By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
A 34-year-old Marion woman tested the patience and lenience of the Crawford County justice system one too many times and is headed to prison.
Carrie Collins was sentenced to nine months in prison as a result of violating the terms of her community control. Collins will receive credit for time served. Collins was originally convicted in 2012 of drug possession.
A 27-year-old Galion woman was allowed to remain on community control and ordered to complete a court-approved drug treatment program. Starleena Hunter failed to complete the Teen Challenge program which she had earlier requested.
Judge Russell Wiseman told Hunter, “I want you to get better but there is a limit to how much this community will put up with.”
Two people pleaded guilty to drug possession charges in unrelated cases in Common Pleas Court on Thursday and both were placed on community control.
The original charge against 23-year-old David Dinges of Pickerington was drug trafficking which was orally amended during the change of plea hearing by assistant prosecutor Ryan Hoovler. Dinges was arrested by Bucyrus police last July. Dinges was sentenced to two years on community control, must also complete a drug and alcohol assessment and follow-up, and surrender all drug-related items and weapons seized by Bucyrus police.
Thirty-nine-year-old Melissa Stewart of Crestline also changed her plea to guilty. Stewart was placed on community control for three years. Stewart was ordered held in the county jail until March 11 to enter the Medically Assisted Treatment program.
Other non-related cases in Common Pleas Court Thursday included the arraignment of Michael Banks, Banks is facing two felony 5 counts, one for breaking and entering and one for theft. Banks was released on a personal recognizance bond.
Douglas Dalenberg was granted his petition for relief of weapons disability. That disability was in place because of a 2003 felony DUI conviction. Dalenberg showed proof of successfully completing treatment continued sobriety.
Finally, defense attorney Thomas Nicholson and Assistant County Prosecutor Hoovler verbally sparred over a motion on behalf of Megan Fox for the justice system to pay for an expert witness. Fox is charged with felony 4 theft for rings and jewelry taken from a Galion pawn shop. Nicholson argued he needed a witness on jewelry values to dispute what the business owner is claiming as the value of the items taken.
Judge Russell Wiseman indicated he would issue a ruling on the motion at a later date.