By Gary Ogle and Krystal Smalley
gogle@wbcowqel.com or ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
Cocaine has caused a Crestline man to lose his freedom for a while, but the Cadillac Escalade Crestline police confiscated will be released.
Thirty-nine-year-old John McKenzie pleaded guilty to a felony 3 charge of drug possession in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday. McKenzie admitted he was in possession of 10 to 20 grams of cocaine. In accordance with the plea deal with the Prosecutor’s Office McKenzie was sentenced by Judge Russell Wiseman to 36 months in prison, but will be recommended for judicial release after serving six months of that sentence.
A $2,500 drug fine was also imposed. McKenzie had to forfeit a safe and contents confiscated by police, as well as any drug-related items. However the ownership of the Escalade was in question and that vehicle will be released.
A show of good faith will allow one man to spend Thanksgiving with his family before reporting to jail.
Twenty-five-year-old Christopher Schraedly of Shelby pleaded guilty to driving under the influence, a fourth-degree felony, Tuesday afternoon.
Schraedly had been driving under the influence on Feb. 8, 2013. With three previous DUI convictions on his record within six years, the Shelby man will have to spend some time in jail. He was placed on community control for three years and must serve 90 days in the county jail. Schraedly agreed to report to the Crawford County Justice Center by 7 p.m. on Nov. 29. He must also pay a $1,500 fine and successfully complete a drug and alcohol assessment. His license was suspended for three years.
Thirty-year-old Ryan Mason of Galion chose to admit to his community control violations Tuesday and await his sentencing. Mason admitted to having failed to complete his substance abuse program on Sept. 23 and to having tested positive for cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepine on Sept. 19.
Mason’s bond was continued and his case was also continued for disposition.
A bed will be awaiting Lisa Elliot Tuesday. The 31-year-old Elliot of Galion admitted to failing to report to her monthly office visits, and failed to enter and complete her court-ordered substance abuse program in June. As part of her agreement, Elliot’s community control was continued and she will be transported to the community-based correctional facility CROSSWAEH Tuesday.
In earlier court news from Monday, Shirley Ann Reynolds from Marblehead was determined to be indigent and Wiseman appointed Brian Gernert to represent her. Reynolds is charged with failure to file return and pay withholding.
Attorney Thomas Nicholson asked for and was granted a bill of particulars in the case against Pamela Shultz. Shultz is charged with fifth-degree felony theft.