BUCYRUS—Shawn Kouns, 49, of Galion, pleaded guilty in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday to two counts of trafficking in drugs, each fourth-degree felonies and each punishable with up to 18 months in prison.
In an agreed plea negotiation, Judge Sean Leuthold sentenced Kouns to 18 months in prison on each count for a total of 36 months in prison. He will forfeit all drug-related property.
Kouns apologized to the court for his actions. Judge Leuthold noted that he and Kouns were about the same age;
“At our age, our time is going away rapidly. The last thing you want to do is to be spending your remaining time in prison. You’re old enough to know better. I wish you luck.” Leuthold said.
Derek Hensley, 37, of Bucyrus, pleaded guilty to one count of failure to comply, a third-degree felony punishable with up to 36 months in prison.
Before sentencing, Hensley told the court that while he had been wrapped up in trouble for many years that his life is now changed. He told the court he had a business, a family, and faith; “ My life has changed for the better. I’m ready to face this, take responsibility, and move on.” Hensley said.
Judge Leuthold sentenced Hensley to a flat 18 months in prison. He received a lifetime driver’s license suspension. Judge Leuthold told Hensley he would not oppose transitional control if the prison requested it.
In other court news, Tiffany Szabo, 34, of Galion, pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony punishable with up to 36 months in prison.
In an agreed plea negotiation, Judge Leuthold sentenced Szabo to five years of community control. She must complete a drug and alcohol assessment and any follow-up treatment. If she fails to complete community control, she faces 36 months in prison.
Dustin Yeager, 36, of Galion, pleaded guilty to one count of domestic violence, a fourth-degree felony punishable with up to 18 months in prison. He must complete assessments and follow-up treatments for domestic violence, anger management, drugs, and alcohol.
Judge Leuthold told Yeager that even though there is no protection order on the case, he had a warning for him; “Under no circumstances can you commit any act of violence against the victim in this case. Do you understand? It’s a violation of your community control.” Leuthold said.