbery, a third degree felony on August 15, 2007 in Logan County Common Pleas Court and was sentenced two days later for the hold up of Speedy Mart on May 27, 2007.  The appeals court found the trial court followed the appropriate statutes and the sentence was supported by the record.

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On December 19, 2007 two defendants changed their plea and Judge O’Connor sentenced one.

Christie Roark, age 31 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and Roger West, age 28 of Lakeview pled guilty to illegal processing of drug documents.  Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencings are scheduled for January 28, 2008.

Stacy Whitt, 36 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to five years community control and ordered to pay attorney fees, restitution and court costs for the charge of theft and illegal processing of drug documents.

On December 26, 2007, Jason Thompson, age 28 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to attempted arson and was sentenced to one year in prison to be served consecutive with other counties where he was on probation and after prison he must serve three years post release control.

Matthew Britt, age 23 of Dayton was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail, five years community control and ordered to pay a $500 fine and court costs for the charge of obstructing official business.

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Judge Mark O’Connor sentenced four defendants on December 17, 2007

Gregory Rhoads, age 43 of Rushsylvania was sentenced to eleven months in prison for two counts non-support.

Sheila Breslin, age 46 of Urbana was sentenced to six months at the West Central Correctional Facility, given five years community control and had her license suspended for six months for a charge of deception to obtain dangerous drugs.

Kerry Woodruff, age 40 of Russells Point was sentenced to sixty days in the Logan County Jail, ordered to pay a $550 fine, given two years probation and had his license suspended for two years for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Michael Lavalle, age 26 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to two years community control for attempted forgery.

The Third District Court of Appeals upheld a jury verdict from earlier this year.  A jury found Omar Sharrieff not guilty of one count of trafficking in cocaine and guilty of one count of trafficking in cocaine.  The jury also found money was subject to forfeiture to the State of Ohio.  The Defendant appealed the decision to the Third District Court of Appeals claiming ineffective assistance of counsel.  The Third District found the record failed to substantiate this claim and upheld the jury’s verdict.

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Three defendants were sentenced and two defendants pled guilty before Judge Mark O’Connor on December 10, 2007.

Matthew Purtee, age 28 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to nine years in prison for one count rape, two counts of gross sexual imposition and a post release control violation.

Paul Fulmer, age 33 of DeGraff was sentenced to three years in prison for gross sexual imposition.

Korey Grandi, age 20 of Russells Point was sentenced to the West Central Community Correctional Facility, placed on community control for five years and ordered to pay costs and restitution for aggravated assault.

Edward Bell, age 27 of Lima pled guilty to two counts of tampering with a coin machine and one count of possession of criminal tools.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2008.

Andrea Adams, age 39 of Rushsylvania pled guilty to possessing drug abuse instruments.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for May 12, 2008.

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Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark O’Connor sentenced five defendants on Monday November 19^th. 

Jason Snell, age 31 of Dayton was sentenced to five years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for four counts burglary, three counts breaking and entering and one count theft.

Simon Wells, age 25 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to three years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for having a weapon under disability.

Aaron Brock, age 25 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to fifteen months in prison for one count burglary and one count possession of drugs.

Robert Grafton, age 22 of Texas was sentenced to twelve months in prison for one count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of furnishing alcohol to an underage person.

Timothy Browning, age 43 of Bellefontaine previously pled guilty to domestic violence and was sentenced to ten months in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.

Gregory Rhoads, age 43 of Rushsylvania pled guilty to two counts of non-support of dependents and Michael Lavalle, age 26 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to attempted forgery.  Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencings are scheduled for December 17, 2007.  Gary Fouse, age 37 of Russells Point pled guilty to non-support of dependents.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for January 2, 2008.

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Judge O’Connor sentenced six defendants on Monday October 29, 2007

Justin Davis, age 19 of Russells Point was sentenced to six months in the West Central Community Correctional Facility, five years community control and ordered to pay a $1000 fine, restitution, attorney fees and court costs.  The Defendant previously pled guilty to theft and safecracking.

Billy Grider, age 43 of Forest was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail, five years community control and ordered to pay a $500 fine, restitution, attorney fees and court costs for breaking and entering. 

Justin Green, age 27 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to sixty days in the Logan County Jail, five years community control, ordered to seek counseling and to pay a $500 fine, attorney fees and court costs.  The Defendant was previously found guilty to voyeurism.  The Court declared the defendant a sexually oriented offender and a tier one sex offender and advised defendant of his duty to register with the sheriff.

Ronnie Herring, age 48 of Lakeview, was sentenced to six months in the West Central Community Correctional Facility, five years community control and ordered to pay a $500 fine, restitution, attorney fees and court costs.  Mr. Herring’s license was also suspended for six months.  The Defendant previously pled guilty to trafficking in drugs.

Jerrod Pooler, age 36 of Zanesfield was sentenced to six months in the West Central Community Correctional Facility, five years community control and ordered to pay court costs for a community control violation.  The Defendant’s original charge was domestic violence.

Cassandra Nensteil, age 25 of Columbus previously pled guilty to receiving stolen property and was sentenced to five years community control and ordered to pay a $250 fine, attorney fees and court costs.

Two defendants pled guilty on October 26, 2007.

Stephanie Montgomery, age 33 of Alger pled guilty to forgery and Douglas Murphy, age 28 of North Lewisburg pled guilty to domestic violence.  Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencings are assigned for December 3, 2007.

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Judge Mark O’Connor placed three defendants on the prosecutor’s pretrial diversion program on October 8, 2007.  Deanna Burnham, age 35 of Cable pled guilty to grand theft, Jerome Hicks, age 18 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to aggravated assault, and Melissa Jutras, age 41 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to receiving stolen property.

Joshua Kaehler, age 29 of Lima pled guilty of receiving stolen property and Stacy Whitt, age 36 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to theft and possession of illegal drug documents.  Presentence investigations were assigned for both and sentencings are scheduled for November 13, 2007.

Michael Hoel, age 25 of Russells Point was sentenced to six months in the West Central Community Correctional Facility, placed on community control for five years, ordered to have no contact with the victim and ordered to pay a $250 fine, attorney fees and court costs for the charge of complicity to commit grand theft.

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Five defendants pled guilty before Judge Mark O’Connor on Monday October 1, 2007. 

James Disbennett, age 24 of Marysville pled guilty to violating a civil protection order.  David Huffman, age 40 of West Liberty pled guilty to trafficking in drugs.  Jesse Hicks III, age 37 of Union City pled guilty to non-support of dependents and Michael Justice, 24 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to failure to provide notice of address change.  Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencing for each defendant is scheduled for November 5, 2007.

Carrie Chapman, age 28 of Marysville pled guilty to forgery and was placed on the prosecutor’s pretrial diversion program.

Tasha Artis, age 25 of Lima was sentenced to complete a community based correctional facility as a result of a community control violation.  Ms. Artis originally pled guilty to theft.

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Judge O’Connor took eight guilty pleas from defendants on September 24, 2007.

Lonny McKee, age 34 of DeGraff pled guilty to Trafficking in drugs.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for November 2, 2007.

Justin Davis, age 18 of Russells Point pled guilty to theft and safecracking.  Christine Freshour, age 37 of Riverside pled guilty to election fraud, Billy Grider, age 43 of Forest pled guilty to breaking and entering, Justin Green, age 27 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to voyeurism, Ronnie Herring, age 48 of Lakeview pled guilty to three counts of trafficking in drugs and Cassandra Nensteil, age 25 of Columbus pled guilty to receiving stolen property.  Presentence investigations were ordered on all defendants and sentencings are scheduled for October 29, 2007.

Jerrid Lhamon, age 23 of Russells Point pled guilty to burglary and was sentenced to two years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections to be served consecutive to a term he is currently serving.

Gregory Ford, age 26 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail, two years community control and ordered to pay a $250 fine, attorney fees and court costs for the charge of complicity to commit theft.

Stephen Clemens, age 49 of Columbus was given a six month suspended sentence condition on good behavior for five years and ordered to pay a $250 fine, court costs and attorney fees for passing bad checks.

Denise Robinson, age 45 of Quincy was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail, five years community control and ordered to pay $250 fine, attorney fees and court costs for the charge of possession of drugs.

Five defendants were sentenced by Judge Mark O’Connor on September 4, 2007

Eric Hatfield, age 23 of Bellefontaine, was sentenced to six years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections to run concurrent with a sentence he is currently serving.  Mr. Hatfield previously pled guilty to robbery.

Joshua Norman, age 23 of Grove City was sentenced to one year in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for the charge of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.  Mr. Norman was labeled a sexually oriented offender, a tier II of the new Adam Walsh Law.

Mary Brautigam, age 28 of Quincy was sentenced to ninety days in the Logan County Jail, five years community control and ordered to pay a $500 fine and court costs for the charge of patient abuse.

Theresa Judd, age 49 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail, five years community control and ordered to pay restitution, costs and attorney fees for the charge of theft.  She is to report to serve her sentence on September 7, 2007.

LeAnn Foster, age 46 of Quincy was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail, five years community control and ordered to pay restitution, costs and attorney fees for the charge of theft.  She is to report to serve her sentence on September 6, 2007.

Michael Hoel, age 25 of Russells Point pled guilty to theft a felony of the third degree.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2007.

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Eight defendants were sentenced August 28, 2007 by Judge O’Connor

Sue Hutchins, age 35 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to four years in the Ohio Reformatory for Women for permitting child abuse.

James Gilliam, age 24 of Lewistown, was sentenced to eight months in the Ohio Reformatory for Women for possession of drugs.

Reagan Henry, age 24 of Findley, was sentenced to ninety days in the Logan County jail, placed on community control for five years and ordered to pay a $500 fine and costs for the charge of aggravated possession of drugs.

Gary Wilcoxon, age 37 of Bellefontaine waived a grand jury, pled guilty to non-support of dependents and Melissa Randall, age 21 of Quincy waived a grand jury and pled guilty to four costs of forgery.  Both were placed in the Prosecutor’s pre-trial diversion program.

Misty Miracle, age 22 of Belle Center pled guilty to possession of drugs and Shawn Burns, 31 of Lima pled guilty to theft.  Both were granted intervention in lieu of conviction and were ordered to complete substance abuse counseling and three years community control.

Jeremy Ray, age 26 of Lakeview was continued on community control after a probation violation.  His original charge was driving while under the influence of drug or alcohol.

William Dolan II, age 32 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to breaking and entering.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2007.

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On August 13, 2007, Judge Mark O’Connor found Michael Robinson, age 43 of Bellefontaine who is facing charges of felonious assault, endangering children and domestic violence, competent to stand trial.  The Forensic Psychiatry Center for Western Ohio performed Mr. Robinson’s evaluation.

Niesha Mundy, age 21 of Springfield was sentenced to six months residential treatment in West Central Correctional Facility.  Ms. Mundy was also placed on community control for five years and ordered to pay a $250 fine, attorney fees and court costs.

Donald McDaniel, age 30 of Lima pled guilty to two counts of non-support and was placed on the Prosecutor’s pretrial diversion program.

Stacie Howsman, age 42 of Zanesfield pled guilty to possession of drugs and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction.  Ms. Howsman must complete drug and mental health counseling and was placed under supervision of the adult parole authority for three years.

Glenn Gaines, age 46 of Lima pled guilty to possession of drugs.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2007. 

On Friday, August 10, 2007, the Court concluded a three day civil trial.  Faye Kritzwiser of Springfield filed a wrongful death claim against Dr. Paul Bonetsky.  A jury of eight found that Dr. Bonetsky failed to meet the standard of care which was a proximate cause of the death of Billy Kritzwiser.  The jury awarded the Plaintiff $400,000.

Five defendants were sentenced by Judge Mark O’Connor on July 30, 2007.

Dale Morris, age 43 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to two years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for one count of aggravated possession of drugs and one count of having a weapon under disability.

John Rohrbaugh, age 31 of Lakeview was sentenced to eleven months in prison for one count of breaking and entering and one count of possession of drugs to be served consecutively to a sentence from Franklin County.

Eric Levingston, age 34 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to ten months in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for the charge of breaking and entering.

David Craft, age 39 of Mansfield was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail for the charge of aggravated trespassing.

Homer Wilson, age 48 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to serve thirty days in the Logan County Jail, placed on community control for five years and ordered to pay a $500 fine, costs and restitution for the charge of failure to comply with the orders of a police officer.

Four defendants pled guilty; Mary Brautigam, age 28 of Quincy, pled guilty to patient abuse (F4), Eric Hatfield, age 23 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to robbery (F2), Joshua Norman, age 24 of Columbus pled guilty to unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and Leann Foster, age 46 of Quincy pled guilty to theft.  Presentence investigations were ordered and sentencings for four defendants were scheduled for September 4, 2007.

In other Court business, the Third District Court of Appeals recently upheld the conviction of Frank Castle.  In 2006 a jury found Mr. Castle guilty of aggravated assault and he was sentenced to fifteen months in prison.  He was released on bond pending his appeal.  The Common Pleas Court on Monday revoked Defendant’s bond since the appeal was denied and recommitted the Defendant to prison to serve the balance of his sentence. 

Also attached is a separate memo which discusses the recent changes in the Ohio Sex Offender Registration Law.

In the last ten days the Common Pleas Court has sentenced twelve defendants, taken two pleas, placed two individuals in the prosecutor’s pretrial diversion program and granted one intervention in lieu of conviction.

Aaron Woodruff, age 35 of Springfield was sentenced to four years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for the charge of possession of drugs.

Rodney Palmer, age 40 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to one year in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for operating and motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Mr. Palmer’s license were also suspended for three years.

Brian Shoffner, age 39 of Russells Point was found guilty of a probation violation and resentenced to three years in the prison.  Mr. Shoffner’s original charge was aggravated vehicular homicide.

Brandyn Cox, age 20 of Columbus was sentenced to three years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for aggravated robbery.

Misty Stanley, age 26 of Lakeview was found guilty of a probation violation and ordered to serve her remaining sentence of ten months in the Logan County Jail.  Ms. Stanley was previously convicted of deception to obtain a dangerous drug.

Kimberly Garver, age 47 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to six months in the Logan County Jail with all but ninety days suspended.  She was also ordered to serve two years of probation, perform one hundred hours of community service, her license was suspended for three years and she was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, restitution and court costs.  Ms. Garver previously pled guilty to vehicular homicide.

Bernard Erwin, age 24 of Pleasantville was found guilty of a probation violation.  Mr. Erwin was sentenced to five years community control, ordered to attend counseling and pay costs and attorney fees.  His original charge was receiving stolen property.

William Neeley, age 37 of Quincy was sentenced to five years community control for non-support of dependents.  Mr. Neeley must also set up a wage withholding for child support purposes.

Jason Frame, age 18 of Huber Heights was sentenced to five years community control, ordered to obtain employment and pay a $500 fine, court costs and attorney fees for the charge of possession of drugs.

Melissa Sparks, age 30 of Springfield previously pled guilty to election fraud and was sentenced to five years probation, and ordered to pay a $250 fine and attorney fees.

Jerrod Pooler, age 35 of Zanesfield was also sentenced to five years community control, ordered to pay a $500 fine, costs and attorney fees for previously pleading guilty to domestic violence.

Vicky Whitt, age 37 of Galloway, was sentenced to complete a community based correctional facility program, placed on probation for five years, and ordered to pay a $250 fine, restitution, attorney fees and court costs for receiving stolen property, identity fraud and forgery.

Howard Carpenter, age 56 of Zanesfield pled guilty to breaking and entering and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction.  Mr. Carpenter must complete a drug treatment program and three years of community control.

Dorthea Longbreak, age 52 of Huntsville pled guilty to forgery and Cheryl Alltop, age 44 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to theft.  Both were placed on the Prosecutor’s pretrial diversion program.

Reagan Henry, age 24 of Findley pled guilty to aggravated possession of drugs.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for August 27, 2007.

Danielle Garza, age 19 of Findley also pled guilty to aggravated possession of drugs.  A presnetence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2007.

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Eight defendants were sentenced before Judge Mark O’Connor on May 14, 2007.

Dustin Krouse, age 22 of Lakeview was sentenced to a total of twenty eight months in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections on two cases.  Mr. Krouse pled guilty to two counts of theft on May 7^th and had previously pled guilty to a prior community control violation.

Aaron Hobart, age 25 of Lakeview was sentenced to one year in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for grand theft.

Four other defendants were placed on five years community control and ordered to pay various fines, restitution and costs.  They are Kenneth Walke, age 28 of Bellefontaine for taking the identity of another; Matthew Salyers, age 24 of Urbana for nonsupport of dependents; Timothy Miller, age 29 of Bellefontaine for nonsupport of dependents; and Sawn Wood, age 26 of Dayton for possession of drugs.

Gregory Vermillion, age 50 of Lima pled guilty to importuning and was granted intervention in lieu of conviction.  The defendant must complete a treatment program and three years of community control.

Melissa Brown, age 38 of DeGraff pled guilty to theft and was placed on the Prosecutor’s pretrial diversion program.

Jerrid Lhamon, age 22 of Russells Point pled guilty to burglary.  A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2007.

In other Court news, the Third District Court of Appeals affirmed Judge O’Connor in an appeal filed by Ryan Childers.  Mr. Childers appealed his conviction for murder and his sentence of fifteen years to life.  The Court of Appeals found the trial court did not error in denying the defendant’s motion to suppress his confession.

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Judge O’Connor sentenced ten defendants took six pleas and heard two judicial release motions Monday May 7^th.

James Hazlett, age 59 was sentenced to serve ninety days in the Logan County Jail, five years community control, ordered to have no contact with the victim or juveniles, and ordered to pay restitution, costs and attorney fees for the charge of endangering children.

Eric Herford, age 21 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to eight months in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections and ordered to pay restitution for pleaing guilty to aggravated assault.

Miguel Medina, age 26 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to eight months in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for the charge of trafficking in cocaine.

Jarrod Taylor, age 20 of Belle Center was sentenced to thirty days in the Logan County Jail, five years community control and ordered to pay a $250 fine, costs and attorney fees for the charge of aggravated assault.

Alan Szabo, age 30 of Springfield was sentenced to serve sixty days in the Logan County Jail, five years community control and ordered to pay a $250 fine, costs and attorney fees for the charge of election fraud.

Clint Pierce, age 26 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to West Central Community Correctional Facility to serve a six month residential treatment program, five years community control, and ordered to pay a $500 fine, costs and attorney fees for the charge of theft. 

William Mickes, age 41 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to five years community control and ordered to pay costs and attorney fees for pleading guilty to non-support of dependents.

Stacy Whitt, age 35 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to West Central Community Correctional Facility to serve a six month residential treatment program, five years community control for a probation violation charge.

Michael Sniffen, age 33 of Bellefontaine was sentenced to West Central Community Correctional Facility to serve a six month residential treatment program, five years community control for a probation violation charge.

Tony Whitt, age 37 of Bellefontaine was continued on community control for a probation violation charge.

Christopher Yaeger, age 30 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to breaking and entering, a felony of the fifth degree.  Sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2007.  Rodney Palmer, age 39 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, a felony of the fourth degree.  Anthony Langford, age 35 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to attempted possession of drugs a misdemeanor of the first degree.  Michael Carr, age 25 of Marysville pled guilty to public indecency a misdemeanor of the first degree.  Eric Howe, age 23 of Bellefontaine pled guilty to trafficking in drugs.  Presentence investigations were ordered for all defendants and sentencing are scheduled for June 11^th.

Frank Huish, age 32 of Bellefontaine was granted judicial release.  He was placed on probation for five years and ordered to pay costs, and attorney fees.  His original charge was burglary.

Jimmie Miranda, age 21 of Huntsville was denied judicial release.  His original charges were burglary and theft.

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The Third District Court of Appeal on April 30^th upheld the Judgment of the Logan County Common Pleas Court in the case of Williams v. Lowe’s of Bellefontaine.  Kathleen and Dennis Williams of Zanesfield sued Lowe’s for injuries Mrs. Williams sustained when she slipped on a wet cement floor at Lowe’s on May 21, 2003.  The Logan County Common Pleas Court dismissed the case on Lowe’s motion for a summary judgment.  On appeal, the Third District Court of Appeal upheld the lower court’s finding that “the open and obvious doctrine” was a bar to the Williams’ claims. 

Court spokesperson Debbie Egbert said the civil docket is the lesser known side of the Court’s business; in 2006 there were nearly three civil cases for every criminal case (631 civil verses 231 criminal).  Like the Williams’ case, most civil cases involve several pretrial conferences and hearings, and usually pretrial motions and decision.  Over half of the civil cases are scheduled for jury trial and many of those cases are resolved through voluntary mediation.  For additional information contact Debbie Egbert at (937) 599-7261 or through e-mail at degbert@co.logan.oh.us.

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