Kathy Laird, CCN Contributor
Richard Stall, 30 of Galion was sentenced to two years in prison on Wednesday when he appeared before Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold. In a lengthy dissertation, Judge Leuthold carefully explained to Stall what it means to waive your right to counsel. “I want to be 100% clear with you Mr. Stall, you are entitled to an attorney and I will appoint one to you if that is your desire.” Leuthold went on to allow Stall to sign the waive of counsel paperwork in his presence. Stall agreed to a two year prison term. “This is not your first rodeo Mr. Stall, I know you understand how this works. You violated your community control and here we are.” Stall was originally charged with Receiving and Disposing of Stolen Property in the nature of chainsaws and tools worth more than $700.00 but less than $1000.00 He also admitted to breaking and entering a residence in Galion for the purposes of burglary. Stall was sentenced to 24 months with credit for jail time and one year of community control following his release. Stall has a record of seven previous burglaries. Judge Leuthold concluded by saying, “I appreciate you coming in and taking your medicine. I will not oppose judicial release if the state applies for it on your behalf.”
In another case, Judge Leuthold gave a defendant his wish to serve his 8 month prison sentence. Addressing defendant Chad Carlisle the Judge said, “This is the most painful thing I’ve done. I’ve sentenced people to prison for thirty years and not bat an eye, but I think this choice you’re making is a grave mistake.” Carlisle violated his community control by consuming alcohol and going to a beer garden during the Bratwurst Festival. The state had offered Carlisle a 12 month sentence with release in 30 days and into a treatment program. “You’re just giving up on treatment, refusing treatment is a terrible mistake”, said Leuthold. The Judge then addressed his mother and asked her opinion of this. She shared that her son had made up his mind, he wants off paper and to go out of state and get a job. The Judge replied, “I don’t give a damn about his job, I care about his life. Sending him out of state with money in his pocket is a recipe for disaster”. Turning to the defendant Leuthold said “Hopefully you will be released into a halfway house and that may help you. Do not get out and use. Fentanyl is in every drug out there. The chances of you dying from an overdose are astronomical! I don’t feel good about this situation”.
Carolyn Kogelschatz did not feel good about being under the jurisdiction of Judge Leuthold as she appeared before him for sentencing. Kogelschatz failed to complete a treatment program with the Volunteers of America. She was dismissed from the program for an inappropriate relationship. The Judge noted that her actions did not rise to a prison sentence; he did sentence her to 90 days in jail with credit for time served. At her request she was given permission to participate in the Alpha 12 Step Program under the directorship of Margie Maddox. Failure to complete the Alpha 12 Step Program for any reason would result in a prison sentence. When asked if she had anything to say, Kogelschatz asked the Judge if she moved to Marion would her case be moved with her. Leuthold replied: “Nice try Ms. Kogelschatz, but trying to get away from me is a waste of time. No matter where you are, you are still under my court.”