Bucyrus man sentenced to prison says it’s time for him to grow up

By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com

John Friend II freely admitted he was getting too old to be acting the way he has been. Judge Russell Wiseman wholeheartedly agreed.

The 33-year-old Bucyrus man pleaded guilty in Crawford County Common Pleas Court Tuesday afternoon to tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony, and possessing drugs, a fifth-degree felony. Both incidents occurred on March 20.

Friend was sentenced to 12 months on each count. The sentences will be served concurrently. He was credited for 55 days already served in jail. Friend’s driver’s license was suspended for six months and he must pay a $1,250 drug fine.

Friend apologized to his parole officer and those in the courtroom for his actions. He admitted he had made bad decisions and that this would be the last time.

“You’re getting a little old for this game,” Wiseman told Friend.

Friend admitted it was time for him to grow up.

Friend is also facing a pending felony charge in Wyandot County.

Hillary Turner may have gotten off a little easier than she could have after settling on an agreement for her felony charges.

In return for her guilty plea to illegal conveyance of drugs into a detention facility, her fifth-degree felony drug possession charge was dismissed. Turner didn’t escape punishment completely, however. She will be serving a 24-month sentence on the felony three charge with the possibility of judicial release after 90 days. During that time, Turner must successfully complete an in-patient drug treatment program. She was also fined $750.

Stevie Hawley, 27, of New Washington, pleaded guilty to a felony five drug possession charge after admitting to possessing heroin on April 13. Hawley was placed on community control for three years with the stipulation that she successfully complete a drug and alcohol assessment and any follow up treatment. Her driver’s license was suspended for six months and she was ordered to pay a mandatory $1,250 drug fine. Hawley must also forfeit any drug-related property being held by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.