By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
The battle between opposing counsels in the death of Frederick Saunders Sr. has been a contentious one, but the counsel for the defense took a hit Monday afternoon.
In an unexpected hearing, Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold held defense attorney Adam Stone in indirect criminal contempt for violating a gag order.
Leuthold imposed the gag order in April on Stone and county prosecutor Matthew Crall after the two issued a number of press releases to local media that argued aspects of the case. The judge stated at the time that any statements made to the media would have to be done in writing and approved by him first, citing ethics guidelines for his position.
Stone recently had an email conversation with a Richland Source reporter, which he believed to be off the record. Those comments were posted in an article on June 24.
“I take full responsibility of my actions,” Stone stated in court. “I thought what I was doing was not on record. Comments were published, some of which were partially accurate and some were inaccurate.”
Stone added that he trusted the wrong person.
Leuthold charged Stone with violating the gag order in place and gave the attorney an opportunity to contest the charges. Stone, however, waived his right to a hearing and admitted to being in contempt.
“I’ll take whatever punishment this court deems necessary,” Stone added.
Leuthold commended Stone’s work ethic in the years he’s served as defense counsel in the Crawford County courts. Though there were mitigating factors, Leuthold pointed out that Stone talked with someone who was not local. He fined Stone $250 for the contempt charge.
“I appreciate the way you’ve taken responsibility on this, Mr. Stone,” Leuthold said before giving Stone and Crall one final warning. “Gentlemen, there is a gag order in place. I do not expect my order to be violated again by either party.”
Stone is serving as the defense attorney for Frederick Saunders Jr. and his wife Marla 
Saunders, who have been charged in the death of Frederick Saunders Sr. Saunders Jr. was charged with aggravated murder in the death of his father, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence. Marla Saunders is facing charges of complicity to commit murder, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence. Their trials were originally set for July, but have since been delayed in order to address numerous motions filed in the cases.
Marla Saunders’ twin sister, Carla Willougby, pleaded guilty to lesser charges of tampering with evidence and obstructing justice, both third-degree felonies. As part of her plea agreement, the state agreed to dismiss the two most serious charges of complicity to commit aggravated murder and kidnapping. Though Willoughby is still awaiting sentencing, which could not include prison and result in five years on community control, Crall credited Willoughby for alerting police to the possibility of foul play.
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