Violations turn probation into prison time

Failure to follow the rules of his probation resulted Derrick Hughett making a return to prison Thursday morning.

By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com

Failure to follow the rules of his probation resulted Derrick Hughett making a return to prison Thursday morning.

The 34-year-old Galion man admitted in Crawford County Common Pleas Court to violating his community control after he used Ritalin, drove without a license and while under a suspension, failed to appear for counseling, and failed to make good faith payments on his restitution.

Judge Sean Leuthold imposed Hughett’s a 36-month prison sentence, the maximum allowed for the original charge of felony 3 attempted burglary.

Forty-six-year-old Thomas Owens, of Galion, pleaded guilty to felony 3 drug possession, felony 3 having weapons under disability, and felony 5 drug possession.

Leuthold ordered the matter be set for a sentencing in two weeks and continued the bond conditions. Owens posted a $300,000 bond prior to the hearing.

The recommended sentence included 36 months for the felony 3 drug possession, 12 months for having weapons under disability, and 11 months for the felony 5 drug possession. The sentences are expected to be served consecutively for a total of 59 months in prison.

Duane Lutz, 61, entered guilty pleas on two counts of improperly handling a fireman, both misdemeanors. He was placed on community control for one year on each charge and was ordered to forfeit drug-related property, a rifle, and a handgun.

“We don’t have a heroin addict running around with a gun, we don’t have a felon running around with a gun,” Leuthold explained. “This was a gentleman out hunting and maybe using marijuana. This is not the crime of the century.”

Chad Carlisle was supposed to appear for a final hearing on his probation violation, but Leuthold delayed that hearing until another matter is resolved.

The judge, noting that Carlisle participated in his Intensive Supervision and Treatment program, said Carlisle previously admitted to drinking alcohol, but additional information revealed the defendant was using opiates prescribed by his doctor.

“It does frustrate the heck out of me when it happens,” Leuthold said of doctors prescribing opiates to recovering addicts.

Carlisle said he was prescribed 45 Oxycodone pills by his doctor after having surgery. He admitted he explained to his doctor he was an addict.

“You have to know this was a bad idea,” Leuthold admonished when Carlisle said he was taking three pills a day for two weeks.

With Carlisle taking his final pill the previous day, Leuthold ordered Carlisle to appear for a drug test in three days.

“God help you if you test positive for opiates,” Leuthold said as he threw his glasses down in frustration. “I will tell you now it’s not a violation, but it’s a terrible decision on your part.”

Leuthold continued shaking his head as Carlisle left the courtroom, admitting that he was furious, disappointed, and angry.

Brad Tanner appeared in court for an initial hearing on probation violations. The 38-year-old Galion man allegedly failed to keep his supervising officer informed of his place of employment and failed to follow his court-ordered counseling.

“This has been a massive cluster,” county probation officer Eric Bohach said as he explained the excuses and stories given by Tanner.

One story involved a “massive car accident,” according to Bohach as he pointed out Tanner’s well-being.

Leuthold set bond at $50,000 and appointed Grant Garverick as Tanner’s attorney.

Tanner was placed on intervention in 2015 after entering guilty pleas for deception to obtain a dangerous drug and forgery. He violated that program in May when he pleaded guilty on charges in Crawford County Municipal Court.