BUCYRUS―Timothy Montgomery, 50, of Crestline, was sentenced Tuesday to the maximum sentence allowed by Ohio Law for the October 2021 murder of Michael “Mikey” Benedict.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold made his sentence limitations clear. Leuthold told the court of those limitations: “I cannot make the sentence less and I cannot make it more.”
Three written victim impact statements were presented to Judge Leuthold. At the family’s request, they were not read aloud in court.
“These were powerful statements showing a tremendous amount of pain, a sense of loss in terms of a loved one. They are determined to be strong. They are determined to get through this. They will carry the memory of their loved one with them,” Leuthold said.
Leuthold went on to express his sympathy. He applauded everyone on their behavior during the complex trial. He commended all attorneys involved on their professionalism.
“Now the defendant will pay the consequences for his actions,” Leuthold said.
Montgomery will serve a term of 15 years to life in prison. He must do 15 years before eligibility for parole.
Montgomery, who had nothing to say at sentencing, will receive a jail time credit of 488 days.
Judge Leuthold ordered Montgomery to be held at the Crawford County Jail until his transport to prison.
Montgomery’s wife, Jacqueline, will stand trial on Monday, March 6th, at 8:30 am. She faces various counts of murder and felony assault. Mansfield attorney James Mayer represents her.