BUCYRUS — An alternate type of pretrial hearing was used regarding the case of a former Crawford County Corrections Officer.

Jason Tupps, 44, of Galion, and attorney Adam Stone, had a pretrial hearing by telephone Tuesday at 1 p.m.

The case is being presided over by visiting Judge Robert Pollex who served in Wood County Common Pleas Court for more than 30 years before retiring, and special prosecutor Maggie Tomaro is representing the State of Ohio after Crawford County Common Pleas Judge Sean Leuthold and Crawford County Prosecutor Matt Crall were recused from the case July 27.

Prosecutor, judge recused from Tupps trial

Pretrial hearings typically take place in-person, however, due to Pollex being out of town, a telephone conference call was considered the most efficient, according to the Crawford County Bailiff’s Office.

Tupps’ trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 16 at 8:30 a.m. and is scheduled for three days.

Tupps was indicted July 30, 2018 of multiple felony charges coming from an incident in Galion on July 9, 2018.

Corrections officer indicted on 6 counts

He submitted a letter of resignation to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office dated Aug. 6, 2018.

Charges included improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony; and abduction, a third-degree felony. He also was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, using weapons while intoxicated, aggravated menacing, and assured clear distance, all first-degree misdemeanors.

According to reports, Tupps called 911 and told a dispatcher that a woman had rammed his vehicle and attempted to flee. During the 911 call, Tupps told the dispatcher he had the woman at gunpoint and requested back-up from the Galion Police Department. He can be heard on the 911 tape repeatedly warning the woman that, if she moved, he would shoot her.

He refused to participate in field sobriety tests and yelled and cursed at officers.

During the arrest, a 40-caliber handgun and 45 rounds of ammunition were found. Officers also found a metal vial which contained a white powder-like substance. The vial was submitted for further testing.