By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
It’s not often that Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold finds a defendant whom he has sentenced to prison in agreement with him, but that was the case on Monday.
Thirty-year-old Kimberly Fox pleaded guilty to fifth-degree felony drug possession along with third-degree illegal conveyance of a controlled substance into a detention facility. Although Fox could have been sentenced to a total of 48 months in prison, the Prosecutor’s Office recommended and the judge agreed to consecutive 12-month sentences for a total of 24 months.
Fox, who had served a sentence for a previous drug possession conviction, told the court she was sorry and that it was never her intention to take drugs into the county jail – she just didn’t want to admit she had them when she was arrested by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Fox also said she is in serious need of structure in her life. She said she was making progress in her sobriety after her release from prison, but found herself in a difficult situation.
Leuthold said he might be willing to consider early release if she does well in prison.
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Dennis Heefner, the 18-year-old Galion High School student who made comments on his Facebook page about “shooting up the school,” was formally sentenced Monday. Heefner had pleaded guilty to a felony five charge of inducing panic which was reduced from the original felony three charge of making terroristic threats.
Heefner was sentenced to five years on community control and ordered to pay restitution to the Galion Police Department. The judge also asked that Adult Parole Authority officer Dan Wurm makes sure that Heefner makes progress in getting his GED.
“I don’t believe Mr. Heefner intended to go to school and commit an act of violence,” Leuthold said, before turning his attention to Heefner himself. “But you had to know it was a terrible idea.”
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Three other people pleaded guilty and were sentenced to five years of community control. Their formal sentencings will take place after the completion of pre-sentence investigations.
Sean Dickerson pleaded guilty to fifth-degree drug possession and third-degree tampering with evidence.
Tiffany Moore pleaded guilty to fourth-degree felony domestic violence and Tony Chatman pleaded guilty to felony criminal non-support.
All three were released on personal recognizance bonds until they are sentenced.