By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
The third member of the Detroit quartet that was busted for counterfeiting two months ago pleaded guilty in Crawford County Common Pleas Court Wednesday morning.
Twenty-six-year-old Damon Blocker of Detroit, Mich. pleaded guilty to forgery, a fifth-degree felony. Blocker was sentenced to six months in prison.
Blocker was part of the four individuals caught with counterfeit currency after leaving the Bucyrus WalMart in October. Co-defendants Destiny Thomas and Danielle Gaston were both placed on community control for the forgery charges. The final defendant in the incident, Keair Key, is still being held in jail.
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Judge Sean Leuthold sentenced 34-year-old Crystal Minamyer to five years on community control, suspended her driver’s license for six months, and fined her $1,250.
“I’m somewhat skeptical, but that’s the way to go,” Leuthold said during the sentencing as he reviewed Minamyer’s “absolutely atrocious record.”
If Minamyer fails on community control, she could be sentenced to prison for a total of 48 months on two counts.
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Parole violation allegations were brought against 24-year-old Joshua Miller of Bucyrus again. Miller, who was placed on community control after pleading guilty for drug possession earlier this year, allegedly failed to report for a drug test and tested positive for opiates. Leuthold appointed Brad Starkey as counsel and set bond at $150,000.
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Twenty-six-year-old Melissa Johns received her Christmas present a few days early. Johns, who was sentenced to prison a month ago for permitting drug abuse, was granted judicial release by Leuthold Wednesday morning.
“I gave her a second opportunity because we want to help her,” Leuthold said. “If she doesn’t take that opportunity, we’ll pass on to the next person who wants it.”
Leuthold placed Johns on the Intensive Supervision and Treatment Program.
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