By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com

Judge Sean Leuthold may have found a slice of humor at Golden Wilson’s use of the word “hiatus,” but he didn’t find the Galion man’s recent behavior very funny.

Wilson, 35, appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court Thursday afternoon and admitted to violating his community control by failing to report to office visits on April 7 and May 5, and by being screened for alcohol in Municipal Court on April 12. He was placed on community control in 2013 by former Common Pleas Court Judge Russell Wiseman, and was scheduled to get off the program in July.

Wilson said he missed a few appointments and that had him worried. “I got scared and just kind of went on hiatus. I kept working, but didn’t do what I was supposed to be doing,” he admitted.

Leuthold mulled over how to reprimand Wilson for his actions. “It’s very seldom I don’t send someone to prison. I’m trying to decide why I shouldn’t send you,” he told Wilson.

After a bit, Leuthold decided to extend Wilson’s community control to the maximum five years. He will be overseen by county probation officer Eric Bohach.

“He gets no breaks,” Leuthold warned Bohach before turning his attention back to Wilson. “It’d be very unlikely someone screws up twice and I don’t send them to prison.”

RELATED CONTENT: Man returns to prison on new drug charge, probation violations | Three headed to prison after busy day in Common Pleas Court

Jeffrey Nichols, Jr. did not show up for his pre-trial hearing that was ready to turn into a change of plea and he almost landed himself in hot water. Instead, the water will remain simmering until Nichols can prove to Leuthold he will show up at his next hearing.

Nichols’ attorney, Douglas Shaw, was able to contact Nichols Thursday afternoon, who said he was unable to get a ride to the courthouse.

“What are the odds he will successfully complete community control if he can’t make it up here for a court date?” Leuthold questioned.

When he found out that Nichols lived in New Washington, the judge’s mood did not improve. “He could have started walking this morning and been here,” Leuthold argued.

The judge relented a bit, agreeing to reschedule the change of plea hearing for next week.

“If he doesn’t have a ride next time, he better walk here,” Leuthold advised.

Nichols was charged with disrupting public services, a fourth-degree felony, and was expected to be placed on community control.

RELATED CONTENT: Co-defendants in drug trafficking case held on $500k bonds