By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
Twelve people appeared before Judge Sean Leuthold on Tuesday morning and when seven of them left the courtroom they were on their way to prison. According to the judge he has sentenced more than 60 people to prison terms in less than two months since taking over the Crawford County Common Pleas Court bench.
Bryan Miller, 37, appeared ready to roll the dice with a jury trial when he first appeared before the judge. That changed when the judge pointed out to him that the offer from the County Prosecutor on two probation violation cases and four new charges that could carry a maximum sentence of more than 14 years if convicted was only good for the day.
The Bucyrus man was sentenced on three cases – two relating to probation violations and new charges of breaking and entering and grand theft. Miller’s combined sentences are for a total prison term of 54 months. Two additional charges in the new case – second-degree burglary and possessing criminal tools – were dropped in exchange for Miller’s plea. Miller was also ordered to pay restitution which is yet to be determined.
Laken Stallings of Fostoria was sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting to probation violations. Stallings, 24, admitted to violating probation stemming from a 2012 conviction for theft.
Sheree Pfeifer was sentenced to three consecutive 12-month terms for a total of 36 months as a result of pleading guilty to drug-related charges. Charges against Pfeifer included two counts of drug trafficking and one count of drug possession.
Judge Leuthold told the 22-year-old Bucyrus woman, “This county doesn’t tolerate drug trafficking. When you get out of prison you’ve got to stay away from drugs.”
Justin Arsenault and Scott Jackson were each sentenced to seven months in prison on drug-related charges.
Arsenault, age 31 and from Crestline pleaded guilty to fifth-degree drug possession. Jackson pleaded guilty to a bill of information, also on charges of fifth-degree drug possession.
Ashley Cramer and Devin Eichler were each sentenced to six months in prison, also on drug-related charges.
The 23-year-old Cramer is from Tiffin and pleaded guilty to fifth-degree drug possession. Eichler, who is 29 and resides in Marion, also pleaded guilty to fifth-degree drug possession charges and got a message from the judge as well.
“You’ve had a lot of chances. You haven’t taken advantage of any of them,” Leuthold said. “And now you’re going to prison.”
In other cases Tuesday Corby Creech pleaded guilty to fifth-degree breaking and entering. Creech was continued on bond for a pre-sentence investigation. The recommended sentence is five years and community control and paying $2,500 in restitution.
Craig Lantz appeared for sentencing. The 30-year-old Bucyrus man who is not currently eligible for a prison sentence according to state guidelines, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of fifth-degree possession of a dangerous drug and was sentenced to five years of community control with the stipulation he must go to drug and alcohol counseling.
Galion resident Kelly Burns pleaded guilty to a bill of information charging her with fifth-degree drug possession. She two was placed on five years of community control and must undergo a drug and alcohol assessment and recommended follow-up treatment.
Twenty-six-year-old Heather Mosely of Bucyrus pleaded guilty to fifth-degree felony theft. Mosley was continued on bond for a pre-sentence investigation. The recommended sentence is five years on community control with 120 days in the county jail along with a drug and alcohol assessment.
Twenty-six-year-old Caitlyn Lambright of Crestline was also scheduled for a change of plea hearing on Tuesday. Lambright is charged with two counts of receiving stolen property. Lambright instead decided not to enter a plea and told the court she will be getting another attorney to represent her.