BUCYRUS—A Bucyrus man had his bond revoked and was taken into custody on Thursday in the Crawford County Common Pleas Court.
Cody Barthalow, 28, of Bucyrus, had posted a $75,000.00 bond after he was indicted on one count of abduction, a felony of the third degree punishable with up to 36 months in prison, and one count of assault, a misdemeanor of the first degree punishable with up to 180 days in jail.
As part of the terms of his bond, Barthalow was ordered not to use drugs or alcohol and to have no contact with the victim.
According to a police report submitted by Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler, Barthalow was observed in Bucyrus City Lot 3 arguing with the victim. On August 13th, he allegedly had contact with the victim and threatened to break all the windows in her house and vehicle.
Barthalow’s attorney, Adam Stone, said that while his client would admit there was some contact with the victim against the no-contact order. Stone went on to say his client disputes that he engaged in any physical or vocal altercation.
“My client admits to using marijuana and is here to take responsibility for his bad decisions and take whatever medicine the court orders he understands he has to accept.” Stone said.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold said that he was most concerned with the violation of the no-contact order. He revoked Barthalow’s bond.
Leuthold allowed both the state and the defense to argue for a new bond.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler told the court that the $75,000.00 bond was first set in July. The bond was set high to ensure Barthalow would appear for court but, more importantly, set high to protect the victim.
“Obviously, that bond did not do that, which is a very important aspect of this case. This is an F3 abduction charge, a violent case. I believe she needs to be protected from this defendant. Based on that, the state would ask for a bond of $250,000.00.” Hoovler said.
Adam Stone told the court that while the bond for his client needed to be raised based on his client’s behavior, $250,000.00 is excessive.
“I want to remind everyone that my client is innocent and this is an alleged victim. He does not pose a flight risk. He has maintained himself with my office. We know where he is, where he’s going, and what he’s doing. He’s been here for court as ordered. We believe an increase of $25,000.00 is more sufficient to protect the public from my client.” Stone said.
After hearing both sides, Judge Leuthold rendered his decision.
“Mr. Stone has made some good points on behalf of his client. I’m not so concerned about the marijuana use. What I am concerned about is protecting the public and, in this case, the victim. Look, the court issued a protection order. I said no drugs and no alcohol. He smokes marijuana. He broke the court order there, but when I order someone not to have contact with a victim, and they do anyway. I take that very seriously. This victim has a constitutional right to be safe. I’m going to raise the bond to $175,000.00. I have a responsibility to protect this victim.” Leuthold said.
Barthalow was taken into custody and remains in the Crawford County Jail.